What makes Become What You Are by Juliana Hatfield notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, with many praising Hatfield's songwriting and authenticity. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and featured the hit single 'My Sister,' which helped define the sound of early 90s alternative rock and influenced a generation of female artists in the genre. Become What You Are was Juliana Hatfield's second album, released in 1993 after her debut, Hey Babe. At this point, she had already established herself as a significant voice in the alternative rock scene, particularly as a member of the band Blake Babies. This album solidified her solo career and showcased her unique songwriting style, marked by personal themes and catchy melodies.

Who is Become What You Are for?

Become What You Are works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, catchy hooks for sing-alongs and introspective lyrics with warmth.

How many songs are on Become What You Are?

Become What You Are has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Become What You Are

Juliana Hatfield · 1993

40 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A raw blend of gritty guitar riffs and candid lyrics that capture youthful angst and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
My Sister — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of sibling relationships, characterized by a catchy melody and relatable lyrics about familial connection and conflict.
→
Supermodel — With its sharp critique of beauty standards and fame, this track captures the era's zeitgeist while showcasing Hatfield's clever lyrical wit.
→
Spin the Bottle — This song uses playful imagery to convey themes of youth and romantic uncertainty, making it an anthem for those navigating adolescence.
→
For the Birds — The track blends introspective lyrics with a melodic structure that reflects feelings of disillusionment, representing Hatfield's knack for balancing earnestness with catchiness.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and a mix of energetic and introspective tracks, reflecting youthful themes.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a softer, more introspective tone.
The album closes with two tracks that slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.

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: 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
introspective lyrics with warmth
for casual afternoon listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer sprawling musical explorations

Where this album fits

Career context: Become What You Are was Juliana Hatfield's second album, released in 1993 after her debut, Hey Babe. At this point, she had already established herself as a significant voice in the alternative rock scene, particularly as a member of the band Blake Babies. This album solidified her solo career and showcased her unique songwriting style, marked by personal themes and catchy melodies.
Stylistic neighbors: Liz Phair· Veruca Salt· The Breeders