Every Man for Himself cover

Released 20 years ago

Every Man for Himself

Hoobastank · 2006

51 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and driving guitar riffs captures the essence of early 2000s alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Born to Lead — This track stands out as an anthem of self-empowerment, featuring soaring vocals and a catchy chorus that encapsulates the band's evolution towards more assertive themes.
  • →
    Moving Forward — The song combines reflective lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, representing a pivotal moment of resilience and growth within the album's narrative.
  • →
    Good Enough — With its exploration of self-worth wrapped in melodic hooks, this track exemplifies the band's skill in blending emotional depth with accessible rock sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and a consistent mid-tempo pace, establishing an energetic opening.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with two slower tracks that shift to more introspective themes, creating a contrast with the earlier material.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 progression
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • emotional resilience themes
  • consistent flow throughout album

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2006, Every Man for Himself was Hoobastank's third studio album, following their commercially successful album, The Reason. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in sound and lyrical themes, seeking to evolve beyond the pop-punk label that had defined their earlier work.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Rules 0:52
  • 2 Born to Lead 3:48
  • 3 Moving Forward 4:27
  • 4 Inside of You 3:08
  • 5 The First of Me 5:24
  • 6 Good Enough 3:20
  • 7 If I Were You 4:18
  • 8 Without a Fight 3:20
  • 9 Don't Tell Me 4:12
  • 10 Look Where We Are 3:28
  • 11 Say the Same 4:01
  • 12 If Only 3:28
  • 13 More Than a Memory 7:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata