A Fistful Of...4-Skins
The 4-Skins · 1983
51 min · 15 tracks · punk rock
A raw and energetic blend of punk rock and streetwise lyrics, capturing the defiant spirit of early '80s UK youth culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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5 More Years — This opening track sets the tone with its anthemic chorus and urgent rhythms, encapsulating the band's rebellious spirit.
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I'll Stick to My Guns — Displaying strong lyrical conviction, this song resonates with themes of loyalty and resilience amid societal pressures.
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On File — This track features sharp social commentary through its storytelling, highlighting the struggles faced by working-class youth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures the essence of early '80s Oi! punk with raw energy and working-class themes, solidifying its place in the genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features fast-paced tracks with aggressive guitar riffs and shouted vocals, while the second half introduces slower tempos and more melodic elements.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the communal aspect of the music.
- The lyrics often reflect themes of working-class struggles and defiance, delivered with a raw and unpolished vocal style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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On File
The verses describe a bleak outlook on life while contrasting with an explosive chorus that demands change.
The shift from despair to urgency illustrates the tension between acceptance of hardship and the need for rebellion.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 5 More Years 3:20
- 2 Waiting for a Friend 3:36
- 3 Johnny Go Home 2:59
- 4 The Gambler 3:30
- 5 I'll Stick to My Guns 2:53
- 6 On File 3:56
- 7 Forgotten Hero 4:01
- 8 The Spy From Alaska 2:57
- 9 H.M.P. 3:10
- 10 No Excuse 3:33
- 11 Betrayed 3:40
- 12 City Boy 3:51
- 13 New War 4:10
- 14 On the Streets 2:46
- 15 Saturday (demo) 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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