An American Paradox
Strung Out · 2002
41 min · 13 tracks · punk rock
A frenetic blend of melodic hardcore and skate punk that captures youthful rebellion through raw energy and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cult of the Subterranean — This track exemplifies the album's energetic spirit with its rapid tempo and biting social critique, encapsulating the band's ability to blend aggression with melody.
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An American Paradox — The title track serves as a poignant exploration of American identity and disillusionment, merging powerful lyrics with anthemic instrumentation that defines the record's thematic core.
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Satellite — With its intricate guitar work and reflective lyrics, this song balances personal struggle against a broader societal backdrop, highlighting Strung Out's lyrical depth amidst their punk roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic compositions with socially relevant themes but lacks cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, establishing the album's punk rock intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short, impactful listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experiences
- thought-provoking introspective moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2002, An American Paradox is Strung Out's fourth studio album, following their 1998 album, Twisted by Design. At this point, the band had established themselves within the punk rock scene, building a loyal fanbase and refining their signature sound that fused melodic elements with hardcore intensity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- No Use for a Name· Lagwagon· Pennywise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Velvet Alley 3:02
- 2 Kill Your Scene 2:09
- 3 Alien Amplifier 2:36
- 4 Cult of the Subterranean 2:59
- 5 Lubricating the Revolution 1:49
- 6 The Kids 3:01
- 7 Unkoil 4:54
- 8 Contender 2:13
- 9 Satellite 3:56
- 10 An American Paradox 2:36
- 11 Dig 2:54
- 12 Razor Sex 2:56
- 13 Cemetery 6:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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