What makes Bivouac by Jawbreaker notable?

Bivouac received critical acclaim upon release and is often cited as a significant influence on later emo and punk bands. The album helped Jawbreaker gain a dedicated fanbase and further established them as pioneers in blending punk rock with emotional depth. Released in 1992, Bivouac was Jawbreaker's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Dear You. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation within the punk rock scene while exploring deeper lyrical themes and more complex musical structures.

How many songs are on Bivouac?

Bivouac has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Bivouac

Jawbreaker · 1992

55 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

Melodic punk rock infused with introspective lyrics and dynamic arrangements that capture youthful angst and emotional turmoil.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chesterfield King — This track showcases the band's ability to mix catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about disillusionment, embodying the album's exploration of youthful frustrations.
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P.S. New York Is Burning — With its urgent tempo and vivid imagery, this song captures a sense of urgency and despair, reflecting the chaotic atmosphere of early '90s urban life.
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Bivouac — The title track stands out for its expansive length and intricate composition, serving as a culmination of the album's themes of searching for identity amidst chaos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Bivouac blends energetic punk with introspective lyrics, marking a significant step in Jawbreaker's evolution.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving tempo on 'Shield Your Eyes' and maintains a consistent energy level through the first half.
Lyrically, tracks like 'P.S. New York Is Burning' feature introspective themes that reflect personal and societal struggles.
The final track, 'Bivouac', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the pace significantly compared to earlier songs.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Shield Your Eyes 3:12
2 Big 5:08
3 Chesterfield King 3:57
4 Sleep 4:08
5 Donatello 3:05
6 Face Down 3:08
7 P.S. New York Is Burning 5:10
8 Like a Secret 4:13
9 Tour Song 4:41
10 You Don’t Know… 2:37
11 Pack It Up 2:53
12 Parabola 3:08
13 Bivouac 10:06

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata