13 by White Denim
80
ChoruScore Critic consensus / 100

Released Apr 24, 2026 Bella Union

Consensus forming 4 professional reviews Updated Apr 25, 2026

Broadly positive consensus

Consensus is still forming across 4 professional reviews. White Denim's 13 announces a creative renaissance for a band two decades into its run, trading safe repetition for bold stylistic exploration.

How ChoruScore works

Critics' Top Tracks

The songs critics returned to most

01

(God Created) Lock and Key

1 critic mention

“On the 13th day, God created White Denim.” — AllMusic
02

Only A Fool (feat. Adryon de León)

1 critic mention

03

That's Rap (feat. Jessie Payo)

1 critic mention

Full critic consensus

White Denim's 13 announces a creative renaissance for a band two decades into its run, trading safe repetition for bold stylistic exploration. Critics praise the record's blend of funk and soft-rock with touches of psychedelic soul, and note that the band sounds reinvigorated as they push into new textures and collaborative turns. Across professional reviews the consensus score sits at 80/100 from 4 reviews, a sign that critics agree the experiment largely succeeds.

Reviewers consistently point to standout moments that capture the album's adventurous spirit: “(God Created) Lock and Key” emerges as a high-energy centerpiece, while collaborations such as “Only A Fool (feat. Adryon de León)”, “That’s Rap (feat. Jessie Payo)” and “Crossfyre (feat. Adryon de León)” underscore the record's willingness to mingle genres. Critics highlight the band’s command of groove and melody, noting how funk-driven rhythms and soft-rock warmth sit comfortably alongside more psychedelic soul passages. The production and arrangements earn praise for serving the songs rather than obscuring them.

Not all responses are unqualified acclaim - some reviewers temper their admiration by pointing to moments of excess where ideas bloom but could have been tightened - yet the prevailing critical consensus frames 13 as a vital, exploratory leap that reinforces White Denim's reputation rather than erodes it. For readers asking whether 13 is worth a spin, the score and reviews suggest it is an essential listen for fans of adventurous, groove-forward rock and a strong addition to the band's catalog.

Track Ratings

How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.

View:
1

(God Created) Lock and Key

1 mention
100
03:30
2

Chew Nails (feat. Kosta G & Loud Forest)

0 mentions
—
04:15
3

Only A Fool (feat. Adryon de León)

1 mention
50
03:45
4

Time Time (feat. Dawes)

1 mention
5
03:40
5

Crossfyre (feat. Adryon de León)

1 mention
5
04:23
6

Keep Calling Me (Baby)

0 mentions
—
02:54
7

Earth To

0 mentions
—
04:28
8

That's Rap (feat. Jessie Payo)

1 mention
33
03:09
9

Hired Hand #2 (feat. Kosta G)

0 mentions
—
03:33
10

Ruby (feat. Kosta G)

0 mentions
—
02:59
11

Matchbook Baby (feat. Jessie Payo)

0 mentions
—
03:36
12

Quiet Moment (feat. Renata Zeiguer)

0 mentions
—
04:45
13

Drive Trucks (feat. Owen Pallett)

0 mentions
—
02:53

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What Critics Are Saying

Deep insights from 4 critics who reviewed this album

Critic's Take

White Denim sound reborn on 13, a record that revels in stylistic exploration and gleeful excess while still sounding like themselves. The review reads as admiration for a band two decades in that still takes risks and sounds more invigorated than expected.

Key Points

  • The best song is the opening "(God Created) Lock and Key" because it sets a wildly fun, inventive tone.
  • The album’s core strength is its idiosyncratic blend of influences and renewed creative energy.

Themes

stylistic exploration psychedelic soul funk and soft-rock influences creative renaissance
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80