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Released in 1989, Doolittle by the Pixies is one of the most influential and greatest alternative rock albums of all time, influencing musicians such as Kurt Cobain and Thom Yorke.

The album was an instant hit, especially in Europe, and it was the Pixies’ breakthrough album.

The dark lyrics, inspired by a variety of topics such as numerology, surrealist film, death, and the Bible, combined with the catchy, aggressive instrumentation creates a distinctive style that has been copied many times by other alternative rock musicians. Both “Tame” and “Gouge Away” helped inspire Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” 

The “quiet/loud” formula on many of their songs is unique. While most pop at the time and today is mostly the same volume throughout, many of the tracks on this album drastically change volume multiple times.

The opening track, “Debaser,” references the surrealist film Un Chien Andalou by filmmaker Luis Buñuel and painter Salvador Dalí throughout with catchy yet violent lyrics that weave an interesting song.

“Monkey Gone to Heaven” uses numerology and mythical beings to tell a story of environmental devastation and climate change. The song has cellos and violins added in, which makes it unique among other tracks on the album.

Based on the biblical story of Sampson’s betrayal by Delilah, “Gouge Away” slowly builds up to a great conclusion to the album. The “quiet/loud” progression is a lot more gradual on this song, but it is still one of the most intriguing songs on Doolittle.