Above the City
Smoke or Fire · 2005
24 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
Fast-paced punk anthems infused with raw emotion and sharp social commentary that resonate with a sense of urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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California’s Burning — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent tempo and biting critique of societal issues, marking an impactful start to the album.
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Goodbye to Boston — A poignant reflection on leaving behind familiar surroundings, this track blends personal narrative with broader themes of change and loss.
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Loving, Self‐Loathing — This song captures internal conflict through its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to balance melody with depth.
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Cops and Drugs — With its fast-paced rhythm and critical perspective on law enforcement, this track exemplifies the band's raw energy and rebellious spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album delivers energetic punk anthems with sharp lyrics but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a relentless tempo, with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums that set a high-energy tone.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the sense of urgency and engagement with the listener.
- The album's lyrics often employ vivid imagery and direct social commentary, creating a narrative thread that connects the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- short bursts of raw energy
- frantic pacing with urgent themes
- for quick adrenaline boosts
- cathartic release through frustration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek polished, refined sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2005, Above the City was Smoke or Fire's second studio album, following their debut, This Sinking Ship. At this point, the band was building momentum in the punk rock scene, known for their energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Against Me!· The Menzingers· Bayside
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 California’s Burning 2:27
- 2 Filter 1:51
- 3 Cops and Drugs 1:29
- 4 Goodbye to Boston 2:31
- 5 Culture as Given 1:50
- 6 Delawhere 1:29
- 7 Loving, Self‐Loathing 1:55
- 8 Fire Escapes 1:39
- 9 Southpaw 1:50
- 10 The Hard Way 1:53
- 11 Cryin’ Shame 2:44
- 12 Point Break 2:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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