Ballads from the Revolution
Good Riddance · 1998
33 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk
A raw and urgent collection of politically charged punk anthems that resonate with a sense of rebellious hope.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fertile Fields — This track opens the album with a punchy rhythm and incisive lyrics addressing environmental issues, setting the tone for the political themes explored throughout.
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State Control — A rapid-fire critique of authority and governance, this song embodies the band's hardcore roots while delivering a powerful message about personal freedom.
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Holding On — This track merges introspective lyrics with melodic hooks, illustrating the balance between personal struggles and broader societal issues, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines raw energy with politically charged lyrics, making it a notable entry in punk's exploration of social themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, maintaining this intensity through the first half before introducing slower tempos in the latter tracks.
- Lyrically, the songs often feature direct political commentary, with verses structured to emphasize urgency and rebellion.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the anthemic quality of the music and engaging listeners.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- short bursts of raw energy
- politically charged urgency
- rebellious spirit in every track
- engaging sing-along anthems
- quick reflections on social issues
Maybe skip if you
- preference for longer tracks
- seeking mellow, laid-back vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Ballads from the Revolution is Good Riddance's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Rebellion. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the hardcore punk scene, blending personal themes with broader socio-political commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Strike Anywhere· Rise Against· Pennywise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fertile Fields 2:08
- 2 Sacrifice 1:19
- 3 State Control 1:23
- 4 Jeannie 2:09
- 5 Salt 1:49
- 6 Choices Made 1:16
- 7 Not With Him 2:10
- 8 Understood 1:48
- 9 Waste 1:59
- 10 Slowly 2:30
- 11 Without Anger 1:33
- 12 Holding On 2:12
- 13 Eversmile 1:10
- 14 I.S.Y.L. 2:37
- 15 Years From Now / [untitled] 7:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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