What makes Big Soul by The Original Sins notable?

Big Soul garnered critical acclaim upon its release, earning praise for its raw energy and clever songwriting. The album helped solidify The Original Sins' place in the punk rock movement of the late '80s, influencing subsequent bands and contributing to the genre's evolution during that era. Released in 1987, Big Soul was The Original Sins' debut album, establishing them as a formidable presence in the American punk rock scene. This release followed their formation in 1985 and came at a time when the band was transitioning from local gigs to wider recognition, showcasing their distinct sound and lyrical maturity.

How many songs are on Big Soul?

Big Soul has 18 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Big Soul

The Original Sins · 1987

58 min · 18 tracks · punk rock

Energetic punk rock infused with melodic hooks and lyrical introspection that captures the restless spirit of the late '80s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Just 14 — This opening track sets a vibrant tone with its punchy riffs and relatable themes of youthful angst, making it an anthem for a generation.
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Not Gonna Be All Right — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song encapsulates the band's knack for blending emotional depth with upbeat melodies.
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My Mother's Mirror — This track stands out through its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, offering a poignant reflection on identity and familial relationships.
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The Party's Over Now — Closing the album with a sense of resignation, this track combines a slower tempo with sharp commentary on fleeting moments of joy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 29% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with melodic elements and introspective lyrics, establishing a solid debut.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter half.
Several tracks feature prominent melodic hooks that contrast with the raw punk instrumentation, creating a dynamic sound.
Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of introspection and personal struggle, adding depth to the energetic music.

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: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Just 14 4:01
2 Not Gonna Be All Right 3:13
3 Can't Feel a Thing 3:33
4 Possession 3:23
5 All in My Head 3:52
6 Your Way 3:51
7 My Mother's Mirror 2:34
8 Road to Emmaus 2:22
9 The Party's Over Now 3:15
10 Help Yourself 2:50
11 Read Your Mind 3:15
12 Why Don't You Smile, Joan? 2:58
13 Inside Out 4:15
14 Big Soul 3:24
15 I Want to Live 3:19
16 Sugar Sugar 3:49
17 Route 66 1:31
18 The Time Keeper 2:55

What to play next

Listen next

The Hardest Way

1989

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