A Walk cover

Released 30 years ago

A Walk

Bad Religion · 1996

7 min · 4 tracks · punk rock

A brisk punk explosion, where melodic hooks intertwine with urgent guitars and thought-provoking lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Walk — The title track encapsulates the band's signature blend of melody and punk energy, addressing themes of personal freedom and societal constraints.
  • →
    Cease — This track stands out for its concise structure and impactful lyrics, reflecting the urgency of change and the need to confront systemic issues head-on.
  • →
    Change of Ideas — Clocking in at under a minute, this track delivers a powerful critique of complacency and the necessity for growth, showcasing the band's knack for brevity and impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and urgent themes, typical of Bad Religion's punk style.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a fast-paced guitar riff that sets a high energy level, which is maintained throughout the record.
  • Each song features tight arrangements with melodic hooks that are prominent in the choruses, making them memorable.
  • The lyrics across all tracks engage with social issues, often delivered in a rapid-fire vocal style that complements the urgency of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its incisive commentary and strong punk sound.
Themes
systemic change urgency· personal freedom struggle· complacency critique
Career context
Released in 1996, A Walk is Bad Religion's sixth studio album, arriving after their critically acclaimed album Generator. By this time, the band had solidified their standing in the punk rock scene, known for their socially conscious lyrics and melodic hardcore sound. This album represents a continuation of their successful formula while exploring new lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Walk 2:08
  • 2 Leave Mine to Me 2:16
  • 3 Change of Ideas 0:54
  • 4 Cease 2:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata