What makes Black Tape by The Explosion notable?

Black Tape received positive critical acclaim and helped to elevate The Explosion's profile within the punk rock community. The album's single, Here I Am, gained notable airplay on alternative radio, contributing to the band's growing fanbase and presence in the underground punk scene. Released in 2004, Black Tape was The Explosion's sophomore album, following their debut, Flash Flash Flash. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the punk rock scene, showcasing a matured sound while still retaining the explosive energy that characterized their earlier work.

How many songs are on Black Tape?

Black Tape has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Black Tape

The Explosion · 2004

37 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and gritty introspection, driven by raw vocals and relentless rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deliver Us — The opening track sets an urgent tone with its fast-paced instrumentation and poignant lyrics about seeking change, effectively drawing listeners into the album's themes.
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Here I Am — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and accessible energy, making it one of the most memorable songs on the album and a staple at live shows.
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We All Fall Down — The song showcases a more reflective side of the band with its introspective lyrics paired with driving rhythms, capturing the essence of struggle and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic punk with introspective themes, showcasing solid songwriting and performance.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, establishing a consistent punk rock sound.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Mothers Cry,' which shifts to a slower, more introspective pace before returning to faster rhythms.
The album's lyrics often reflect personal struggles and societal issues, creating a contrast between the frenetic music and the weighty themes.

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

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 Deliver Us 1:42
2 Filthy Insane 3:08
3 Here I Am 2:47
4 I Know 3:34
5 We All Fall Down 2:57
6 Mothers Cry 3:14
7 Atrocity 3:20
8 Go Blank 3:21
9 No Revolution 2:46
10 Heavyweight 3:24
11 Grace 3:40
12 Hollywood Sign 3:06

What to play next

Listen next

Bury Me Standing

2012

Go back to

Steal This

2000

Full The Explosion discography Artists like The Explosion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata