Album Review: Courtney Barnett - "Creature of Habit"

Creature of Habit is an excellent, playful, energetic return for Courtney Barnett. It highlights what makes her one of indie rock's standout artists and singer songwriters, resulting in her best album since her debut.

Mom+Pop - 2026

Melbourne's very own Courtney Barnett has been kicking it with her direct approached indie rock for over a decade now. Believe it or not, but it's been eleven years since her debut studio album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, broke out and it's been even longer for her acclaimed Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas. These are two projects that highlights Barnett at her best and most charming, showcasing her knack for funny, self deprecating songwriting with her dry, melodic delivery over catchy guitar shreds. Since then she's released two more solo albums, a collaborative one with similar visionary Kurt Vile, and an instrumental album soundtracking her documentary film End of the Day. Her last album, 2021's Things Take Time, Take Time, is notably a more laid back, reflective album that features some highlights, but I would label it as her least impressive work to date. It just doesn't simply have the oomph and punch that I would like to hear on a Barnett record and these views continue to solidify for me as time marches onward.

Creature of Habit, on the other hand, is Courtney Barnett's best record since her debut. Her new, fourth studio album through Mom+Pop Records is a collection of songs that has the range, vibrancy, and color that was missing from her previous release. She's made the big move from Melbourne to Los Angeles (partly due to the end of her indie label Milk! Records) and lots of the lyrics reflect on themes of mental health and struggling to get back to where you were before. Lyrically reminiscent of New Zealand's The Beths' last record, Creature of Habit has Barnett reached at a boiling point to where her head needs to be at. Examples include having every thought flowing into your head and feeling like you're underwater ("One Thing at a Time"), getting your head sorted ("Mantis"), being in over your head ("Sugar Plum"), ripping something out of your head ("Stay In Your Lane"), etc.

Most of the songs will remind you of what makes Barnett so special and captivating, but she's also made new strides into trying different sounds and styles whether it's within her songwriting, singing, or production. Singles like "Stay In Your Lane" should come as no surprise, being a meat and potatoes Barnett banger with drum machine beats from Warpaint's Stella Mozgawa (who's worked heavily on her last record) and chugging, heavy guitars. "Wonder" on the other hand is a sweetly sung, acoustic blissful tune that is so light that it glides beautifully in the clouds. It's possibly the sweetest song she's ever sung, especially the chorus and when she reaches into her higher register, which seemed to be a rarity up until this point. "Site Unseen" is a lovely alt-country tinged song featuring vocals from Waxahatchee. "Mostly Patient" is a bare bones guitar ballad that remarkably has Barnett's voice naked without any other backing instrumentation. It's one of those excellent moments that highlights her signature voice. "One Thing at a Time" is a jumpy, swirling indie rock number that could easily pass off as a banger from Dinosaur Jr or her contemporary, Kurt Vile. It even helps with Flea providing bass on the track (taking a break from playing the trumpet I suppose...).

"Mantis," the album's centerpiece and best song, is an incredible vivid tune with elevated omnichord and one of her best written songs and choruses. Her guitar noodling and elevated vocals make it one of her best and the year's best tunes. "Sugar Plum" is also one of her best songs and goes down a starkly different avenue, going into strictly vocal pop on the track's chorus. It's one of her brightest, sunniest and most infectious songs to date. "Same" starts with a stark drum machine and goes into a bright, colorful guitar pop tune that's quite reminiscent of 90's arena rock and pop. I can't help but think of songs like Sheryl Crow's "Soak Up the Sun" from its chorus, and I say this in the best possible way. "Great Advice" has quirky, playful guitar chords and is a fun, lighthearted tune despite it not being the most memorable on the album. "Another Beautiful Day" closes the album as a wonderous, thoughtful tune with some dreamy guitar shredding and bass. Creature of Habit is an excellent, playful, energetic return for Courtney Barnett. It highlights what makes her one of indie rock's standout artists and singer songwriters, as well as providing new and refreshing ways to reinvigorate her sound. I cannot recommend it any higher for fans of Barnett, the genre, and those looking for one of the year's best releases.

My Rating: 8 / 10

Favorite Songs: "Mantis," "Sugar Plum," "Wonder," "Same," "One Thing at a Time"