Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Gimme the Keys Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Book of Bad Decisions — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reckless abandon and self-reflection, driven by tight instrumentation and memorable hooks.
-
→
Spirit of ’76 — This track channels nostalgic energy through its lively rhythm and evocative lyrics, celebrating freedom and rebellion.
-
→
Emily Dickinson — Offering a narrative twist, this song explores the juxtaposition of literary themes with a heavy groove, showcasing Clutch's lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic rock with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Clutch's signature style.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between the lead vocals and instrumental sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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 groove throughout
- swaggering anthems for road trips
- introspective moments amid grit
- sing-along choruses with friends
- vibrant energy for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, atmospheric pieces
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Well-received by fans for its blend of storytelling and rock energy.
- Themes
- reckless abandon· Spirit of '76 nostalgia· literary rebellion
- Career context
- By the time 'Book of Bad Decisions' was released in 2018, Clutch had solidified their status as a stalwart of the rock scene, marking their 12th studio album. This project followed their successful 2013 album 'Earth Rocker', which had received widespread acclaim and showcased a renewed vigor in their sound. With this release, Clutch continued to evolve while remaining true to their distinctive style.
Tracklist
- 1 Gimme the Keys Start here 3:32
- 2 Spirit of ’76 3:38
- 3 Book of Bad Decisions 3:22
- 4 How to Shake Hands 3:51
- 5 In Walks Barbarella 3:49
- 6 Vision Quest 3:18
- 7 Weird Times 3:09
- 8 Emily Dickinson 5:05
- 9 Sonic Counselor 3:27
- 10 A Good Fire 3:43
- 11 Ghoul Wrangler 4:27
- 12 H.B. Is in Control 3:01
- 13 Hot Bottom Feeder 3:34
- 14 Paper & Strife 3:01
- 15 Lorelei 5:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Turn Blue
The Black Keys
Shares a raw, blues-infused rock sound with clever lyrical narratives and infectious grooves.
Victorious
Wolfmother
Delivers hard-hitting rock anthems with a nostalgic vibe and energetic instrumentation akin to Clutch.
How Did We Get So Dark?
Royal Blood
Captures a similar gritty energy and dynamic songwriting, merging hard rock with bluesy undertones.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.