Sometimes an album is best when listened to through headphones while walking on a warm night. Other albums may be perfect for blaring through your home stereo setup while relaxing on the couch. Many albums are designed only to be good driving anthems. And then there’s Prom, an album seemingly meant to journey with you as you change moods and environments during a night on the town (or a high school dance).

The sophomore release from the Brooklyn-based Grooms is mostly mellow, at least in tone, but still manages to require an active participation by the listener. The opening track “Tiger Trees” is good on headphones or computer speakers while you’re getting ready for the night; the song starts out slow, builds and ushers you out the door with high energy. The title track is a transition between your departure point and your destination, rife with anticipation and anxiety about the night ahead (“And I want to be friends with you” is the lyricist’s longing and refrain).

“Expression Of” delivers a perfect walk-into-a-party feel, with a chill atmosphere and an inviting bass line. “Imagining the Bodies” is an angry dance floor freak-out that jars your senses and lowers your inhibitions, while “Skating with Girl” is an entrancing ballad, a peaceful respite from the chaos of the night, and the stand out song on the album. This aural oasis is followed by a reflective, instrumental piece called “Psychics” that succeeds mainly in its ability to perfectly follow up the mood of “Skating with Girl.”

At this point in the album, the cohesiveness of my meta-narrative about Prom and the quality of the songs begins to unravel. A few whiny, forgettable tracks precede the unusual and somewhat unsatisfying ending, “Don’t Worry, You’re Prettier.”

But, just like with so many nights out, a great start doesn’t guarantee a good conclusion, and the ending alone shouldn’t determine its success or failure. This is why I can recommend that you rent a tux, cut your hair, and give Grooms a chance to take you to Prom. Here’s hoping it’ll be a fun night.