And the Horse They Rode In On
Soul Asylum · 1990
42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Raw guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, delivering a gritty yet melodic exploration of resilience and disillusionment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spinnin’ Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Bitter Pill — The track's infectious energy and introspective lyrics encapsulate the band's struggle between optimism and reality, making it a standout anthem of perseverance.
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Nice Guys (Don’t Get Paid) — With its compelling narrative and catchy chorus, this song critiques societal expectations while showcasing Soul Asylum's signature blend of humor and melancholy.
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Veil of Tears — This track features haunting melodies paired with poignant lyrics that delve into themes of loss and longing, highlighting the emotional depth of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong guitar work and introspective lyrics but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a driving pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar riffs that create a dense sound, while the vocals deliver introspective and sometimes disillusioned lyrics.
- The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable drop in tempo, allowing for a more reflective mood as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- short, punchy listening sessions
- reflective and introspective moods
- energetic yet contemplative vibes
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their place in alternative rock, following their earlier success.
- Themes
- societal disillusionment· gritty urban struggle· introspective resilience
- Career context
- Released in early 1990, 'And the Horse They Rode In On' was Soul Asylum's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Hang Time.' At this point, the band was gaining traction in the alternative rock scene, setting the stage for their later commercial success with 'Grave Dancer's Union.'
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gin Blossoms· Counting Crows· Bush
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Grounded
The bridge shifts perspective dramatically as it confronts feelings of entrapment, creating a moment of vulnerability amidst a backdrop of powerful instrumenta…
This structural choice amplifies the song's message about personal struggles, marking a pivotal turning point within the narrative.
Tracklist
- 1 Spinnin’ Start here 2:37
- 2 Bitter Pill 2:49
- 3 Veil of Tears 4:06
- 4 Nice Guys (Don’t Get Paid) 4:45
- 5 Something Out of Nothing 3:15
- 6 Gullible’s Travels 4:18
- 7 Brand New Shine 3:15
- 8 Easy Street 3:34
- 9 Grounded 3:17
- 10 Be on Your Way 3:01
- 11 We 3 4:08
- 12 All the King’s Friends 3:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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