Puberty 2

by Mitski

Released June 17, 2016 via Dead Oceans

Reviewed June 9, 2021

Top tracks (based on community voting)

I Bet On Losing Dogs (64%), Dan the Dancer (41%), My Body’s Made of Crushed Little Stars (27%)

Mitski’s calling card as a songwriter has earned her a rightful place amongst indie rock’s brightest stars of the 2010s. Rather than being rooted in any semblance of glitz and glam, Puberty 2 finds its beauty in rawness and reality with nuanced, emotional lyrics that often cut deeper than what appears on the surface. Combining this with a stripped-back sound that jumps between minimalistic indie rock/indie folk and a more intense brand of noise pop, the singer-songwriter creates a truly cathartic listening experience. Dissecting her own experiences with unrequited love, alienation, depression—and more—Puberty 2 provides just over 30 minutes of solace. And while it may only offer temporary comfort, its relatability and unrelenting catchiness make it a reliable fallback when it’s needed most. – Dominick (8.8/10)

There is such a palpable contrast between Mitski’s vocals and the instrumentation accompanying her ballads on Puberty 2. That strong duality is evident throughout—both lyrically and instrumentally—yet reinforces the album’s themes in a raw and genuine manner. There are some valleys in the tracklist, but the peaks are sing-your-heart-out level highs, and the emotional volatility that Mitski possesses on this record can’t be ignored. The stretch from “Fireworks” to “I Bet on Losing Dogs” are the best examples of this album’s best qualities—potent, yet catchy songwriting with instrumentals that act as a distinct vessel for those lyrics. Some would describe Puberty 2 as “messy,” but those messy elements are what personify the album’s main subject. Puberty wasn’t perfect, so why should an album about it be any different? – Ben (Synth) (8/10)

Puberty 2, Mitski's fourth studio album, balances a delicate blend of indie rock and fruitful pop influence with moments of blissful noise-pop disposition. It puts on full-display why Mitski’s name has appeared all over music forums and sites over the last few years. Puberty 2 is the kind of material that intrigues those looking for a challenge, without bursting the mental bank. This record offers enough on the surface to potentially keep the more common listener coming back. It’s not a superb album in the sense that it’s neither structurally sound, nor necessarily pleasurable to indulge in—as it can feel like a chore at times—yet it packs an appeal and an allure that is rare. What it lacks in execution, Puberty 2 more than makes up for in ideas and a willingness to try things that inspire curiosity. – Peter (6.5/10)