Rilo Kiley/side Project Albums Ranked
This list compiles the Rilo Kiley albums from the beginning through the
recent release of 'RKives'. Also included are side projects by members
(guitarist Blake Sennett's "The Elected", Jenny Lewis' solo albums and work
as part of The Postal Service). |
| 1 |  | Rilo Kiley
The Execution of All Things
Classic album all around, beginning to end. Listen to this if you haven't. |
| 2 |  | The Postal Service
Give Up
Still sounds great ten years later. Lewis has some strong backup vocals. "Natural
Anthem" is the most underappreciated song on here. |
| 3 |  | The Elected
Me First
First album by Sennett's side group. Charming and fun. Forget the awful cover art.
Listen to "Don't Blow It" to get an idea. |
| 4 |  | Jenny Lewis
Acid Tongue
A bit overwhelmed by the guest performers, but Lewis is in top form throughout. |
| 5 | | Rilo Kiley
RKives
A far better conclusion to their career than "Under the Blacklight". Some flops (it is a
collection of unreleased tracks, after all) but some superb music too. |
| 6 |  | Jenny and Johnny
I'm Having Fun Now
The title fits. None of it really sticks with you, but every track is a lot of fun. |
| 7 |  | The Elected
Sun, Sun, Sun
More rock-oriented second album by Sennett's group. "Not Going Home" and "Biggest
Star" are terrific. |
| 8 |  | Rilo Kiley
More Adventurous
Oddly this is by far Rilo Kiley's best-known album. I say 'oddly' because it has a lot of
problems and most of the strong songs are in the second half. When it tries to be
whimsical or biting, it's some of their best work, but when it tries to be pop, it falls flat. |
| 9 |  | Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins
Rabbit Fur Coat
A step down from Acid Tongue, but it works from beginning to end. |
| 10 | | Rilo Kiley
Takeoffs and Landings
Tries too hard to sound 'indie', and much of the scruffiness seems forced. Still a
worthwhile listen. |
| 11 |  | The Elected
Bury Me In My Rings
Too slight. "Go for the Throat" is a great romp but the whole album is so lightweight
that it fades quickly from memory. |
| 12 |  | Rilo Kiley
Under the Blacklight
First, this has four magnificent songs: "Silver Lining", "Close Call", "Under the
Blacklight", and "Dreamworld". Second, the rest of the songs are godawful. RK aim
for pop gold and when they miss, they miss completely. The awful metaphor at the
center of "Breakin' Up" is just embarrassing. |
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