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Transatlanticism is the fourth studio album by rock band Death Cab for Cutie, released on October 7, 2003, by Barsuk Records. At this point in their career, the group had toured and recorded for nearly a half-decade. With tensions rising, the band decided to take time away from one another; notably, Ben Gibbard collaborated with electronic musician Dntel (Jimmy Tamborello), and released an album, Give Up, under the name the Postal Service. Death Cab regrouped in late 2002 to create Transatlanticism, which was recorded in a leisurely manner over five-day stretches until June 2003. The record is a concept album, exploring a theme of long-distance romance. Gibbard penned the lyrics, which are somber and focus on the need to be loved. Musically, the album utilizes ambience and instrumental sparseness as an extension of this theme. The album's title, likewise, references the Atlantic Ocean and uses it as a metaphor for geographic and emotional separation. Chris Walla, the band's guitarist, produced the album as he had for its predecessors. The album's artwork was created by artist Adde Russell. Prior to the album's release, Give Up had become a huge success, eventually going platinum—unusual territory for indie rock artists. The band were also referenced on the television drama The O.C., which increased their profile. Expectations for Transatlanticism were high, with the band receiving renewed attention. The album was a success: it charted at number 97 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for shipments of 500,000 copies in the United States. It received acclaim from music critics, who praised its emotional tone and expansive music. It is also the band's first album with drummer Jason McGerr.
I thought these guys were emo. Instead they're just boring rock. Inoffensive, predictable chord progressions and lyrics. Dreary. 2/5.
Nothing happened to me with this album, I listened to it and suddenly forgot I was listening to it. Sorry
The greatest indie album from the greatest indie band of all time. Instant 5/5.
One of my all time faves. So impressive how Ben Gibbart is able to add lyrics about everyday but oh-so recognizable topics to each of these songs. It just clicks on so many levels. Familiar in a way like you were actually friends with this guy back in highschool, eperiencing the same things, dealing with the same trivial issues. Death Cab are also one of the most solid live acts I've seen in my life. Easy 5 stars for this one.
What a throwback! I had a period where I listened to Death Cab a lot, but had forgotten them. Now listening to this album, I realise what I loved about them again! His voice is so recognizeable, and the lyrics are sombre, but kinda hopefull.
Saw Death Cab in a tiny club touring with this album back in 2003. The thing that surprised me the most was that the album initially comes off to me as a pretty mellow alt rock delivery, Title and Registration is awesome, Sound of Settlings, We Looked Like Giants… all just great songs. But in there, and especially noticeable live, they can crank the noise with the best of them. They aren’t afraid to occasionally create the wall of noise that really steps on Ben’s vocals, but I think I like this approach as they also give the vocals lots of room at the front. Its a variety that definitely works for me and this great set of tracks.
Nice! Very very nice!
Transatlanticism may not have the hits I recall, but it's immediately a standout object. Death Cab's writing - lyrical and melodic - is as always, and the music lines sit in the weird middle ground between Gibbard's voice and the low end. That makes them not quite basslines, not quite jangle pop. Déjà vu guitar lines, thematizing time and its loss.
Haven't listened to Death Cab for Cutie in quite a while, good to revisit them! Very nice album. 4 stars.
A super soft album from some super soft boys
8/10. Good choice to help get the list into the 21st century, if only barely.
God, I love this band. Especially when they play live. Then they are at their best. But what a great album. Not single bad song on it and all so different. Great achievement, with also great songs as The New Year, Transatlanticism and We Looked Like Giants.
Yeah, sure. I think it gives a very nostalgic experience that I enjoy quite a bit, but probably wanted just a hair more diversity in the record.
A crime I haven’t listened to this one all the way through - only knew ‘Sound of Settling’ because it was a free track on Tap Tap Revenge all the way back in 2008. It’s clear to see why this is one of Death Cab’s highest-regarded LPs in an already storied discography. The album bursts vibrantly to life from the opening track, and doesn’t really let up until about 3/4 of the way through. Gibbard’s layered sonfwriting and the band’s punchy yet lush instrumentals are turned up to the max here, reaching an energy level usually not present in the project’s output. The whole thing does drop off hard after the auditory stream runs out, but the LP is so front-loaded with amazing tracks that the whole thing coasts to the end on its momentum. A fun, invigorating listen, and an album I’ll be returning to for sure.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: We looked like giants
great album
Fourth studio album? Four stars. No other comments. Well, other than Gibbard does have a certain cadence that make it easy to listen to, such as Death of an Interior Designer. Some absolutely great songs, but also a couple of songs that don't quite match.
What is this death cab? Who is this cutie? This takes me back.
Always aware of this band as a thing without any sense of what they're about or sound like. Pretty sure I had this same experience with them with an album on the main list and clearly didn't make an impression that stuck. It's decent music but it feels too studio-assembled to me, layered and sweetened and punched up into the typical post-rock sonic sludge. Happy to listen to it but it just doesn't leave a lasting imprint.
Heyy I know this one! Transatlanticism at least Not that interesting to me 3
it's fine, i guess...
In my wheelhouse for sure, but I'll take Built To Spill for this sort of thing.
An enjoyable serious indie guitar album. Good songs. Brings to mind Embrace if they had better singing voices.
Like a slightly more aggressive snow patrol. Was hoping it would be more emo, but I appreciated your choice none the less.
I’ve never really listened to Death Can Fir Cutie outside of their massive hits. It’s fairly inoffensive emo indie rock. I was in middle school when this came out so just the sound of this is quite nostalgic for me. If I level with the material, I have to admit that it’s quite forgettable for the most part. I’ve listened to it three times today hoping to get something more out of it but aside for some moments on the back half of the record, it just blends together.
They’ve had better albums but this one was still alright. I never loved death cab but they made some popular indie alt music in the 2000s. Overall this was what happens when you have too much talent but nothing to write songs about. Some of these songs just felt like they were talking about whatever they saw. Good catchy indie pop but nothing amazing. 6.2/10
Great concept, and musically spot on, with thoughtful lyrics. The vocals land flat with me though. Fave Songs: Transatlanticism, Lightness, Title and Registration, The New Year, The Sound of Settling
a bit weak really
Indie rock, art rock, post-punk, revival, indie pop, alternative rock. Rollo indie. Un 2.