An Elefant Never Forgets cover

An Elefant Never Forgets

The Herd · 2003

65 min · 16 tracks · Australian hip-hop

A vibrant blend of jazzy instrumentals, sharp social commentary, and infectious grooves that define Australian hip-hop's early 2000s landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Burn Down the Parliament — This track stands out for its bold political stance and catchy hook, encapsulating the band's ethos of activism through music. Its raw energy and incisive lyrics make it a rallying cry against governmental issues.
  • →
    The Plunderers — Opening with a compelling narrative about exploitation, this track showcases The Herd’s ability to weave storytelling with social critique, setting the tone for the entire album.
  • →
    77% — '77%' combines introspective lyrics with a smooth beat, highlighting personal struggles amidst broader societal themes. Its reflective nature balances the more aggressive tracks.

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 showcases engaging social themes with varied instrumentation but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier energy and allowing for introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • infectious grooves for social gatherings
  • sharp commentary with playful energy
  • dynamic pacing that keeps engaging
  • vibrant sounds for afternoon chill
  • cathartic release through rhythmic flow

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, contemplative albums
  • want straightforward, single-focused tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2003, An Elefant Never Forgets is The Herd's debut album, marking their entry into the Australian hip-hop scene. At this point, they were establishing themselves after forming in 2001, leveraging their distinct sound to differentiate from mainstream acts.
Stylistic neighbors
Hilltop Hoods· Bliss n Eso· Urthboy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Burn Down the Parliament

    The verses shift from personal grievances to collective frustrations about governance and authority.

    This transition amplifies the urgency of the message and encourages listeners to connect individual experiences with broader societal issues.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Plunderers 4:05
  • 2 State of Transit 3:49
  • 3 Burn Down the Parliament 3:54
  • 4 Superweeds 4:01
  • 5 Urban Lady Saloon 3:06
  • 6 77% 4:42
  • 7 Hunter’s Theme 5:19
  • 8 The Afterparty Brigade 3:02
  • 9 The World Keeps Turning 4:27
  • 10 Hell 4:03
  • 11 When You Thought Nothing Was Happening 3:08
  • 12 Croissant Para Zwei Na Cvrtek 4:58
  • 13 High Seas 4:09
  • 14 LG 5:14
  • 15 Taki Taki 4:21
  • 16 Ray of Sun 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata