What makes Figure It Out by Serj Tankian notable?

Figure It Out received attention for its introspective lyrics and unique sound, contrasting with the heavier style of System of a Down. The lead single charted on various music platforms, showcasing Tankian's ability to connect with listeners outside of his band's established fanbase. Released in 2012, Figure It Out marked Serj Tankian's return to solo work following his 2007 debut album, Elect the Dead. At this point, Tankian was also known for his work with System of a Down, which had been on hiatus since 2006, allowing him to explore more personal themes and styles in his solo career.

How many songs are on Figure It Out?

Figure It Out has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Figure It Out

Serj Tankian · 2012

5 min · 2 tracks · opera

A fusion of alternative metal and pop sensibilities, driven by dynamic rhythms and Serj Tankian's distinctive vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Figure It Out — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of self-discovery and personal growth, blending catchy hooks with thought-provoking lyrics.
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Revolver (bonus track) — This bonus track features a more experimental approach, showcasing Tankian's willingness to push musical boundaries while maintaining emotional depth.

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 single showcases a mix of styles but lacks strong cohesion due to its brief length.

What we noticed

Tankian's vocal delivery shifts between melodic singing and intense shouting, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a return to solo work, showcasing Tankian's distinct sound post-System of a Down.
Themes: personal awakening· self-discovery journey· post-System introspection
Career context: Released in 2012, Figure It Out marked Serj Tankian's return to solo work following his 2007 debut album, Elect the Dead. At this point, Tankian was also known for his work with System of a Down, which had been on hiatus since 2006, allowing him to explore more personal themes and styles in his solo career.
Stylistic neighbors: System of a Down· Mike Patton· Rage Against the Machine