Against Me! cover

Against Me!

Against Me! · 1997

19 min · 6 tracks · punk rock

Raw, energetic punk anthems collide with introspective lyrics, embodying the spirit of rebellion and self-exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Price of Freedom — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its urgent tempo and sharp social critiques, immediately engaging listeners in the band's ethos.
  • →
    Does it Make a Difference — The song's reflective lyrics explore personal dilemmas against a backdrop of driving instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to blend introspection with punk energy.
  • →
    Disgust — A standout track that channels raw emotion with its visceral lyrics and aggressive sound, encapsulating the frustration and disillusionment prevalent in the band's early work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

This EP showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, marking Against Me!'s entry into the punk scene.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a raw guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first three songs.
  • The lyrics are delivered in a conversational style, often reflecting personal and political themes.
  • The final track features a slower tempo and a more reflective tone, contrasting with the preceding anthemic energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of youthful energy
  • quick anthems for group sing-alongs
  • direct emotional expressions and urgency
  • punchy tracks for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want slow, contemplative moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marks the start of Against Me!'s journey and establishes their sound.
Career context
Against Me! released their self-titled album in 1997, marking their debut in the punk rock scene. At this point, they were establishing their identity amidst a burgeoning underground movement, following several years of local shows and earlier recordings. This album set the foundation for their future influence on both punk and indie rock.
Stylistic neighbors
Alkaline Trio· Rise Against· The Menzingers

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Does it Make a Difference

    The verse shifts perspective as it questions societal norms during a rapid-fire delivery, sharply contrasting with the melodic chorus that follows.

    This structural choice emphasizes the conflict between external pressures and internal thoughts, highlighting the band's lyrical depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Price of Freedom 2:57
  • 2 Does it Make a Difference 3:03
  • 3 Same Old Song 2:40
  • 4 In the Name of What 3:59
  • 5 Disgust 3:06
  • 6 24 Hours A Day 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata