Five Lessons Learned
Swingin' Utters · 1998
38 min · 15 tracks · punk rock
A raw and energetic blend of punk melodies infused with introspective lyrics that reflect on life's challenges and experiences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Five Lessons Learned — The title track encapsulates the album's theme by delivering punchy rhythms paired with sharp lyrics that examine the lessons learned through hardship.
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This Bastard’s Life — This track stands out for its raw honesty and driving beat, presenting a powerful narrative about life's struggles that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Unpopular Again — With its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about feeling marginalized, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend humor with social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and energetic performances but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a fast tempo with aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective tracks.
- Several songs feature dual vocal harmonies that create a sense of camaraderie and urgency in the delivery.
- The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, addressing personal struggles and societal observations across multiple tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- quick bursts of energetic anthems
- confessional themes for introspection
- for spontaneous gatherings
- sing-along moments with friends
- short tracks for quick listens
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive experiences
- seek slow, reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Five Lessons Learned marked Swingin' Utters' fourth studio album, solidifying their position within the punk rock scene after the success of their previous album, The Stupidest Thing. This record came at a time when the band was exploring deeper lyrical themes while maintaining their signature sound, showcasing a maturation in both their musical approach and songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- No Use for a Name· Lagwagon· Pennywise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Five Lessons Learned 1:55
- 2 Tell Me Lies 2:09
- 3 A Promise to Distinction 2:08
- 4 The Stooge 3:27
- 5 Picture’s Perfect 2:37
- 6 This Bastard’s Life 3:05
- 7 As You Start Leaving 2:44
- 8 I Need Feedback 3:27
- 9 Good People 2:18
- 10 As Sure As I’m Down 2:01
- 11 Untitled 21 2:36
- 12 Unpopular Again 3:16
- 13 New Day Rising 1:49
- 14 Two Jacks Shitty 1:43
- 15 Fruitless Fortunes 2:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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