What makes Crimson by Alkaline Trio notable?

Crimson debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Alkaline Trio's status in mainstream music while receiving critical acclaim from outlets like Alternative Press. The album's darker tones and introspective lyrics influenced a wave of emo and punk bands that emerged in the mid-2000s, cementing its legacy within those communities. Released on May 24, 2005, Crimson marked Alkaline Trio's fifth studio album and their first with Vagrant Records after leaving Kung Fu Records. This album followed the commercial success of Good Mourning and showcased a shift towards deeper lyrical themes and more polished production, reinforcing their place in the pop-punk and emo scenes.

Crimson works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Crimson?

Crimson has 13 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Crimson

Alkaline Trio · 2005

42 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with sharp, introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's punk roots and emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Time to Waste — Opening with an infectious melody, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of regret and longing, encapsulating the emotional weight carried throughout.
→
Mercy Me — This song stands out with its haunting chorus and poignant reflection on personal struggle, showcasing the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with serious themes.
→
Dethbed — A standout narrative piece that tells a story of mortality and reflection, it exemplifies the band's lyrical storytelling prowess while resonating emotionally with listeners.
→
Sadie — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this track captures a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting the band's knack for creating relatable yet complex emotional landscapes.

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 blends emotional depth with punk roots, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar melodies that build tension before resolving into more straightforward choruses.
Lyrically, the album frequently employs vivid imagery and personal narratives, with multiple tracks featuring repeated phrases for emphasis.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
melancholic reflective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition after leaving Kung Fu Records, debuting at number 24 on Billboard.
Career context: Released on May 24, 2005, Crimson marked Alkaline Trio's fifth studio album and their first with Vagrant Records after leaving Kung Fu Records. This album followed the commercial success of Good Mourning and showcased a shift towards deeper lyrical themes and more polished production, reinforcing their place in the pop-punk and emo scenes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Wonder Years· Brand New· Taking Back Sunday