What makes Freak City Soundtrack by Material Issue notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, helping to further establish Material Issue as key players in the power pop revival of the early '90s. It featured tracks that were frequently played on college radio, contributing to its cult status and influence on subsequent power pop bands. Freak City Soundtrack is Material Issue's second album, following their successful debut, International Pop Overthrow, released in 1991. By 1994, the band was solidifying its presence in the alternative rock scene, seeking to expand their sound while maintaining their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

How many songs are on Freak City Soundtrack?

Freak City Soundtrack has 11 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Freak City Soundtrack

Material Issue · 1994

35 min · 11 tracks

A vibrant blend of power pop and jangly guitars capturing youthful exuberance and the complexities of relationships.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kim the Waitress — This track exemplifies the band's knack for storytelling through catchy hooks and relatable characters, showcasing a mix of humor and yearning.
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Goin' Through Your Purse — Opening with an infectious riff, this song captures a lighthearted yet introspective take on romantic intrigue and personal discovery.
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Ordinary Girl — With its driving beat and relatable lyrics about longing for connection, this track highlights the band's ability to merge emotional depth with upbeat melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 44% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of '90s power pop with engaging melodies but lacks some cohesion in its latter half.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Goin' Through Your Purse 3:23
2 Kim the Waitress 4:57
3 Funny Feeling 3:25
4 The Fan 3:05
5 One Simple Word 2:44
6 A Very Good Thing 2:42
7 I Could Use You 4:10
8 Ordinary Girl 3:11
9 Eko Beach 2:35
10 She's Goin' Thru My Head 3:11
11 Help Me Land 1:53

What to play next

Go back to

Destination Universe

1992

Full Material Issue discography Artists like Material Issue

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