Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, released in 2009, is Phoenix’s fourth studio album and a pinnacle of indie pop refinement. Across ten tracks, the band melds bright hooks, rhythmic precision, and subtle electronic textures. Thomas Mars delivers lines with detached urgency—singing “So sentimental, not sentimental” on “Lisztomania,” for example—while the instrumentation balances minimalism with pop ambition. The sequencing is tight: there’s no wasted space, and even quieter tracks carry momentum. Overall, the album feels confident, crafted, and textured—pop that still rewards close attention. In Phoenix’s discography, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix represents a turning point: it elevated them from well-regarded indie act to broader critical mainstream. The lead singles “Lisztomania” and “1901” became touchstones, and the album won them a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. Over time, it’s widely regarded as the album that solidified their sound and influence in the 21st-century indie pop landscape. Its combination of polish, restraint, and energy continues to be a referent for bands seeking to balance pop ambition with sonic craft.

Reviews

“The rest of the record successfully avoids mush while keeping its beating heart intact.” – Pitchfork

“Emotionally neutral but texturally rich … Phoenix are what architects should dance to.” – NME