What makes Back with a Bong by Murphy's Law notable?

'Back with a Bong' is notable for its unapologetic celebration of youth culture and substance use, contributing to the broader acceptance of progressive themes within punk rock. The album received significant attention in the underground scene and has since influenced numerous punk bands who embraced similar irreverence in their music. By the time 'Back with a Bong' was released in January 1989, Murphy's Law had already established themselves in the hardcore punk scene with their self-titled debut album from 1986. This record served as a follow-up that solidified their reputation for high-energy performances and a unique blend of humor and punk ethos.

How many songs are on Back with a Bong?

Back with a Bong has 13 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Back with a Bong

Murphy's Law · 1989

29 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk

A raucous blend of hardcore punk energy and irreverent humor, encapsulating the wild spirit of late '80s underground music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Panty Raid — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of humor and punk aggression, using cheeky lyrics to challenge social norms while maintaining a catchy rhythm.
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Quest for Herb — The song captures the carefree nature of youthful rebellion with its lighthearted take on stoner culture, showcasing the band's ability to mix serious themes with playful melodies.
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America Rules — 'America Rules' delivers a sharp critique wrapped in an anthemic sound, reflecting both patriotic fervor and ironic commentary typical of the era's punk scene.

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 album captures the essence of late '80s hardcore punk with humor and energy, though it doesn't break new ground musically.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a chaotic tone, immediately followed by high-energy songs that rarely drop below fast tempos.
Several tracks feature humorous lyrics and playful themes, such as 'Attack of the Killer Beers' and 'Quest for Herb', which contribute to the album's irreverent spirit.
The last three tracks maintain a consistent energy level but incorporate varying musical elements, such as ska influences in 'Ska Song', adding diversity to the sound.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Quest for Herb

The chorus shifts from playful banter about seeking out good times to a more reflective tone on personal freedom.

This shift in tone presents a juxtaposition between carefree enjoyment and deeper implications of autonomy, illustrating the duality often found in punk music.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 1:41
2 Panty Raid 2:56
3 Yahoo 1:46
4 Attack of the Killer Beers 2:40
5 Cavity Creeps 1:24
6 Ska Song 2:20
7 Quest for Herb 2:37
8 America Rules 1:30
9 Rage 2:04
10 Wall of Death 1:43
11 Secret Agent SKIN 2:01
12 Push Comes To Shove 2:03
13 Bong 4:33

What to play next

Listen next

The Best of Times

1991

Go back to

Murphy's Law

1986

Full Murphy's Law discography Artists like Murphy's Law

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata