What makes Angry Fist by Hi-Standard notable?

Angry Fist received critical acclaim for its fresh take on punk, contributing significantly to the growth of the Japanese punk scene in the late '90s. The album helped Hi-Standard achieve wider recognition outside Japan, influencing a generation of punk bands both domestically and internationally. Released in 1997, Angry Fist marked Hi-Standard's third studio album, solidifying their position as pioneers of Japanese punk rock. Following the success of their earlier releases, this album showcased their evolution with a more polished production while retaining their energetic ethos.

How many songs are on Angry Fist?

Angry Fist has 14 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Angry Fist

Hi-Standard · 1997

33 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk

Energetic hardcore punk anthems burst forth with youthful rebellion and a melodic edge that defines Hi-Standard's signature sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fighting Fists, Angry Soul — The opening track sets the tone with aggressive riffs and passionate vocals, encapsulating the band's raw energy and lyrical themes of defiance.
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Endless Trip — This track features a catchy melody paired with introspective lyrics, highlighting Hi-Standard's ability to blend punk aggression with emotional depth.
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The Kids Are Alright — A cover of a classic song that resonates with the band's youthful spirit, it showcases their knack for infusing classic punk vibes into their unique style.
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Gotta Pull Myself Together — With its driving beat and relatable lyrics about resilience, this track serves as a motivational anthem that exemplifies the band's message of perseverance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with melodic elements, showcasing strong hooks and dynamic shifts.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the first half.
Melodic hooks are prominent in nearly every song, often featuring sing-along choruses that invite listener participation.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between aggressive verses and more melodic choruses, creating a push-and-pull effect.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Fighting Fists, Angry Soul 2:23
2 Stop the Time 2:40
3 Endless Trip 2:18
4 My Sweet Dog 1:35
5 Shy Boy 1:59
6 My Heart Feels So Free 2:54
7 The Kids Are Alright 1:47
8 Gotta Pull Myself Together 2:26
9 Start Today 1:11
10 Sunshine Baby 2:17
11 Pathetic Man’s Song 2:24
12 Have You Ever Seen the Rain 1:46
13 The Sound of Secret Minds 2:23
14 Spread Your Sail 5:01

What to play next

Listen next

Making the Road

1999

Go back to

Growing Up

1995

Full Hi-Standard discography Artists like Hi-Standard

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata