What makes An Education in Rebellion by The Union Underground notable?

The album gained attention for its energetic tracks and distinctive style, charting in the Billboard 200 and solidifying The Union Underground's place within the nu metal movement. Additionally, tracks from this album found placements in various media, enhancing its cultural footprint during a time when the genre was becoming increasingly popular. Released on July 18, 2000, An Education in Rebellion marked The Union Underground's debut album, introducing their unique blend of nu metal to the burgeoning genre landscape. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity following their formation in 1997 and prior to their later works that would further define their sound.

How many songs are on An Education in Rebellion?

An Education in Rebellion has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

An Education in Rebellion

The Union Underground · 2000

34 min · 11 tracks · nu metal

Aggressive riffs intertwine with melodic hooks, creating a raw yet polished nu metal sound that encapsulates early 2000s angst.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Drivel — This track exemplifies the band's aggressive sound while showcasing their knack for catchy choruses amidst heavy instrumentals. Its relentless energy captures the essence of the album's rebellious spirit.
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South Texas Deathride — With its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, this song highlights the band's musical versatility and lyrical depth, making it a standout moment in the album.
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Revolution Man — This track serves as a rallying cry with its anthemic chorus and incisive lyrics that critique societal norms, embodying the thematic core of rebellion present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of early nu metal but lacks standout depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features heavy guitar riffs layered with melodic vocals, setting a tone of aggression and angst.
Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, such as 'South Texas Deathride,' which alternates between fast-paced verses and slower, more melodic choruses.
The final track, 'The Friend Song,' contrasts the preceding intensity with a softer arrangement, providing a notable shift in dynamics.

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

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Killing the Fly

A sudden shift in perspective occurs as the narrative voice directly confronts its own internal struggles for the first time.

This pivot offers a moment of vulnerability that contrasts with the album's otherwise aggressive tone, deepening the emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

1 ...An Education in Rebellion 1:08
2 Drivel 2:54
3 South Texas Deathride 3:24
4 Turn Me On "Mr. Deadman" 2:38
5 Until You Crack 3:28
6 Killing the Fly 3:44
7 Natural High 3:26
8 Revolution Man 3:40
9 Trip With Jesus 3:26
10 Bitter 3:53
11 The Friend Song 2:24

What to play next

Go back to

The Union Underground

1997

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nu metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata