What makes All Nerve by The Breeders notable?

Upon its release, All Nerve received widespread critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists and highlighting the band's lasting impact on alternative rock. The lead single, Wait in the Car, gained significant airplay, reinforcing the band's relevance in modern music and drawing in new listeners while satisfying long-time fans. All Nerve is The Breeders' first album in over a decade, following the critically acclaimed Mountain Battles in 2008. This release marks a significant return for the band, showcasing their enduring chemistry amidst a backdrop of changing musical landscapes. With original members Kim Deal and Kelley Deal reuniting, the album reflects a blend of their classic sound with contemporary influences.

Who is All Nerve for?

All Nerve works well if you're into short, punchy listening sessions, immediate hooks and energy and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on All Nerve?

All Nerve has 11 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

All Nerve

The Breeders · 2018

33 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of punk energy and melodic hooks that channels both nostalgia and fresh creativity.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Wait in the Car — This track captures the album's energetic spirit with its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, serving as a rallying cry for resilience.
→
All Nerve — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and connection, featuring layered harmonies that evoke the band's signature sound.
→
Metagoth — With its darker undertones and experimental structure, this song showcases the band's willingness to explore new sonic territories while maintaining their roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic punk elements with melodic hooks, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the chorus sections.
The album closes with two tracks that significantly drop in tempo, providing a reflective contrast to the earlier intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, punchy listening sessions
immediate hooks and energy
dynamic emotional journeys
vibrant, engaging soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: All Nerve is The Breeders' first album in over a decade, following the critically acclaimed Mountain Battles in 2008. This release marks a significant return for the band, showcasing their enduring chemistry amidst a backdrop of changing musical landscapes. With original members Kim Deal and Kelley Deal reuniting, the album reflects a blend of their classic sound with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Pixies· Sonic Youth· Lush