Belongs to the Dead cover

Released 20 years ago

Belongs to the Dead

Tigers Jaw · 2006

24 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Raw, melodic emo intertwines with indie rock sensibilities, creating a sound both urgent and introspective.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Danielson — Opening with a driving rhythm and earnest vocals, 'Danielson' encapsulates the youthful angst that permeates the album while showcasing the band's melodic strengths.
  • →
    Cannonball — 'Cannonball' features a catchy hook paired with poignant lyrics about disillusionment, illustrating the band’s ability to blend vulnerability with engaging melodies.
  • →
    Stungun — 'Stungun' stands out for its frenetic pace and raw emotion, making it a quintessential track that captures the urgency of teenage experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100
Lowland
Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of energetic and introspective tracks, reflecting its early emo influences.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving tempos and layered guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
  • Tracks five through seven introduce a more subdued dynamic with softer vocals and slower instrumentation.
  • The final track is an extended outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • short bursts of raw emotion
  • intense moments of catharsis
  • for quick listening breaks
  • energetic anthems for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive tracks
  • seek polished, refined production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2006, Belongs to the Dead was Tigers Jaw's debut album, marking their entry into the emo scene. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity and sound, paving the way for their future work and influence within the genre.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Danielson 2:55
  • 2 Okay Paddy 2:24
  • 3 HEAT 1:33
  • 4 Jet Alone 2:43
  • 5 Stungun 3:26
  • 6 Cannonball 2:41
  • 7 Colorful 3:07
  • 8 The Sun 2:39
  • 9 It's About Killing People 1:39
  • 10 The Times Tower Belongs to the Dead 1:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata