What makes 21st Century (Digital Boy) by Bad Religion notable?

The title track became a staple of Bad Religion's live performances and has been influential in shaping the melodic hardcore genre. The EP's release coincided with a revitalization of punk music in the early '90s, positioning Bad Religion as a leading voice addressing contemporary societal issues through their lyrics. Released in 1990, 21st Century (Digital Boy) marked Bad Religion's first EP following the critical success of their album No Control. This period saw the band refining their signature sound while solidifying their position within the punk rock scene, particularly as they emerged from the underground into greater commercial visibility.

How many songs are on 21st Century (Digital Boy)?

21st Century (Digital Boy) has 4 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

21st Century (Digital Boy)

Bad Religion · 1990

10 min · 4 tracks · punk rock

A driving blend of melodic hardcore and punk energy, underscored by incisive social commentary.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
21st Century (Digital Boy) — This track encapsulates the band's critique of modern society and technology, featuring catchy hooks that highlight their punk roots.
→
American Jesus (live) — As one of Bad Religion's most recognized songs, this live version captures the raw energy of their performances while critiquing American nationalism.
→
No Control (live) — This live rendition showcases the band's fast-paced style and lyrical themes of personal and societal disillusionment, resonating deeply with fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The title track stands out while live tracks add energy but dilute cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving tempo with a prominent guitar riff that propels the song forward.
The EP includes three live tracks, which showcase the band's energetic performance style and audience interaction.
The first track is significantly longer than the live tracks, creating a contrast in pacing and 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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the band's rise in recognition following their critical success.
Themes: digital alienation· American nationalism critique· societal disillusionment
Career context: Released in 1990, 21st Century (Digital Boy) marked Bad Religion's first EP following the critical success of their album No Control. This period saw the band refining their signature sound while solidifying their position within the punk rock scene, particularly as they emerged from the underground into greater commercial visibility.
Stylistic neighbors: Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise