Gasoline cover

Gasoline

Theory of a Deadman · 2005

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A gritty blend of hard rock and alternative melodies, underscored by raw emotional vulnerability and sharp lyrical wit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Santa Monica — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about longing for escape. It became one of their most recognizable songs and a staple in their live performances.
  • →
    No Surprise — With its anthemic chorus and poignant reflections on disillusionment, this song highlights the band's ability to blend hard rock energy with introspective themes.
  • →
    Hating Hollywood Start here — Opening the album with biting social commentary, this track sets a tone of skepticism towards fame and the entertainment industry that resonates throughout the record.

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 balances energetic rock with introspective lyrics, but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several songs incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their catchiness.
  • The lyrics often blend personal narratives with social commentary, creating a contrast between upbeat instrumentals and darker lyrical themes.
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 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo anthems
  • confessional lyrics for reflection
  • gritty sound for catharsis
  • solid background for socializing
  • engaging sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking rapid tempo shifts
  • prefer instrumental over vocals

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified their sound and expanded their audience after the debut.
Themes
Hollywood disillusionment· Santa Monica longing
Career context
Released in 2005, Gasoline was Theory of a Deadman's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band sought to solidify their sound and expand their audience after gaining initial traction in the post-grunge landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Hinder· Three Days Grace· Shinedown

Tracklist

  • 1 Hating Hollywood Start here 3:26
  • 2 No Way Out 3:29
  • 3 No Surprise 3:40
  • 4 Quiver 2:52
  • 5 Santa Monica 4:07
  • 6 Better Off 2:51
  • 7 Say Goodbye 3:05
  • 8 Hello Lonely (Walk Away From This) 4:22
  • 9 Me & My Girl 3:40
  • 10 Since You’ve Been Gone 4:19
  • 11 Hell Just Ain’t the Same 1:05
  • 12 Save the Best for Last 4:15
  • 13 In the Middle 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata