What makes Bricks Are Heavy by L7 notable?

Bricks Are Heavy is notable for featuring the hit single Pretend We're Dead, which became an anthem for disaffected youth and received significant airplay on alternative rock radio. The album's critical reception highlighted its blend of punk and grunge elements, helping solidify L7's position in the 90s rock landscape and influencing subsequent female-fronted bands. Released in 1992, Bricks Are Heavy was L7's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a niche within the burgeoning alternative rock and grunge scenes, gaining attention for their unapologetic feminist themes and high-energy performances.

Who is Bricks Are Heavy for?

Bricks Are Heavy works well if you're into steady energetic flow throughout, fierce empowerment for listeners and short bursts of intensity.

How many songs are on Bricks Are Heavy?

Bricks Are Heavy has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Bricks Are Heavy

L7 · 1992

37 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Raw guitars and fierce vocals channel a chaotic energy, merging punk rock's immediacy with grunge's weighty introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pretend We're Dead — This track captures the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and sharp lyrics, becoming a defining hit that encapsulates the disillusionment of a generation.
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Shitlist — A powerful expression of anger and frustration, this song showcases L7's ability to confront societal issues head-on with relentless energy.
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Wargasm — Opening the album with a fierce intensity, Wargasm sets the tone for the rest of the record, combining aggressive riffs with biting commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with grunge introspection, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Vocals often alternate between melodic hooks and fierce shouting, creating a contrast that enhances the emotional intensity of the tracks.
Several songs feature abrupt transitions between sections, contributing to a sense of chaos and unpredictability throughout the record.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 energetic flow throughout
fierce empowerment for listeners
short bursts of intensity
for rebellious moods

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, mellow sounds
seek lengthy atmospheric pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1992, Bricks Are Heavy was L7's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a niche within the burgeoning alternative rock and grunge scenes, gaining attention for their unapologetic feminist themes and high-energy performances.
Stylistic neighbors: Bikini Kill· Hole· Veruca Salt