Broke cover

Broke

Hed PE · 2000

54 min · 12 tracks · nu metal

A chaotic blend of rap, metal, and punk that channels youthful angst through aggressive instrumentals and sharp lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Killing Time — This opening track sets a frenetic pace with its urgent riffs and biting lyrics that encapsulate the album’s themes of frustration and existential dread.
  • →
    Feel Good — With its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against darker lyrical content, this track exemplifies Hed PE's ability to blend conflicting emotions within a single song.
  • →
    Bartender — A standout for its catchy chorus and storytelling, this track highlights the band's knack for engaging narratives about coping with life's struggles.
  • →
    Jesus (of Nazareth) — This closing track takes a bold stance on spirituality and personal belief, featuring deep introspection alongside heavy musicality that leaves a lasting impact.

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 combines aggressive instrumentals with introspective lyrics, marking a solid entry in the nu-metal genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid-fire rapping, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the early part of the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Boom (How You Like That)', which shifts from a heavy verse to a melodic chorus.
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

  • steady mid-tempo energy throughout
  • angsty reflections on disillusionment
  • cathartic release for frustrations
  • for group sing-alongs
  • consistent pacing for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer soft, mellow sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Gained wider recognition and showcased a shift in lyrical depth.
Career context
Released on August 22, 2000, 'Broke' was Hed PE's third studio album, following their self-titled debut and the sophomore effort, 'Blackout.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place in the nu-metal scene, building on the success of their earlier works while experimenting with new sounds and lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Korn· Limp Bizkit· Linkin Park

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Killing Time 3:56
  • 2 Waiting to Die 3:16
  • 3 Feel Good 4:15
  • 4 Bartender 4:01
  • 5 Crazy Legs 4:28
  • 6 Pac Bell 4:54
  • 7 I Got You 3:44
  • 8 Boom (How You Like That) 3:57
  • 9 Swan Dive 3:36
  • 10 Stevie 3:33
  • 11 Jesus (of Nazareth) 5:36
  • 12 The Meadow / [vocal track outtakes] 9:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata