Dirty Work cover

Dirty Work

All Time Low · 2011

55 min · 16 tracks · pop rock

Breezy pop-punk anthems blend catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and carefree summer nights.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Do You Want Me (Dead?) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    I Feel Like Dancin’ — This track exemplifies the album's upbeat energy with its infectious chorus and party-centric themes, marking a departure into more playful territory for the band.
  • →
    Time‐Bomb — The song combines catchy melodies with relatable lyrics about uncertainty and change, making it a standout representation of the band's evolving sound.
  • →
    Guts — Guts captures a raw emotional honesty, tackling themes of vulnerability and self-doubt, contrasting sharply with the more upbeat tracks on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic pop-punk elements with introspective lyrics, appealing to its target audience but lacking standout depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating an engaging dynamic between the lead vocals and backing parts.
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
5/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • lighthearted background enjoyment
  • short bursts of engagement
  • uplifting, motivational vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Followed a commercial breakthrough, solidifying their growing popularity.
Themes
post-high school uncertainty· summer party escapism· anxiety in relationships
Moods
Chill· Uplifting
Career context
Released on June 6, 2011, Dirty Work was All Time Low's fourth studio album and followed the commercial breakthrough of their previous record, Nothing Personal. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a rising pop-punk band to mainstream recognition, marked by increased production value and broader lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Paramore· Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy

Tracklist

  • 1 Do You Want Me (Dead?) Start here 2:45
  • 2 I Feel Like Dancin’ 3:00
  • 3 Forget About It 2:49
  • 4 Guts 3:17
  • 5 Time‐Bomb 3:30
  • 6 Just the Way I’m Not 3:17
  • 7 Under a Paper Moon 3:01
  • 8 Return the Favor 3:40
  • 9 No Idea 4:23
  • 10 A Daydream Away 4:12
  • 11 That Girl 3:12
  • 12 Heroes 3:25
  • 13 Get Down on Your Knees and Tell Me You Love Me 3:00
  • 14 My Only One 4:22
  • 15 Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass 3:19
  • 16 Weightless (live at Best Buy) 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata