What makes Bend to the Breaks by Five O'Clock Heroes notable?

Bend to the Breaks received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its infectious melodies and lyrical wit. The album helped the band gain traction in the indie rock community, leading to increased visibility and performances at prominent festivals during the mid-2000s. Released in 2006, Bend to the Breaks is the sophomore album from Five O'Clock Heroes, following their debut album, My M.O. (2004). At this point in their career, they were solidifying their sound and gaining recognition within the indie rock scene, aiming to build on their initial momentum with more refined production and songwriting.

How many songs are on Bend to the Breaks?

Bend to the Breaks has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Bend to the Breaks

Five O'Clock Heroes · 2006

40 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of upbeat indie rock with catchy hooks and clever lyrics that embody youthful exuberance and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Head Games — The opening track sets the energetic tone for the album with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics about romantic mischief.
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Corporate Boys — This track critiques materialism with a catchy chorus, encapsulating the band's knack for blending social commentary with pop sensibility.
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Skin Deep — With its introspective lyrics and melodic depth, this song showcases the band's ability to balance upbeat instrumentals with thoughtful themes.
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Got to Give It Up — Closing out the album, this track features a reflective tone that contrasts with earlier high-energy songs, providing emotional weight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features engaging melodies and varied tempos but lacks standout production or lasting depth.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo with driving rhythms, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the sense of interaction and energy.
Lyrically, the album balances clever wordplay with relatable themes, often shifting from light-hearted to introspective within individual tracks.

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

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Head Games 2:40
2 Anybody Home 3:17
3 Time on My Hands 3:03
4 Run to Her 3:25
5 Want Your Number 3:22
6 Good Lovers 3:40
7 Skin Deep 2:50
8 Corporate Boys 3:55
9 Stay the Night 2:41
10 White Girls 3:01
11 In Control 2:35
12 Got to Give It Up 5:46

What to play next

Listen next

Speak Your Language

2008

Full Five O'Clock Heroes discography Artists like Five O'Clock Heroes

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata