What makes 13-Point Program to Destroy America by The Nation of Ulysses notable?

The album is significant for its radical political messaging wrapped in energetic punk music, contributing to the '90s underground punk movement. It has been recognized for its critical reception and influence on subsequent bands and genres, helping to shape the discourse around punk's role in political activism. Released in 1991, this debut album marked The Nation of Ulysses' entry into the hardcore punk scene after forming just a year prior. At this time, the band was establishing their unique sound, which blended elements of punk rock with provocative themes and political undertones.

How many songs are on 13-Point Program to Destroy America?

13-Point Program to Destroy America has 16 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

13-Point Program to Destroy America

The Nation of Ulysses · 1991

39 min · 16 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenetic whirlwind of hardcore punk energy infused with sharp social commentary and chaotic melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Kid Who Tells on Another Kid Is a Dead Kid — This track captures the band's anti-authoritarian spirit through its aggressive sound and lyrics that challenge conformity among youth, embodying their punk ethos.
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Look Out! Soul Is Back — With its infectious energy and call for cultural revival, this track stands out as a rallying cry that reflects the band's mission to disrupt the status quo.
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You're My Miss Washington, D.C. — This song juxtaposes romantic ideals with biting satire about American politics, showcasing the band's ability to blend humor and critique within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic chaos and sharp social commentary create a distinctive punk sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a frenetic pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the latter tracks.
Many songs feature abrupt tempo changes and chaotic arrangements, often shifting between melodic hooks and dissonant riffs.
The lyrics are delivered with an aggressive vocal style that emphasizes the political themes, often layering multiple voices for added intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Spectra Sonic Sound 2:29
2 Look Out! Soul Is Back 1:38
3 Today I Met the Girl I'm Going to Marry 1:47
4 Ulythium 2:02
5 A Kid Who Tells on Another Kid Is a Dead Kid 1:40
6 Cool Senior High School (Fight Song) 1:43
7 Diptheria 4:16
8 Aspirin Kid 5:13
9 Hot Chocolate City 1:43
10 P. Power 1:47
11 You're My Miss Washington, D.C. 2:22
12 Target: U.S.A. 1:44
13 Love Is a Bull Market 2:50
14 The Sound of Young America 2:31
15 Channel One Ulysses 3:22
16 Atom Bomb 2:00

What to play next

Listen next

Plays Pretty for Baby

1992

Full The Nation of Ulysses discography Artists like The Nation of Ulysses

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata