Against the Grain
Bad Religion · 1990
34 min · 17 tracks · punk rock
Fast-paced, thought-provoking punk rock that juxtaposes melodic hooks with incisive social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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Modern Man Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Faith Alone — This track stands out for its deep exploration of belief systems, combining fast tempos with intricate guitar work that reflects the tension between faith and skepticism.
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21st Century (Digital Boy) — A critique of modern society wrapped in catchy melodies, this song examines the alienation felt in an increasingly digital world, making it resonate with listeners across generations.
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Flat Earth Society — With its sharp lyrics targeting ignorance and conspiracy theories, this track encapsulates the band's satirical style while maintaining high-energy punk instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines sharp lyrical content with dynamic musical shifts, marking a strong entry in Bad Religion's discography.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features fast-paced tracks with a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and slower tempos.
- Lyrically, the album tackles themes of societal norms and personal beliefs, often using metaphorical language that invites deeper analysis.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, punchy listening bursts
- energetic workout motivation
- immediate hooks and energy
- fast-paced, adrenaline rush
- confrontational themes and intensity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Bad Religion's reputation with complex themes and strong songwriting.
- Themes
- digital alienation· faith vs. skepticism· ignorance critique
- Career context
- Against the Grain is Bad Religion's fifth studio album, released in 1990, following their critically acclaimed record No Substance. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status within the punk rock scene and expanding their lyrical themes to include more introspective and philosophical musings.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise
Tracklist
- 1 Modern Man Start here 1:56
- 2 Turn on the Light 1:23
- 3 Get Off 1:42
- 4 Blenderhead 1:11
- 5 The Positive Aspect of Negative Thinking 0:57
- 6 Anesthesia 3:02
- 7 Flat Earth Society 2:21
- 8 Faith Alone 3:34
- 9 Entropy 2:23
- 10 Against the Grain 2:07
- 11 Operation Rescue 2:06
- 12 God Song 1:37
- 13 21st Century (Digital Boy) 2:48
- 14 Misery and Famine 2:33
- 15 Unacceptable 1:42
- 16 Quality or Quantity 1:33
- 17 Walk Away 1:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Less Talk, More Rock
Propagandhi
Shares incisive social critique and melodic hooks in a fast-paced punk context.
Black Sails in the Sunset
AFI
Explores themes of alienation with a blend of melodic intensity and dark introspection.
¡Leche con Carne!
No Use for a Name
Combines catchy melodies with sharp lyrical commentary on societal issues and personal struggles.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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