What makes Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do by Fokofpolisiekar notable?

This album is notable for its bold political commentary during a time of significant social change in South Africa. It received critical acclaim within the local music scene and helped solidify Fokofpolisiekar's influence on subsequent generations of South African musicians, contributing to the rise of Afrikaans rock. Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do is Fokofpolisiekar's third studio album, released after they had become a significant force in the South African rock scene. By 2009, the band was well-known for their unapologetic lyrics and energetic performances, following their previous albums that established their reputation and fanbase.

How many songs are on Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do?

Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do has 18 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do

Fokofpolisiekar · 2009

60 min · 18 tracks · rock music

Raw, confrontational rock energy meets sharp, politically charged lyrics in a powerful reflection of South Africa's social landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand — This track encapsulates the band's fierce edge and confrontational style, reflecting on consequences with a catchy yet aggressive sound.
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Die Grootste Gaping — A standout song that explores themes of societal division and personal struggle, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotive lyrics with driving instrumentals.
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Brand Suid-Afrika — With its provocative title and urgent tone, this track critiques national identity and politics, making it a pivotal anthem for discontent among youth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw energy with politically charged lyrics, reflecting its cultural context effectively.

What we noticed

The album opens with a self-titled track that sets a confrontational tone, featuring aggressive guitar riffs and urgent vocals.
Many tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand', which shifts from high-energy verses to slower, reflective choruses.
The final track, 'Ek Skyn (Heilig)', concludes the album with a more subdued arrangement, providing a contrast to the preceding intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Die Grootste Gaping

The verses shift from personal reflections to broader social observations, creating a bridge between individual pain and collective struggle.

This structural choice amplifies the emotional weight by linking personal experiences to larger societal issues, enhancing the song's impact.

Tracklist

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

1 Fokofpolisiekar 2:37
2 As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand 2:24
3 Maak Of Braak 2:24
4 Tygerberg Vliegtuig 2:51
5 Sporadies Nomadies 3:55
6 Hemel Op Die Platteland 2:38
7 Die Grootste Gaping 4:12
8 Bid Vir My 3:18
9 Vernietig Jouself 1:57
10 Monoloog In Stereo 4:01
11 Vasbeslote Korporasie (Deel 2) 3:48
12 Lugsteuring 3:51
13 Tevrede? 4:17
14 Die Illusie Van Veiligheid 4:13
15 Brand Suid-Afrika 3:20
16 Antibiotika 2:50
17 Wintersdag By Die Seer 4:01
18 Ek Skyn (Heilig) 3:48

What to play next

Listen next

Forgive Them For They Suck K*k

2013

Go back to

Swanesang

2006

Full Fokofpolisiekar discography Artists like Fokofpolisiekar

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata