Break Like the Wind cover

Break Like the Wind

Spinal Tap · 1992

49 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

A satirical romp through rock tropes, blending heavy riffs with absurd humor and playful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Bitch School — This track encapsulates the band's satirical take on rock culture, delivering hilarious lyrics about a fictional institution for aspiring rock stars. Its catchy riff and tongue-in-cheek delivery exemplify Spinal Tap’s signature humor.
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    The Majesty of Rock — With grandiose instrumentals and over-the-top lyrics, this song parodies the self-importance often found in rock anthems, making it a memorable highlight of the album. Its blend of sincerity and sarcasm showcases the band's comedic prowess.
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    Christmas With the Devil — This track cleverly combines holiday themes with rock excess, creating a unique festive anthem that stands out in both the comedy and music genres. Its irreverent approach to Christmas traditions has made it an enduring fan favorite.
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    Diva Fever — A humorous critique of celebrity culture, this track uses exaggerated melodies and witty lyrics to lampoon the obsession with fame. It's emblematic of Spinal Tap’s ability to blend social commentary with lighthearted fun.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album cleverly blends hard rock with humor, showcasing strong riffs and playful lyrics while maintaining a cohesive satirical theme.

What we noticed

  • The album features heavy guitar riffs paired with comedic lyrics that parody rock clichés, evident in tracks like 'Bitch School' and 'Christmas With the Devil.'
  • Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as transitioning from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic interludes.
  • The use of exaggerated vocal delivery and theatrical instrumentation enhances the satirical tone throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful humor with absurdity
  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • catchy anthems for sing-alongs
  • lighthearted tracks for laughter

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, introspective themes
  • want deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 1992, 'Break Like the Wind' is Spinal Tap's first studio album since their cult classic film 'This Is Spinal Tap' in 1984. At this point, the band was attempting to revive their comedic musical style while capitalizing on their legacy as a fictional rock band. The album marks a significant moment in their career as they sought to reestablish relevance in an ever-evolving music industry.
Stylistic neighbors
Tenacious D· Weezer· The Darkness

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bitch School 2:50
  • 2 The Majesty of Rock 3:55
  • 3 Diva Fever 3:06
  • 4 Just Begin Again 4:53
  • 5 Cash on Delivery 3:03
  • 6 The Sun Never Sweats 4:23
  • 7 Rainy Day Sun 3:42
  • 8 Break Like the Wind 4:35
  • 9 Stinkin' Up the Great Outdoors 2:50
  • 10 Springtime 4:02
  • 11 Clam Caravan 3:37
  • 12 Christmas With the Devil 4:33
  • 13 Now Leaving on Track 13 2:08
  • 14 All the Way Home 2:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata