Damn Right, Rebel Proud cover

Damn Right, Rebel Proud

Hank Williams III · 2008

50 min · 13 tracks · country music

A raw blend of rebellious country rock and punk-infused attitude that challenges tradition while celebrating freedom.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wild & Free — This track captures the album's spirit of independence and rebellion, showcasing Williams' signature blend of traditional country sounds with a modern punk edge.
  • →
    Candidate for Suicide — The song delves into dark themes with a candidness that stands out, juxtaposing catchy melodies against hard-hitting lyrical content that reflects real struggles.
  • →
    3 Shades of Black — As one of the album's longer tracks, it allows for deeper exploration of complex emotional states, effectively embodying the thematic weight of the entire project.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk and country with strong themes, showcasing distinct songwriting but uneven execution.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, driving rhythm in 'The Grand Ole Opry (Ain't So Grand)', setting a rebellious tone that persists throughout.
  • Tracks like 'Candidate for Suicide' and 'H8 Line' feature aggressive guitar riffs and punk influences, contrasting with traditional country elements.
  • Several songs incorporate spoken word segments or narrative lyrics, creating a storytelling aspect that challenges conventional song structures.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with climaxes
  • gritty storytelling for rebels
  • introspective moments of solitude
  • for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer polished, upbeat tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Damn Right, Rebel Proud' was released in 2008, Hank Williams III had established himself as a distinct voice in country music. This album followed his critically acclaimed work 'Straight to Hell' from 2006, further solidifying his position as an artist unafraid to push boundaries and address controversial themes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Grand Ole Opry (Ain't So Grand) 2:35
  • 2 Wild & Free 2:58
  • 3 Me & My Friends 3:12
  • 4 Six Pack of Beer 2:32
  • 5 I Wish I Knew 3:30
  • 6 If You Can't Help Your Own 3:32
  • 7 Candidate for Suicide 3:40
  • 8 H8 Line 3:12
  • 9 Long Hauls & Close Calls 2:43
  • 10 Stoned & Alone 5:27
  • 11 P.F.F. 10:01
  • 12 3 Shades of Black 4:18
  • 13 Workin' Man 3:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata