The National – Boxer

Released in 2007, The National’s “Boxer” refines their signature sound of indie rock with a newfound intimacy and grandeur. The album doesn’t stray far from their melancholic lyricism, but the arrangements here are sharper, with driving percussion and soaring orchestration adding a widescreen feel to Matt Berninger’s baritone croon. Tracks like “Apartment Story” offer a powerful anthemic experience, while others like “Ada” unfold with a more graceful subtlety. Lyrically, “Boxer” explores themes of longing, disillusionment, and the facades we create in our everyday lives. It’s an album that lingers long after the last note fades, a testament to the band’s ability to craft introspective music that resonates on a deeply personal level.