What makes American Standard by Seven Mary Three notable?

American Standard achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart and leading to significant radio play for its standout tracks. The album is often credited with defining a moment in the 90s alternative rock landscape and has influenced subsequent artists within the genre. Released on September 5, 1995, American Standard was Seven Mary Three's second album following their debut, Chasing After Shadows. The band was in a phase of burgeoning popularity, propelled by the hit single 'Cumbersome', which helped solidify their place in the alternative rock scene of the era.

Who is American Standard for?

American Standard works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, introspective late-night reflections and catchy hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on American Standard?

American Standard has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

American Standard

Seven Mary Three · 1995

46 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic alternative rock intertwines introspective lyrics with driving rhythms, capturing the angst of mid-90s youth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cumbersome — The album's lead single, 'Cumbersome' captures the essence of adolescent disillusionment through its haunting melodies and relatable lyrics about feeling overwhelmed by life's expectations.
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Water’s Edge — 'Water’s Edge' features an infectious chorus and showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrics, making it a memorable highlight.
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Headstrong — With its driving beat and assertive lyrics, 'Headstrong' embodies themes of resilience and determination, resonating strongly within the album's overall narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines melodic rock with introspective lyrics, capturing a specific era but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more aggressive rhythm.
Several songs utilize dynamic shifts, alternating between softer verses and louder choruses to enhance emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
introspective late-night reflections
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 5, 1995, American Standard was Seven Mary Three's second album following their debut, Chasing After Shadows. The band was in a phase of burgeoning popularity, propelled by the hit single 'Cumbersome', which helped solidify their place in the alternative rock scene of the era.
Stylistic neighbors: Fuel· Live· Collective Soul

Tracklist

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

1 Water’s Edge 3:52
2 Cumbersome 3:59
3 Roderigo 4:24
4 Devil Boy 4:24
5 My My 2:52
6 Lame 4:52
7 Headstrong 4:46
8 Anything 3:41
9 Margaret 3:42
10 Punch In Punch Out 2:47
11 Favorite Dog 6:51

What to play next

Listen next

RockCrown

1997

Go back to

Churn

1994

Full Seven Mary Three discography Artists like Seven Mary Three

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata