LCD Soundsystem’s third album This Is Happening (May 2010) was James Murphy’s “final” statement before breakup, featuring 9-minute dance-punk epics, debuting #10 on Billboard 200, and cementing LCD’s legacy before 2016 reunion.
Farewell Album (Temporarily)
Murphy announced This Is Happening as final LCD album. April 2011 Madison Square Garden finale documented in Shut Up and Play the Hits* (2012 film). Band reunited 2016, making “final album” premature.
Dance-Punk Masterpiece
“Dance Yrself Clean” (9 minutes): quiet build to explosive catharsis. “All I Want” (8 minutes): Bowie-esque melancholy. “I Can Change”: vulnerability over synths. Murphy’s neurotic vocals and DFA Records production created emotional dance music.
Critical Acclaim
Metacritic 86 (universal acclaim). Pitchfork gave 8.7/10, praising “Murphy’s peak songwriting.” Rolling Stone gave 4/5 stars. Album topped year-end lists (Pitchfork, Spin, NME).
Commercial Performance
Debuted #10 on Billboard 200 (41,000 first week), LCD’s highest chart position. “Drunk Girls” (#47 UK) and “Pow Pow” charted. Album certified Gold in UK. Touring sold out global venues.
Cultural Impact
“Dance Yrself Clean” became wedding/party staple—quiet intro cleared dancefloors, drop brought crowds back. Song’s dynamic range made it production reference track. Used in 100+ films, TV shows.
2016 Reunion
LCD reunited for Coachella 2016, released American Dream (2017). “This Is Happening” remains fan favorite. Murphy’s credibility intact despite “final show” reversal. Fans forgave cash grab accusations.
Legacy: Defined dance-punk’s emotional depth. Proved electronic music could be vulnerable. Influenced Tame Impala, MGMT, and synth-pop revival.
Sources:
- Billboard chart data (May 2010)
- Metacritic reviews
- Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012 documentary)
- Official DFA Records website