Complete List Of Death Cab For Cutie Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Maj.l / Shutterstock.com

Death Cab for Cutie was formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band was initially a solo project of Ben Gibbard, who expanded the project into a full band with the addition of Chris Walla (guitar, keyboards, production), Nick Harmer (bass), and Nathan Good (drums). Over the years, the lineup has seen changes, particularly with Jason McGerr replacing Nathan Good as the drummer in 2003, and later, Dave Depper and Zac Rae joining the band in 2015 as touring members before becoming full-time members.

Since their inception, Death Cab for Cutie has released ten studio albums: Something About Airplanes (1998), We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes (2000), The Photo Album (2001), Transatlanticism (2003), Plans (2005), Narrow Stairs (2008), Codes and Keys (2011), Kintsugi (2015), Thank You for Today (2018), and Asphalt Meadows (2022). They have also released one live album, Live 2012, and a number of EPs and compilations, including The Open Door EP (2009) and You Can Play These Songs with Chords (2002).

The band gained a significant breakthrough with their fifth album, Plans, in 2005, which earned them a platinum certification and marked their entry into mainstream music charts. Plans peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned singles like “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Follow You into the Dark,” the latter receiving widespread acclaim. Their follow-up album, Narrow Stairs, reached number one on the Billboard 200 in 2008. Throughout their career, Death Cab for Cutie has received several award nominations, including eight Grammy nominations, highlighting their critical and commercial success in the indie and alternative rock scenes.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE STUDIO ALBUMS

Something About Airplanes

Released: August 18, 1998

Something About Airplanes is the debut studio album by Death Cab for Cutie, marking their entry into the indie rock scene with its lo-fi sound and introspective lyrics. The album captures the band’s early sound with a mix of melancholy melodies and lyrical earnestness.

The album features Ben Gibbard on lead vocals and guitar, Nick Harmer on bass, Nathan Good on drums, and Chris Walla on guitar and keyboards. Chris Walla also took on the role of producer. Something About Airplanes was recorded at The Hall of Justice in Seattle, Washington, from late 1997 to early 1998.

CD Track Listings:

“Bend to Squares” – 4:33
“President of What?” – 4:01
“Champagne from a Paper Cup” – 2:39
“Your Bruise” – 4:20
“Pictures in an Exhibition” – 3:49
“Sleep Spent” – 3:37
“The Face That Launched 1000 Shits” – 3:41
“Amputations” – 4:55
“Fake Frowns” – 4:31
“Line of Best Fit” – 7:15

We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes

Released: March 21, 2000

We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes is Death Cab for Cutie’s second album, which showcased a more polished sound and complex arrangements compared to their debut. This album is often considered a significant development in their musical style, combining elements of indie rock and emo.

The lineup for this album included Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer, and Chris Walla, with new drummer Michael Schorr. Chris Walla again produced the album, which was recorded at The Hall of Justice in Seattle, Washington, throughout 1999.

CD Track Listings:

“Title Track” – 3:29
“The Employment Pages” – 4:04
“For What Reason” – 2:52
“Lowell, MA” – 3:27
“405” – 3:36
“Little Fury Bugs” – 3:49
“Company Calls” – 3:19
“Company Calls Epilogue” – 5:16
“No Joy in Mudville” – 6:04
“Scientist Studies” – 5:55

The Photo Album

Released: October 9, 2001

The Photo Album is the third studio album by Death Cab for Cutie, characterized by its clean production and the band’s layering of sounds. This album brought more attention to the band, with singles that gained a significant following.

The album continued with Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer, Chris Walla, and Michael Schorr. Recorded primarily at The Hall of Justice, the album’s production was again led by Chris Walla during the early months of 2001.

CD Track Listings:

“Steadier Footing” – 1:47
“A Movie Script Ending” – 4:16
“We Laugh Indoors” – 4:58
“Information Travels Faster” – 4:03
“Why You’d Want to Live Here” – 4:45
“Blacking Out the Friction” – 3:27
“I Was a Kaleidoscope” – 2:50
“Styrofoam Plates” – 5:24
“Coney Island” – 2:40
“Debate Exposes Doubt” – 4:37

Transatlanticism

Released: October 7, 2003

Transatlanticism is often cited as Death Cab for Cutie’s breakthrough album, featuring lush instrumentation and themes of long-distance love and existential introspection. The album was critically acclaimed and significantly increased their popularity.

The album was produced by Chris Walla, who also played guitar and keyboards. Ben Gibbard contributed vocals and guitar, Nick Harmer played bass, and the drums were handled by Jason McGerr, marking his debut with the band. Transatlanticism was recorded at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco and The Hall of Justice in Seattle.

