Their single "Young Blood" debuted on the New Zealand chart at number one in 2010—the first New Zealand artist in three years to do so. Thom Powers and Alisa Xayalith are the "creative force" behind the five-piece band. The Naked and Famous released their first studio album on 6 September 2010.
On 6 December 2010, the BBC announced that The Naked and Famous had been nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2011 poll.
"Punching in a Dream" was featured in episode 5 of season 2 of The Vampire Diaries. "Young Blood" was featured in episode 1 of the first season of Covert Affairs. It was also featured in episode 13 of the 4th season of Chuck, episode 14 of the 4th season of Gossip Girl and episode 1 of the 1st season of The Almighty Johnsons.