Released 20 years ago
Black Fingernails, Red Wine
Eskimo Joe · 2006
42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of melodic hooks and introspective lyrics wrapped in an energetic alternative rock sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Fingernails, Red Wine — This title track exemplifies the album's fusion of catchy melodies and reflective themes, becoming a defining song for the band's identity.
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New York — With its upbeat tempo and vivid imagery, 'New York' captures the allure of urban life while showcasing the band's knack for storytelling.
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Comfort You — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious chorus and themes of emotional support, making it a fan favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and cohesive pacing but lacks standout production elements.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued tone with softer instrumentation.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the chorus sections.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually slow down, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the energetic earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- youthful angst and nostalgia
- for evening drives
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Eskimo Joe's reputation with commercial success and radio play.
- Career context
- Released in January 2006, 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine' was Eskimo Joe's third studio album following their successful sophomore effort, 'A Song Is a City'. At this point, the band was solidifying its place in the Australian music scene and expanding its reach internationally.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Silverchair· The Temper Trap· Jebediah
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Comfort You 3:20
- 2 New York 3:52
- 3 Black Fingernails, Red Wine 4:09
- 4 Breaking Up 3:23
- 5 Setting Sun 3:52
- 6 London Bombs 3:51
- 7 Sarah 3:29
- 8 This Is Pressure 4:09
- 9 Beating Like a Drum 3:03
- 10 Reprise 1:59
- 11 Suicide Girl 3:04
- 12 How Does It Feel 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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