Released 30 years ago
Bob Mould
Bob Mould · 1996
40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of melodic hooks and energetic punk-infused guitar work, capturing a restless spirit and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Hate Alternative Rock — This track boldly critiques the very genre that propelled Mould to fame, showcasing his frustration with mainstream trends while encapsulating his signature sound.
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Anymore Time Between Start here — The opening track sets a reflective tone for the album, merging catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics that examine themes of loss and longing.
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Roll Over and Die — Closing out the album, this song combines urgency with introspective depth, illustrating Mould's ability to blend raw energy with emotional resonance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and a unique voice but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving tempo that persists through the first half, before shifting to more introspective tracks in the latter part.
- Several songs feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of urgency and restlessness.
- The lyrics often reflect personal disillusionment, with direct critiques of the music scene woven into the melodic structure.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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 emotional exploration
- introspective lyrics for deep listening
- raw energy with reflective moments
- for focused afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Mould's transition to solo work, gaining wider recognition post-Hüsker Dü.
- Themes
- mainstream disillusionment· personal loss· punk rock critique
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Bob Mould marked the artist's self-titled debut as a solo act after his influential stint with Hüsker Dü and Sugar. At this point in his career, Mould was transitioning from the success of his previous bands into a more personal exploration of sound and lyricism, setting the stage for his evolution as an independent artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hüsker Dü· Sugar· Jawbreaker
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Next Time That You Leave
The chorus shifts perspective to express regret over a relationship ending, using stark imagery that evokes feelings of abandonment.
This shift in perspective emphasizes vulnerability and creates an emotional weight that contrasts with the otherwise upbeat instrumentation.
Tracklist
- 1 Anymore Time Between Start here 5:41
- 2 I Hate Alternative Rock 2:55
- 3 Fort Knox, King Solomon 3:34
- 4 Next Time That You Leave 3:57
- 5 Egøverride 3:54
- 6 Thumbtack 4:59
- 7 Hair Stew 4:04
- 8 Deep Karma Canyon 3:01
- 9 Art Crisis 3:27
- 10 Roll Over and Die 5:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Dear You
Jawbreaker
Shares the same raw energy and introspective lyrics with a punk-infused melodic approach.
Left and Leaving
The Weakerthans
Combines personal storytelling with a punk ethos, featuring melodic hooks and reflective themes.
Diary
Sunny Day Real Estate
Explores emotional depth and disillusionment within a dynamic soundscape of punk and alternative rock.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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