The Shins

United States Est. 1996

"Melodies bounce along buoyantly with layered harmonies that build tension while maintaining an airy, uplifting rhythm."

Quick Start

A good place to start with The Shins is…

Oh, Inverted World

2001

Play this

Career Arc

The Shins's discography from 1995 to 2017

1995 2006 2017

Spork EP (1995) When You Land Here, It's... (1997) Nature Bears a Vacuum (1999) When I Goose-Step (2000) Oh, Inverted World (2001) New Slang (2001) Caring Is Creepy (2001) Know Your Onion! (2002) Chutes Too Narrow (2003) So Says I (2003) Fighting in a Sack (2004) Phantom Limb (2006) Wincing the Night Away (2007) Turn on Me (2007) Australia (2007) Port of Morrow (2012) Simple Song (2012) It's Only Life (2012) Heartworms (2017)

The Shins have carved out a significant space within the musical landscape by crafting intimate, emotionally resonant songs that resonate with the heart of everyday experiences.

The Shins have carved out a significant space within the musical landscape by crafting intimate, emotionally resonant songs that resonate with the heart of everyday experiences. Their ability to distill complex emotions into relatable narratives has allowed them to shape the indie pop scene, influencing a generation of songwriters who seek authenticity and connection within their music. The Shins' thoughtful melodies and insightful lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives, creating a sense of community through shared sentiment. Their approach marries melodic precision with a DIY ethos, often layering intricate instrumentation over straightforward song structures. This combination fosters an inviting atmosphere where nuanced soundscapes support introspective lyrical journeys. By embracing both clarity and texture, The Shins create moments of tension and release that invite deeper engagement with each listen. Common themes in their songwriting include longing, nostalgia, and self-discovery, often conveyed through a voice that balances sincerity with a touch of irony. Storytelling elements weave seamlessly with impressionistic imagery, allowing listeners to find personal meaning in their lyrics. The tone ranges from wistful to hopeful, creating an emotional landscape that feels both grounded and expansive.

Full discography

The Shins's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

19 releases • 6 albums • 2 EPS • 1995–2017

Type:

Albums ()

Heartworms

2017

Port of Morrow

2012

Wincing the Night Away

2007

Chutes Too Narrow

2003

Oh, Inverted World

2001

When You Land Here, It's Time to Return

1997

EPs ()

Nature Bears a Vacuum

1999

Spork EP

1995

Singles ()

Simple Song

2012

It's Only Life

2012

Turn on Me

2007

Australia

2007

Phantom Limb

2006

Fighting in a Sack

2004

So Says I

2003

Know Your Onion!

2002

New Slang

2001

Caring Is Creepy

2001

When I Goose-Step

2000

No releases match the current filters.

Like The Shins? Try these next

Similar artists with their own starting points

Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Spork EP (1995)

When You Land Here,... (1997)

Nature Bears a Vacuu... (1999)

Oh, Inverted World (2001)

Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

Wincing the Night Aw... (2007)

Port of Morrow (2012)

Heartworms (2017)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Shins sound like?

Melodies bounce along buoyantly with layered harmonies that build tension while maintaining an airy, uplifting rhythm. Rooted in folk rock and indie pop. Start with Chutes Too Narrow.

What is the best The Shins album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Chutes Too Narrow" (2003). It's the most representative of what makes The Shins worth hearing.

Who is The Shins for?

If you're into folk rock and indie pop, The Shins is worth your time. Melodies bounce along buoyantly with layered harmonies that build tension while maintaining an airy, uplifting rhythm.

How many albums does The Shins have?

The Shins has 19 releases in their discography, including 6 albums and 2 EPs.

Apple Music Bandcamp Deezer Soundcloud Spotify Youtube Website Facebook Twitter Wikipedia