CD Track Listings:

“The New Year” – 3:59
“Lightness” – 3:30
“Title and Registration” – 3:39
“Expo ’86” – 3:49
“The Sound of Settling” – 2:12
“Tiny Vessels” – 4:21
“Transatlanticism” – 7:55
“Passenger Seat” – 3:41
“Death of an Interior Decorator” – 2:56
“We Looked Like Giants” – 5:32
“A Lack of Color” – 3:35

Plans

Released: August 30, 2005

Plans is the fifth studio album by Death Cab for Cutie, marking their first release on a major label, Atlantic Records. This album brought them into the mainstream spotlight, featuring more polished production and accessible songwriting compared to their earlier work. It includes some of their most popular tracks like “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Follow You into the Dark,” both of which contributed to the album’s critical and commercial success.

Recorded at Long View Farm Studios in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, the album was produced by Chris Walla. The familiar lineup of Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Nick Harmer, and Jason McGerr showcased a mature sound that resonated with a broader audience.

CD Track Listings:

“Marching Bands of Manhattan” – 4:12
“Soul Meets Body” – 3:50
“Summer Skin” – 3:12
“Different Names for the Same Thing” – 5:09
“I Will Follow You into the Dark” – 3:09
“Your Heart Is an Empty Room” – 3:40
“Someday You Will Be Loved” – 3:09
“Crooked Teeth” – 3:25
“What Sarah Said” – 6:19
“Brothers on a Hotel Bed” – 4:29
“Stable Song” – 3:42

Narrow Stairs

Released: May 12, 2008

Narrow Stairs represents a departure from the more polished sound of Plans, offering a rawer, more experimental approach. The album’s lead single, “I Will Possess Your Heart,” is notable for its extended instrumental intro and was a significant commercial success.

Produced by Chris Walla, the album was recorded at various locations, including the band’s own studio, The Warehouse, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

CD Track Listings:

“Bixby Canyon Bridge” – 5:15
“I Will Possess Your Heart” – 8:35
“No Sunlight” – 2:40
“Cath…” – 3:50
“Talking Bird” – 3:23
“You Can Do Better Than Me” – 1:59
“Grapevine Fires” – 4:07
“Your New Twin Sized Bed” – 3:06
“Long Division” – 3:50
“Pity and Fear” – 4:21
“The Ice Is Getting Thinner” – 3:45

Codes and Keys

Released: May 31, 2011

Codes and Keys is marked by a shift in Death Cab for Cutie’s sound, incorporating more electronic elements and diverse instrumentation than their previous works. The album, which includes the Grammy-nominated song “You Are a Tourist,” explores themes of joy, love, and renewal, somewhat departing from the melancholy that characterized much of their earlier music.

Produced by Chris Walla, Codes and Keys was recorded at various studios, including Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California. This album shows the band experimenting with different sounds and production techniques, reflecting a period of personal changes and artistic exploration.

CD Track Listings:

“Home Is a Fire” – 4:04
“Codes and Keys” – 3:21
“Some Boys” – 3:10
“Doors Unlocked and Open” – 5:37
“You Are a Tourist” – 4:46
“Unobstructed Views” – 6:09
“Monday Morning” – 4:18
“Portable Television” – 2:52
“Underneath the Sycamore” – 3:24
“St. Peter’s Cathedral” – 4:28
“Stay Young, Go Dancing” – 2:50

Kintsugi

Released: March 31, 2015

Kintsugi, named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolizes embracing flaws and imperfections. This album is noted for its exploration of breakups and personal losses, with a polished sound that blends electronic and traditional rock elements. It is also the last album to feature Chris Walla, who departed the band shortly after the album’s completion.

Recorded at Eldorado Recording Studios in Burbank, California, and produced by Rich Costey in collaboration with the band.

CD Track Listings:

“No Room in Frame” – 4:05
“Black Sun” – 4:49
“The Ghosts of Beverly Drive” – 4:03
“Little Wanderer” – 4:18
“You’ve Haunted Me All My Life” – 4:08
“Hold No Guns” – 3:03
“Everything’s a Ceiling” – 3:44
“Good Help (Is So Hard to Find)” – 4:46
“El Dorado” – 3:38
“Ingénue” – 4:31
“Binary Sea” – 4:05

Thank You for Today

Released: August 17, 2018

Thank You for Today was the first album to feature new band members Dave Depper and Zac Rae, who joined Death Cab for Cutie in the keyboards and guitar departments, respectively. The album revisits the band’s roots in indie rock while infusing modern elements, reflecting on past experiences and the passage of time with both nostalgia and a sense of renewal. Recorded at producer Rich Costey’s Santa Monica studio, this album builds on the band’s legacy with lush soundscapes and reflective lyrics.

CD Track Listings:

“I Dreamt We Spoke Again” – 3:04
“Summer Years” – 4:28
“Gold Rush” – 4:00
“Your Hurricane” – 3:19
“When We Drive” – 3:49
“Autumn Love” – 4:19
“Northern Lights” – 3:57
“You Moved Away” – 3:49
“Near/Far” – 3:42
“60 & Punk” – 4:07

Asphalt Meadows

Released: September 16, 2022

Asphalt Meadows delivers a contemplative look at existential themes through a blend of electronic and acoustic elements. This album, featuring production by John Congleton, showcases Death Cab for Cutie’s continued evolution and their ability to tackle deep personal and societal issues with poignancy and grace.