As Ugly as They Wanna Be cover

As Ugly as They Wanna Be

Ugly Kid Joe · 1991

25 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

A raucous blend of hard rock and funk metal, echoing the carefree spirit of early '90s alternative music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everything About You — This track became a defining hit for the band, showcasing their signature blend of humor and hard rock energy while addressing themes of unrequited love.
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    Too Bad — With its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about regret, this song highlights the band's ability to fuse heavy riffs with accessible melodies.
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    Madman — Opening the EP with its aggressive guitar riffs and frenetic energy, this track sets a bold tone that encapsulates the chaotic spirit of the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases energetic tracks with playful themes but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate playful lyrics and irreverent themes, which contribute to the overall carefree vibe of the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • front-loaded energetic intensity
  • playful irreverence throughout tracks
  • quick bursts of humor
  • short, engaging party vibes

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of long epics
  • prefer slow, introspective sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
As Ugly as They Wanna Be was Ugly Kid Joe's debut EP, released in 1991 when the band was still establishing their identity. This collection set the stage for their breakout single, 'Everything About You', which helped them gain significant attention in the burgeoning alternative scene.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Madman 3:37
  • 2 Whiplash Liquor 3:40
  • 3 Too Bad 5:54
  • 4 Everything About You 4:14
  • 5 Sweet Leaf / Funky Fresh Country Club 7:32
  • 6 Heavy Metal 0:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata