What makes Even If and Especially When by Screaming Trees notable?

This album marked Screaming Trees' entrance into the alternative rock scene, preceding their later success during the early '90s grunge explosion. Though not commercially successful at the time, its influence helped pave the way for future grunge acts, contributing to the genre's evolution and popularity. Released in 1987, Even If and Especially When was Screaming Trees' debut album, introducing their blend of grunge and hard rock to the music scene. At this time, the band was still on the rise, having formed just three years prior in 1984, but they were beginning to carve out a niche within the burgeoning Seattle sound.

Who is Even If and Especially When for?

Even If and Especially When works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective lyrics for quiet times and gritty soundscapes for evening drives.

How many songs are on Even If and Especially When?

Even If and Especially When has 12 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Even If and Especially When

Screaming Trees · 1987

36 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Raw and melodic, the album merges grunge's heavy riffs with neo-psychedelic elements and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Transfiguration — The opening track sets a powerful tone with its driving rhythm and haunting vocals, encapsulating the raw energy that defines the album.
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Cold Rain — This track showcases a poignant balance between heavy instrumentation and melancholic lyrics, illustrating the band's emotional depth.
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In the Forest — Closing the album, this song features an atmospheric build-up that captures Screaming Trees' unique blend of psychedelia and grunge, leaving a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of grunge and psychedelic elements, establishing a distinct sound for its time.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy guitar riff in 'Transfiguration' that sets a raw tone, which is maintained through the first half.
Tracks like 'Cold Rain' and 'Girl Behind the Mask' feature layered vocal harmonies that contrast with the gritty instrumentation.
The final track, 'In the Forest', concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

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

Influence 3/10

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 reflective moments
introspective lyrics for quiet times
gritty soundscapes for evening drives
short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1987, Even If and Especially When was Screaming Trees' debut album, introducing their blend of grunge and hard rock to the music scene. At this time, the band was still on the rise, having formed just three years prior in 1984, but they were beginning to carve out a niche within the burgeoning Seattle sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Stone Temple Pilots