American Lesion cover

American Lesion

Greg Graffin · 1997

37 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A reflective blend of folk melodies with punk roots, exploring personal and societal turmoil through poignant storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Opinion — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its urgent examination of societal issues, establishing Graffin's lyrical focus on personal responsibility and moral dilemmas.
  • →
    Fate’s Cruel Hand — This song delves into themes of fate and personal struggle, illustrating Graffin's ability to weave complex narratives within a melodic structure that resonates deeply.
  • →
    In the Mirror — A poignant reflection on self-identity and existential questions, this track stands out for its raw emotional honesty and introspective lyrics that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk melodies with punk influences, showcasing Graffin's lyrical evolution and thematic depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Opinion', immediately establishing a mid-tempo pace that persists through the first half.
  • Tracks like 'Fate’s Cruel Hand' and 'Predicament' feature layered acoustic guitar arrangements that create a rich, textured sound.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, with 'In the Mirror' and 'Back to Earth' employing sparse instrumentation to emphasize introspective lyrics.
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
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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Opinion 3:14
  • 2 Fate’s Cruel Hand 4:43
  • 3 Predicament 3:13
  • 4 The Fault Line 3:03
  • 5 When I Fail 3:41
  • 6 Cease 4:33
  • 7 Maybe She Will 4:28
  • 8 The Elements 3:50
  • 9 In the Mirror 2:43
  • 10 Back to Earth 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata