Released 20 years ago
Audition
P.O.S · 2006
45 min · 16 tracks · hardcore punk
A raw fusion of alternative hip-hop and hardcore punk, embodying a relentless energy and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Stand Up (Let's Get Murdered) — This track showcases P.O.S's aggressive delivery and sharp lyricism, addressing societal issues with an energetic fervor that captures the album's rebellious spirit.
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Half-Cocked Concepts — Combining catchy hooks with thought-provoking verses, this song exemplifies P.O.S's ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader cultural critiques.
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P.O.S. Is Ruining My Life — An introspective piece that reflects on the struggles of self-identity and external expectations, illustrating the album's emotional range and P.O.S's lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of hardcore punk and alternative hip-hop creates a distinctive sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a confrontational tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive punk instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
- The use of layered vocal styles, including shouted verses and melodic choruses, adds complexity to the delivery and enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- frantic energy for active listening
- short bursts of raw expression
- cathartic release through aggression
- intense moments of lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, slow-paced albums
- seek polished, mainstream production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as P.O.S's second studio album, Audition followed his debut, Ipecac Neat, which had established him in the underground scene. By this time in 2006, he was gaining recognition beyond Minneapolis, contributing significantly to the Rhymesayers Entertainment label's growing profile.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Shabazz Palaces· Run the Jewels
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Bush League Psyche-Out Stuff
The song features a moment where P.O.S confronts feelings of disillusionment directly, mixing humor with a biting critique of the music industry.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Audition Ipecac 0:19
- 2 Half-Cocked Concepts 3:45
- 3 De La Souls 3:45
- 4 Stand Up (Let's Get Murdered) 3:16
- 5 Bush League Psyche-Out Stuff 4:18
- 6 Paul Kersey to Jack Kimball 2:57
- 7 Safety in Speed (Heavy Metal) 4:17
- 8 The Kill in Me 3:22
- 9 Yeah Right (Science, Science) 1:36
- 10 Audition M.D. 0:24
- 11 P.O.S. Is Ruining My Life 3:17
- 12 Living Slighty Larger 3:28
- 13 Suicide Uma Schrantz 0:29
- 14 Bleeding Hearts Club (MPLS Chapter) 3:18
- 15 A Teddy Bear and a Tazer 3:39
- 16 Audition Mantra 3:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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