Blackout States
Michael Monroe · 2015
42 min · 13 tracks · rock music
A gritty blend of punk-infused rock that channels both nostalgia and rebellion through vivid storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Ain’t No Love Song — Opening with a punchy riff and energetic vocals, this track sets the tone for the album’s rebellious spirit while cleverly subverting typical love song tropes.
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Blackout States — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of disillusionment and escapism, featuring a catchy chorus that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
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Goin’ Down With the Ship — This track stands out with its anthemic quality and vivid storytelling, portraying a sense of camaraderie amidst chaos that resonates throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting within a familiar punk rock framework but lacks standout cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and fast tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs feature vivid storytelling in the lyrics, often drawing on personal experiences and societal themes.
- The album employs a consistent punk rock aesthetic, with gritty production that enhances its raw sound.
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 rebellion vibes
- short tracks for quick bursts
- catchy anthems for sing-alongs
- nostalgic reflections on youth
- gritty energy for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive pieces
- seek slow, contemplative sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of 'Blackout States' in January 2015, Michael Monroe was enjoying a resurgence after his 2011 album 'Sensory Overload,' which marked his return to the spotlight. This album came during a phase of artistic exploration, showcasing Monroe's ability to fuse classic rock elements with contemporary punk influences as he continued to establish his solo career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hanoi Rocks· The Wildhearts· L.A. Guns
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Ain’t No Love Song 2:38
- 2 Old King’s Road 3:23
- 3 Goin’ Down With the Ship 4:26
- 4 Keep Your Eye on You 3:36
- 5 The Bastard’s Bash 3:57
- 6 Good Old Bad Days 3:15
- 7 R.L.F. 2:13
- 8 Blackout States 4:07
- 9 Under the Northern Lights 2:35
- 10 Permanent Youth 3:07
- 11 Dead Hearts on Denmark Street 2:45
- 12 Six Feet in the Ground 2:52
- 13 Walk Away 3:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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