Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

Rilo Kiley – Under the Blacklight

Released in 2007, Under The Blacklight saw Rilo Kiley embrace a sleeker, more polished sound while retaining the sharp songwriting and emotional honesty that made them one of the most distinctive indie bands of the 2000s. Blending indie rock with elements of glam pop, disco, folk, and classic West Coast songwriting, the album marked a bold stylistic shift for the band.

Fronted by Jenny Lewis, the record explores themes of desire, nightlife, heartbreak, fame, and self-destruction with wit and vulnerability. Tracks like Silver Lining and The Moneymaker deliver infectious hooks and shimmering production, while songs such as Dreamworld and The Angels Hung Around reveal a darker, more introspective side beneath the album’s glossy exterior.

The band’s willingness to experiment with richer pop textures and groove-oriented arrangements gives Under The Blacklight a distinctive atmosphere - glamorous yet melancholic, playful yet emotionally complex. Over time, the album has earned a strong cult following for its confident songwriting and unique blend of indie sensibilities with classic pop influences.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Silver Lining – 3:36
2. Close Call – 3:20
3. The Moneymaker – 2:52
4. Breakin' Up – 3:38
5. Under The Blacklight – 3:33
6. Dreamworld – 4:45

Side B

1. Dejalo – 3:17
2. 15 – 2:51
3. Smoke Detector – 2:58
4. The Angels Hung Around – 3:04
5. Give A Little Love – 3:41