A Date with The Smithereens
The Smithereens · 1994
52 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A melodic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, embodying the essence of 90s alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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War for My Mind — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and contemplative lyrics about inner conflict, showcasing the band's signature sound.
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Everything I Have Is Blue — With its poignant exploration of loss and longing, this track stands out for its emotional depth and catchy melody that encapsulates the album's themes.
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Sick of Seattle — A sharp critique of urban life and disillusionment, this song captures the spirit of the early 90s alternative scene with both humor and sincerity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize jangly guitar riffs that are layered with harmonized vocals, creating a rich melodic texture.
- The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal experiences and emotions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- melodic tunes for introspection
- afternoon listening with friends
- thoughtful lyrics for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek immediate catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation during the peak of alternative rock.
- Career context
- Released in 1994, A Date with The Smithereens was the band's fourth studio album, following their successful album, Green Thoughts, which had cemented their place in the alternative rock scene. At this point in their career, The Smithereens were building on their established sound while experimenting with more varied lyrical themes and production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soul Asylum· Big Star· R.E.M.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 War for My Mind 4:07
- 2 Everything I Have Is Blue 4:28
- 3 Miles From Nowhere 4:18
- 4 Afternoon Tea 3:55
- 5 Point of No Return 4:07
- 6 Sleep the Night Away 4:15
- 7 Love Is Gone 3:42
- 8 Long Way Back Again 4:06
- 9 Gotti 4:51
- 10 Sick of Seattle 3:03
- 11 Can't Go Home Anymore 4:11
- 12 Life Is So Beautiful 3:27
- 13 [unknown] 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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