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Trouble Will Find Me
Trouble Will Find Me
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Trouble Will Find Me
On a table, a head of a person slowly creeps up over a mirror that has it cut out to fit the head. Both the band's name and album title is underlined on the top right with the band's name written in uppercase.
Studio album by
the National
ReleasedMay 17, 2013
RecordedSeptember 2012 – February 2013
Studio
Genre
Length55:06
Label4AD
Producer
The National chronology
High Violet
(2010) 		Trouble Will Find Me
(2013) 		Sleep Well Beast
(2017)
Singles from Trouble Will Find Me
  1. "Demons"
    Released: April 15, 2013 (radio)
  2. "Don't Swallow the Cap"
    Released: April 22, 2013 (radio)
  3. "Graceless"
    Released: August 26, 2013 (radio)
  4. "Sea of Love"
    Released: September 2, 2013 (radio)
  5. "I Need My Girl"
    Released: February 3, 2014

Trouble Will Find Me is the sixth studio album by American indie rock band the National, released on May 17, 2013, on 4AD.[1]

Produced by band members Aaron and Bryce Dessner, the album features appearances from St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, Doveman, Sufjan Stevens, Nona Marie Invie of Dark Dark Dark fame, and Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire.[2]

The album received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Trouble Will Find Me reached number three on both the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. The album was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

Background

[edit]

The National began writing Trouble Will Find Me towards the end of the band's tour in support of previous album, High Violet (2010). Regarding the tour's completion, and the collective mental state of the band at this time, lead vocalist Matt Berninger noted, "[We] felt satisfied at the end of touring High Violet. It was the first time ever, or at least in the past ten years, where we felt like we could put the band on the shelf for a little while, put a record out in three, four years. There wasn't any sense of, 'what now?'"[3]

Berninger, however, became inspired by guitarists Aaron and Bryce Dessner's recent demo recordings, and subsequently completed his writing contributions to the album's opening track, "I Should Live in Salt", a day after initially hearing it. Bass guitarist Scott Devendorf noted, "Our typical way of working was to send stuff to Matt, then wait a while to get some mumbles back. He seemed really motivated and engaged with the new stuff."[3]

Recording

[edit]

The band began recording Trouble Will Find Me in late September 2012 at Clubhouse Recording Studios, which was modeled after the late 19th century barn-turned-inn that the band stayed in. Bass guitarist Scott Devendorf stated that Clubhouse was chosen primarily to establish camaraderie amongst the band, noting: "The impetus to record upstate-- cooking, eating, working, hanging out together - was to achieve this music-camp feel."[3] The first four days of recording were interrupted by heavy tornado-like winds which subsequently led to a power outage. Guitarist, keyboardist and co-producer Aaron Dessner noted, "That night, by candlelight in the total darkness, we got really drunk and played the songs acoustically. It was the kind of scene that has never happened in the history of our band — and will never happen again."[3]

The band subsequently relocated to Dreamland Recording Studios - located within a converted 19th century church, in West Hurley, New York - to record the track, "Fireproof", entirely live.[3] Inspired by the session, the band returned to Clubhouse and recorded both "Sea of Love" and "Heavenfaced" as one-take live performances. Recording at Clubhouse, however, was once again derailed by Hurricane Sandy, with Aaron Dessner stating, "I drove back into the city because I was worried about my family and the potential flooding, and got stuck there for four days."[3]

Dessner, who co-produced Trouble Will Find Me alongside his brother Bryce, noted that his experiences producing both Sharon Van Etten's Tramp (2012) and Local Natives' Hummingbird (2013) led him to understand the importance of "constructive, positive dialogue" in the recording studio, whereas before he and his bandmates would often argue throughout the process.[3] While recording for Trouble Will Find Me, the song, "Rylan" was unfinished, and was later played on-and-off during their live sets.[4] "Rylan" has since been re-recorded and made its way onto I Am Easy to Find.

Composition

[edit]

Inspired by the recent birth of his daughter, Ingrid Stella Dessner, guitarist, keyboardist and co-producer Aaron Dessner began writing music with his child in mind. Vocalist Matt Berninger noted that he "react[ed] to it in a very visceral, immediate, infantile way".[3]

The lyrics to the album's opening track, "I Should Live in Salt", are directed towards Matt Berninger's brother, Tom, who directed the forthcoming band documentary, Mistaken for Strangers (2013).[3] Berninger stated that he enjoyed the writing process for Trouble Will Find Me noting, "In the past, it's been hard to enjoy writing - like getting drops of blood from your forehead - but I loved the process for this record. I think a lot of it was because I wasn't worried - I didn't care what the songs were going to be about, or if they were going to seem depressing, or cool, or whatever."[3]

Artwork

[edit]

The album cover is cropped from a photograph of a live performance art piece by Korean artist Bohyun Yoon, titled Fragmentation.[5][6][7]

Promotion

[edit]

On December 8, 2011, the band performed on CBC Radio show Q in front of a live audience. Two new songs were performed for the first time: "Rylan" and "I Need My Girl". "I Need My Girl" is featured on the album.[8] The band embarked on a tour with the Dirty Projectors to support the album.[9] When asked about the album, Aaron Dessner, the guitarist, said "our ideas would immediately click with each other. It's free-wheeling again. The songs on one level are our most complex, and on another they're our most simple and human. It just feels like we've embraced the chemistry we have."[1]

On April 25, 2013, the band performed album track "Sea of Love" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.[10] A music video for "Sea of Love", which alludes to Russian punk rock band Zvuki Mu's music video for their 1995 single "Grubiy Zakat (Грубый Закат)",[11] was released on the band's official YouTube account on May 8, 2013.[12]

On April 11, 2020, the band uploaded a music video for the album closer "Hard to Find" made from rediscovered footage. The video was filmed off the coast of a nature reserve in Perth, Australia in February 2014, right before the end of the Trouble Will Find Me tour, and shows Matt Berninger swimming and playing with a group of fur seals.

Singles

[edit]

"Demons" was released as the first single from Trouble Will Find Me.[13] The song peaked at number thirteen on the Belgian Ultratip singles chart for the Flanders region[14] and at number sixty-four on the Irish Singles Chart.[15] Its music video, released on August 8, 2013, features a time-lapse video depicting the creation of a Trouble Will Find Me mural.[16]

"Don't Swallow the Cap" was released to American modern rock radio on April 22 as the album's second single.[17] The single peaked at number seven on the Flanders Ultratip chart.[18]

"Graceless" impacted triple A radio on August 26,[19] with the music video being posted to the band's YouTube channel on August 27[20] and a release to modern rock radio following on August 29.[21] "I Need My Girl" was released to modern rock radio on January 28, 2014, as the album's fourth single.[22]

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?8.1/10[23]
Metacritic84/100[24]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[25]
The A.V. ClubA−[26]
Entertainment WeeklyB[27]
The GuardianStarStarStarStarStar[28]
The IndependentStarStarStarStarStar[29]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarHalf star[30]
NME8/10[31]
Pitchfork8.4/10[32]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStar[33]
Spin7/10[34]

Trouble Will Find Me received critical acclaim. On Metacritic, which assigns an average score out of 100 to reviews and ratings from mainstream music critics, the album received an average score of 84 based on 44 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[24] Consequence of Sound's Megan Ritt wrote that Trouble Will Find Me "outlines the confidence to expand and experiment with the formula, paired with the skills to do it justice."[35] At The Guardian, Maddy Costa concluded that "it's the subtlety, and the self-awareness, that make this album exquisite",[28] while at The Independent, Andy Gill proclaimed that the album "will surely cement their accession to the rock mainstream".[29] Andrew Burgess of musicOMH called Trouble Will Find Me "a collection of waves that never break" and stated that "catharsis never comes", but the album contains "glimpses of light coming through at the edges, and a sense of perfect order among the chaos."[36] David Fricke of Rolling Stone wrote that the band "are letting light and air into their shadows".[33]

Ian Cohen of Pitchfork called Trouble Will Find Me "both relatable and fantastical" and found it to be "their most self-referential album".[32] At Now, Samantha Burgess wrote that "on Trouble Will Find Me, they've perfected it, knowing when a hook should explode and when to hold back and let Berninger's signature, sombre baritone take over."[37] Paul Mardles of The Observer affirmed that The National "have perfected their ruminative rock, the beauty of their intricate arrangements ensuring the end product never sounds pedestrian", and called them "the real stars of the show."[38] In Uncut, Louis Pattison stated the album's songs "suggest an uncertain soundtrack can still be a source of comfort" and as a result, "for the first time, The National sound relaxed in their skin."[39] Ryan E.C. Hamm of Under the Radar called the album a "cohesive experience" and "another accomplished entry".[40]

In American Songwriter, Jim Beviglia wrote that "progress may not be the right word", but "sustained brilliance is a pretty good alternative."[24] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic stated that "for better or for worse, they perfected their sound the last time around, so it's hard to fault them for sticking so close to the fire."[25] In a mixed review, Q stated that "for a band who sing so often about matters of the heart and emotional connection, much of Trouble Will Find Me sounds oddly on autopilot."[41] Jesse Cataldo of Slant Magazine found that while the album "remains well crafted and satisfying, there's something inherently stultifying about it as well."[42]

Trouble Will Find Me made numerous "albums of the year" lists including Pitchfork,[43] Rolling Stone[44] and Paste.[45]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Trouble Will Find Me debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with 74,722 copies sold in its first week.[46] The album made top-ten debuts in fourteen countries other than the US. In 2014 it was awarded a double gold certification from the Independent Music Companies Association,[47] which indicated sales of at least 150,000 copies throughout Europe.[48]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner, except where noted.

Trouble Will Find Me track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I Should Live in Salt" 4:08
2."Demons" 3:32
3."Don't Swallow the Cap"Berninger, A. Dessner, Bryce Dessner4:46
4."Fireproof" 2:58
5."Sea of Love" 3:41
6."Heavenfaced"Berninger, B. Dessner4:23
7."This Is the Last Time"Berninger, A. Dessner, B. Dessner4:43
8."Graceless" 4:35
9."Slipped" 4:25
10."I Need My Girl" 4:05
11."Humiliation"Berninger, A. Dessner, B. Dessner5:01
12."Pink Rabbits"Berninger, A. Dessner, Zoë Randell of Luluc[49]4:36
13."Hard to Find"Berninger, B. Dessner4:13
Total length:55:06
Japanese CD
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
14."Learning"Mike Hadreas2:59
Total length:58:05

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Trouble Will Find Me
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[82] Gold 35,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[83] Gold 40,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[84] Gold 10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[85] Gold 100,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release history for Trouble Will Find Me
Region Date Format Label
Australia May 17, 2013 Digital download, CD, LP 4AD
Germany
Ireland
United Kingdom May 20, 2013
France
Canada May 21, 2013
United States
Japan May 22, 2013

Cover versions

[edit]

The Tallest Man on Earth recorded a version of "Pink Rabbits" for his 2022 album of cover songs, Too Late for Edelweiss.[86]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trouble Will Find Me

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Trouble Will Find Me is the sixth studio album by American band the National, released on May 21, 2013, by the . The album was primarily produced by band members and , with mixing handled by , and recorded at The Clubhouse studio in Rhinebeck, New York. It features guest appearances from musicians including St. Vincent, , , , and Nona Marie Invie of . Comprising 13 tracks, the album explores themes of personal struggle, relationships, and through Matt Berninger's vocals and the band's signature blend of brooding and orchestral elements. Upon release, Trouble Will Find Me received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and refined songwriting, with awarding it Best New Music and an 8.4 out of 10 rating, praising it as the band's "leanest and most aerodynamic" record yet. Commercially, it debuted at number three on the chart in the United States, selling 75,000 copies in its first week, and reached number three on the , marking the band's highest charting positions at the time. The album has since been regarded as a pivotal entry in the National's discography, solidifying their status in the scene.

Background and development

Inspirations and songwriting

The songwriting for Trouble Will Find Me began toward the end of The National's extensive touring cycle for their previous album, (2010), which lasted through 2012 and included major festival appearances and international dates. Although the band initially planned a year-long break after the tour to recharge, the creative process started earlier than anticipated, with initial ideas emerging in fall 2011 while still on the road. This period of constant travel provided a fertile ground for nascent song concepts, as band members exchanged musical sketches remotely amid their demanding schedule. Matt Berninger's personal experiences heavily influenced the early demos, which he often developed in hotel rooms or using portable setups like during tour stops. As a husband and father to a young daughter, Isla—around two to four years old at the time—Berninger grappled with themes of family life, including the joys and anxieties of parenthood, which seeped into his lyrical sketches. These reflections extended to broader existential concerns, such as mortality and the passage of time, fostering motifs of isolation and an inescapable sense of inevitability in the preliminary ideas. Berninger has noted that fatherhood prompted him to contemplate the future more intensely, adding emotional depth to his contributions without the pressure of overanalyzing the content. The collaborative dynamics among the band members were central to shaping these early elements, particularly through the Dessner brothers' input during informal sessions in 2011 and 2012. Aaron Dessner began composing initial melodies and structures at home in Brooklyn shortly before the High Violet tour concluded, often driven by personal circumstances like his newborn child and bouts of insomnia that spurred late-night creativity. He and Bryce Dessner shared these raw instrumental fragments with Berninger via email or file transfers, leading to quick iterations; for instance, Aaron sent an early demo for what became "I Should Live in Salt" to Berninger, who returned it the next day with melody and lyrics. These sessions, sometimes held in upstate New York, emphasized instinct over perfection, allowing the group to explore recurring ideas of solitude and predestined struggle that would underpin the album's exploration of troubled relationships.

Recording process

The recording of Trouble Will Find Me took place primarily at Clubhouse studio in Rhinebeck, New York, from September to November 2012, with additional sessions in Aaron Dessner's garage in . The rural setting of Rhinebeck provided a focused environment for the band, building on initial song sketches developed during their previous tour. Band members and served as producers, overseeing a self-produced effort that emphasized live band performances to preserve raw emotional energy in the tracks. Marcus Paquin handled the main sessions, assisted by Bella Blasko, while the album was mixed by . Key production techniques included layering Matt Berninger's baritone vocals with orchestral swells, such as string arrangements by on "Pink Rabbits," and contributions from guest musicians including on and background vocals. The process presented challenges in balancing the band's maturing sound—incorporating more strumming guitars and live takes—with the unpolished delivery of their earlier work, all while adhering to a tight timeline for a May 2013 release. Unlike the more tense sessions for , this recording unfolded more organically, with fewer conflicts but persistent self-doubt about capturing authentic performances.

Composition and style

Musical elements

Trouble Will Find Me is built on a predominant framework infused with influences, characterized by slow-building arrangements that gradually layer instrumentation for emotional depth. The album's sound emphasizes prominent bass lines, which provide a driving foundation, alongside atmospheric guitars that create a textured, immersive backdrop. These elements contribute to the record's signature brooding intensity, with tracks unfolding through meticulous builds rather than abrupt shifts. Orchestral contributions, particularly strings and arranged by guitarist , add a lush, melancholic texture throughout the album. Dessner's classical background informs these arrangements, integrating subtle orchestral swells that enhance the core without overpowering it. This blend results in a rich sonic palette, evident in moments where and strings interplay to evoke a sense of expansiveness amid the band's restrained dynamics. Central to the album's sonic identity is Matt Berninger's signature vocals, delivered in a style that anchors the music's mood. Often treated with subtle reverb and layered harmonies—sometimes featuring guest vocalists—these performances lend an intimate, resonant quality, complementing the instrumentation's atmospheric restraint. Berninger's voice enhances the moody textures, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Most songs adhere to verse-chorus structures, frequently incorporating extended intros or outros to allow arrangements to breathe, with tracks averaging around four minutes in length. Variations include piano-driven pieces like "Sea of Love," which foregrounds delicate keys over the typical guitar-bass interplay for a more introspective feel. This structural approach maintains accessibility while supporting the album's slow-burn aesthetic.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of Trouble Will Find Me center on themes of romantic turmoil, self-sabotage, and inevitable misfortune, often portraying haunted relationships plagued by emotional disconnection. In "Pink Rabbits," Berninger describes a fractured and tentative , emphasizing the persistent ache of lost intimacy. Similarly, "Demons" evokes self-destructive impulses through lines about staying "down with ," illustrating a cycle of personal failings that undermine stability. The album's title underscores misfortune as an inescapable force, as seen in "Humiliation," where the narrator contemplates a sudden death and its humiliating impact on his , blending with existential dread. Berninger's semi-autobiographical approach draws from mid-life reflections on , and urban alienation, infusing the songs with raw, confessional depth. Tracks like "" capture the guilt of absence in and fatherhood, with Berninger expressing longing for his and amid touring demands. surfaces through depictions of substance compulsions, likened to overwhelming natural forces like swamps and oceans that symbolize dependency and emotional decay. Urban alienation emerges in portrayals of isolation within crowded cityscapes, reflecting Berninger's unease in New York contrasted against his origins. Abstract —such as salt, , and seas—permeates the , evoking and elusive emotional states without literal . For instance, "I Should Live in Salt" uses salt as a for lingering guilt over abandonment, inspired by Berninger's relationship with his brother. In "Don't Swallow the ," caps represent suppressed anxieties, arrived at through free association for phonetic rhythm. Seas and oceanic motifs in songs like "Sea of Love" convey vast, uncontrollable turmoil in reconciliation attempts. Recurring motifs of resignation and balance despair with glimmers of release, as characters grapple with emotional numbness while seeking fleeting . Berninger has noted how songwriting allows access to "sentimental and melodramatic, dark places," providing relief from these burdens. , including repetition and , amplify this ; repeated phrases in "Demons" underscore futile attempts at control, while metaphors transform personal regrets into broader existential commentary.

Artwork and promotion

Artwork

The album cover for Trouble Will Find Me features a black-and-white cropped image taken from Bohyun Yoon's 2003 installation sculpture titled Fragmentation, which depicts nude human figures partially obscured and reflected by mirrored panels to create an effect of bodily disintegration and depersonalization. The artwork symbolizes emotional and psychological breakage through its portrayal of fractured forms, aligning conceptually with the album's themes of personal disintegration and as explored in its . The overall design, credited to Distant Station Ltd. and Lafont London, adopts a minimalist aesthetic, placing the band's name "The National" and album title in a clean font at the top and bottom of the stark image, with no additional colors or embellishments to heighten the sense of abstraction and unease. Physical editions of the album, such as the double vinyl LP, include a sleeve with printed inner sleeves featuring additional photographs and lyrics, while the core cover artwork remains consistent across formats with no specific alterations for digital releases.

Singles

The lead single from Trouble Will Find Me was "Demons", released to radio on April 15, 2013, ahead of the album's launch. The track was made available in digital formats, including a promotional , and was accompanied by an animated directed by Azar Kazimir, which premiered on April 8, 2013, and featured abstract digital visuals evoking emotional fragmentation. "Demons" achieved moderate chart success, peaking at number 49 on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the Belgium Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders chart. "Don't Swallow the Cap" followed as the second single, sent to modern rock radio on April 22, 2013, with digital download availability tied to the pre-order. The , known for its propulsive and introspective , received focus on alternative stations but did not have an official . It peaked at number 7 on the Ultratip Bubbling Under chart, reflecting niche success in European markets. "Graceless" served as the third single, released to radio on August 26, 2013, primarily in digital formats for streaming and . The release coincided with a lighthearted directed by Sophia Peer, released on August 27, 2013, depicting the band engaging in playful antics like beers and biking into pools to contrast the song's tense energy. It garnered steady alternative radio play, contributing to the album's sustained promotion. The fourth single, "Sea of Love", was issued to radio on September 2, 2013, with emphasis on digital releases and remixes for expanded airplay. A music video directed by Sophia Peer, released on May 8, 2013, portrayed the band in a minimalist performance setting as a homage to the video by the Russian band Zvuki Mu. The track achieved moderate success on alternative radio, peaking at number 18 on the Ultratip Bubbling Under chart.

Marketing and touring

The National announced Trouble Will Find Me on March 21, 2013, through their label , confirming a release date of and revealing the album artwork along with the tracklist. Pre-order options were immediately available, including bundles that offered exclusive merchandise such as a limited-edition deluxe containing a die-cut box, 15 heavyweight cards featuring images and lyrics, a double LP pressed on 180-gram clear vinyl, and a digital download coupon for and files. These bundles were designed to engage fans early, providing unique collectibles tied to the album's themes of and resilience. In the lead-up to release, built anticipation through a digital streaming premiere of the full album on starting May 14, 2013, granting listeners complete access six days early to experience the record's cohesive sound. This strategy amplified hype by allowing immersive previews without spoilers from individual singles, while limited-edition vinyl runs, including the clear pressing in the box set, catered to collectors and underscored the album's physical allure. Collaborative promotions featured interviews where frontman highlighted the project's personal evolution, describing it as a reflection of the band's matured confidence after 14 years together. Supporting the rollout, The National embarked on the Trouble Will Find Me world tour beginning in May 2013, with an extensive schedule of headlining shows and festival slots that prominently showcased material from the new album. Key appearances included Bonnaroo in June 2013—where they debuted tracks like "I Need My Girl" and "Graceless" ahead of release—both featuring setlists dominated by songs from Trouble Will Find Me to immerse audiences in its emotional depth. The tour's pacing allowed for intimate venues alongside large-scale events, reinforcing the album's themes through live energy and band camaraderie.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in May 2013, Trouble Will Find Me received widespread critical acclaim, earning a aggregate score of 84 out of 100 based on 44 reviews, signifying "universal acclaim." Critics frequently praised frontman Matt Berninger's vocals for their emotional depth and the band's refined execution of their signature melancholy, often describing the album as a polished of their introspective sound. Ian Cohen of awarded the album 8.3 out of 10, highlighting its emotional maturity and self-referential qualities that made it "both relatable and fantastical," while noting the band's confidence in leaning into visceral, understated power rather than dramatic shifts. Maddy Costa of gave it 4 out of 5 stars, commending the thematic depth in exploring loss and despair through subtle, self-aware delivered with Berninger's "whiskey burr and molten honey" voice. Similarly, NME's Daniel Martin rated it 8 out of 10, lauding the production's polish and lush arrangements that elevated the songs' hidden complexities, though acknowledging a lack of immediate hooks. While the majority of reviews celebrated the album's cohesion and maturity, some minor criticisms emerged regarding formulaic elements, with observers like those at noting it as a slight variation on the themes of without bold innovation, resulting in a cohesive but occasionally predictable listen. Initial reactions in 2013 often drew comparisons to the band's predecessors like and Boxer, positioning Trouble Will Find Me as a potential catalyst for broader mainstream appeal due to its accessibility and emotional resonance.

Commercial performance

Trouble Will Find Me achieved solid commercial success upon its release, debuting at number three on the in the United States with 75,000 copies sold in its first week, marking the band's highest opening sales to date. In the , the album entered the Official Albums Chart at number three, selling 21,000 copies during its debut week and representing the group's best chart performance there at the time. The release also performed strongly across , reaching top-three positions in several countries including and , contributing to its overall market reception. The album's global sales were bolstered by robust digital downloads and widespread availability through Records, which provided strong promotional support in key international markets. Synergy with the band's extensive touring schedule further enhanced its commercial viability; an 18-month world tour aligned with the release helped sustain momentum and drive additional sales through live performances and fan engagement. Post-release, Trouble Will Find Me experienced notable growth in streaming platforms, reflecting enduring digital interest among listeners and contributing to its long-term market presence.

Credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Trouble Will Find Me features 13 tracks, with a total runtime of 55:04. All songs on the album are credited to the band's core members: , , , , and .
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"I Should Live in Salt"The National4:08
2"Demons"The National3:31
3"Don't Swallow the Cap"The National4:45
4"Fireproof"The National2:58
5"Sea of Love"The National3:41
6"Heavenfaced"The National4:23
7""The National4:43
8"Graceless"The National4:35
9"Slipped"The National4:25
10""The National4:05
11"Humiliation"The National5:02
12"Pink Rabbits"The National4:36
13"Hard to Find"The National4:12

Personnel

The album Trouble Will Find Me features the core members of The National: on lead vocals, on guitar, bass, piano, and engineering, on guitar, piano, and orchestration, on bass and guitar, and on drums. and served as the primary producers. Mixing was handled by and , with Katis overseeing "Sea of Love" at Tarquin Studios in , and Silvey managing most tracks at in New York and Toast in (with Marcus Paquin co-mixing "" at MixArt in ). Notable guest contributors include St. Vincent (vocals on "This Is the Last Time"), Sharon Van Etten (vocals on "This Is the Last Time"), Sufjan Stevens (vocals and synthesizer on "I Should Live in Salt" and vocals on "Demons"), Doveman (piano and keyboards), Owen Pallett (string arrangements on multiple tracks), and Richard Reed Parry (guitar and bass). Additional engineering support came from Jonathan Low and Marcus Paquin. Recording primarily occurred at The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, New York, from to 2012, with additional sessions at Aaron Dessner's garage in Brooklyn, New York, in January and February 2013; Dreamland Studios in West Hurley, New York; Kickstand in , ; and the Michelberger Hotel in . The album was mastered by at Sterling Sound in New York.

Commercial charting

Weekly charts

Trouble Will Find Me achieved significant chart success upon its release, debuting in the top five on several major weekly album charts worldwide, driven by strong initial sales across physical and digital formats. , the album entered the at number 3 with first-week sales of 75,000 units, marking the band's then-career-high debut position, and remained on the chart for a total of 25 weeks. In the , it debuted at number 3 on the on May 27, 2013, and accumulated 12 weeks on the listing overall. The album also reached number 2 on Australia's Albums Chart in late May 2013. The release performed particularly well in European markets, entering the top 10 in countries including , the , and , where it resonated more strongly with audiences compared to its relatively solid but not dominant showing on U.S. mainstream charts. Below is a summary of its peak positions and durations on select major weekly charts.
CountryChartPeak PositionTotal WeeksDebut Date
United States325June 8, 2013
312May 27, 2013
Albums Chart2N/AMay 27, 2013
Irish Albums Chart3N/AMay 20, 2013
(Flanders) 50 Albums2N/AMay 25, 2013
Dutch Albums Top 100720May 25, 2013

Year-end charts

"Trouble Will Find Me" achieved notable placements on various year-end charts in 2013, reflecting its sustained sales and popularity throughout the year. The album's strong debut and consistent performance contributed to these rankings, building on its initial weekly peaks in multiple markets. In the United States, it ranked number 155 on the year-end chart for 2013, based on aggregate sales data. In the United Kingdom, the album placed at number 151 on the year-end , indicating solid consumer interest in the indie rock genre. The album also performed well in European markets, appearing on annual charts across the continent. For example, it reached number 22 on the Belgian Albums Chart (Ultratop ) year-end list for 2013.
Chart (2013)Position
(US)155
151
Belgian Albums ( )22
During the 2010s decade, "Trouble Will Find Me" was recognized in retrospective lists highlighting the era's standout releases. It ranked number 47 on Rough Trade's albums of the decade, praising its emotional depth and musical sophistication. The album also appeared on Spotify's curated indie lists for the , underscoring its enduring appeal in streaming playlists. In 2014, the album saw carryover success on year-end charts in select European countries, benefiting from touring activity that boosted re-entries and sales. For instance, it ranked number 146 on the Belgian Albums Chart (Ultratop ) year-end list for .

Release and certifications

Release history

Trouble Will Find Me was released by on May 20, , in and May 21, , in in various formats including digital download, , and double vinyl LP, distributed through in the UK and associated labels internationally. The album's initial vinyl edition included a standard black pressing and a limited-edition clear vinyl box set featuring additional artwork cards and a digital download coupon. Regional variations included a Japanese edition released on May 22, , via Beggars /Hostess Entertainment Unlimited, which added a bonus track ("I Need My Girl" Japanese version) and came in a paper sleeve packaging. Subsequent reissues have included vinyl repressings in 2017 and 2021 by in , pressed at Optimal Media, as well as a 2022 coke bottle clear variant limited to and .
DateRegionFormatLabelCatalog Number
May 20, 2013CDCAD3315CD
May 20, 20132×LPCAD3315
May 20, 2013/USDigital (AAC/MP3/FLAC)EAD3315A
May 21, 2013CDCAD3315CD
May 21, 20132×LPCAD3315
May 21, 2013Digital (FLAC/MP3)-
May 22, 2013CD (bonus track)Beggars Japan/HostessCAD3315CDJ/GBJ-10173
20172×LP (reissue)CAD3315
20212×LP (reissue)CAD3315
2022/2×LP (coke bottle clear)CAD3315LPE

Certifications

The album Trouble Will Find Me has received multiple sales certifications from industry organizations, reflecting its commercial success in various markets. In the , it was certified Gold by the (BPI) for 100,000 units. Gold certifications were granted in by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 35,000 units, in by for 40,000 units on March 13, 2014, and in by for 10,000 units. The album has not received certification from the (RIAA) in the United States.
RegionCertificationCertified units/salesDateNotes
Australia (ARIA)Gold35,000—Shipments
Canada (Music Canada)Gold40,0002014-03-13Shipments
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)Gold10,000—Sales+streaming figures
United Kingdom (BPI)Gold100,0002014Sales+streaming figures

Post-release

Cover versions

Several tracks from Trouble Will Find Me have inspired covers by , and alternative artists, often reinterpreting the album's introspective themes in acoustic or stripped-down arrangements. These covers highlight the songs' emotional resonance and adaptability beyond The National's orchestral rock style. "Pink Rabbits," a standout from the , has been notably covered by multiple artists in the years following its 2013 release. Nashville delivered an intimate acoustic rendition shortly after the album's debut, emphasizing the song's vulnerable lyrics in a live session format. In 2014, band released an official audio cover, infusing it with their raw, heartfelt energy as part of promotional material tied to their album Heal. Folk outfit followed with a harmonious group performance in 2018, capturing the track's melancholic piano-driven essence in a video directed by Elizabeth Olmstead. Additional interpretations include Vanessa Peters' rock-inflected version on her 2020 Mixtape and The Tallest Man on Earth's folk-styled take in 2022 on the Too Late for Edelweiss, both showcasing the song's appeal to singer-songwriters. These covers appeared in various formats, from releases to full album inclusions, and underscore "Pink Rabbits'" enduring influence in indie circles from 2013 onward. "I Should Live in Salt," the album's opening track, has also seen reinterpretations that lean into its brooding atmosphere. Icelandic artist Ásgeir performed a stripped-down cover during a 2017 Spotify live session in , highlighting the song's minimalist percussion and haunting vocals in an electronic-folk style. British musician Roxanne de Bastion released a piano-led version in 2020, produced by BBC Folk Award winner Ben Walker, which was distributed as a single on platforms like and emphasized the track's themes of isolation. "Demons" received a gospel-infused cover by veteran artist Russ Taff on his 2025 album Cover Story, where he performed it live on Today in Nashville, transforming the original's tense build-up into a soulful testimony of personal struggle. Earlier, N.A. Parsons offered a lo-fi indie rock adaptation, available through music sharing platforms. While "Sea of Love" has inspired amateur and live tributes, its most prominent reinterpretation came in 2023 when Norah Jones covered it on her podcast Norah Jones Is Playing Along, featuring The National's Matt Berninger and Bryce Dessner, blending jazz elements with the song's sparse post-punk vibe for a collaborative single release.

Legacy

In 2023, marking the album's tenth , Trouble Will Find Me received renewed attention through pieces that highlighted its maturity and cohesion within The National's discography. Stereogum described it as the band "settling into themselves, figuring out how to do their thing but even better," emphasizing its sprawling yet focused structure as a pinnacle of their style. To celebrate career milestones, The National performed the album in full during their 2023 Homecoming festival in , , alongside a complete rendition of . The September 16 set at Smale Park's ICON Festival Stage featured all 13 tracks sequentially, drawing large crowds and underscoring the record's enduring appeal in live settings. The album has influenced through its blend of emotional vulnerability and intricate arrangements, earning placement in decade-end lists as a standout of the . ranked it #47 on its 100 Best Albums of the , praising it as a "masterclass in brooding beauty" with Matt Berninger's delivering introspective over lush . By 2025, Trouble Will Find Me had amassed over 595 million streams on , reflecting its sustained popularity in the digital era. Initial cover versions of its tracks have inspired ongoing tributes among fans and musicians.

References

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