Good Luck cover

Good Luck

Big D and the Kids Table · 1999

42 min · 15 tracks · ska punk

A frenetic blend of upbeat ska rhythms and punk energy, bursting with youthful exuberance and catchy melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Myself Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    5 Kids Down — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its rapid tempo and catchy chorus, capturing the carefree essence of youth and rebellion.
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    Fatman — With its infectious hook and humorous lyrics, 'Fatman' showcases the band's playful approach to songwriting while addressing body image issues in a lighthearted way.
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    G.L.D. — 'G.L.D.' stands out for its driving rhythm and anthemic quality, making it a fan favorite that exemplifies the vibrant energy of ska punk.
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    Learning To Listen — This track combines introspective lyrics with upbeat instrumentation, illustrating the band’s ability to balance serious themes with an engaging musical style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic ska-punk with strong brass elements and engaging vocal dynamics, appealing to its genre's audience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the latter part.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing harmonies, creating an interactive feel.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • quick bursts of energetic fun
  • danceable rhythms for gatherings
  • sharp wit and clever lyrics
  • steady progression with peaks
  • great for upbeat road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, reflective music
  • dislike high-energy environments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish their reputation in the ska punk scene.
Themes
Boston ska scene· body image humor
Career context
Released as Big D and the Kids Table's second album, 'Good Luck' marked a significant step in their evolution from local Boston ska-punk favorites to a recognized name in the genre. Following their debut album, they embraced a more polished sound while maintaining their energetic live performance aesthetic.

Tracklist

  • 1 Myself Start here 2:33
  • 2 5 Kids Down 2:15
  • 3 G.L.D. 2:01
  • 4 Are You Just Scared? 1:45
  • 5 Fatman 3:17
  • 6 She Won't Ever Figure It Out 2:26
  • 7 Take Another Look 2:36
  • 8 Find Out 4:22
  • 9 Can't Be Caught 2:55
  • 10 I'd Rather 2:44
  • 11 Apology 0:51
  • 12 Dirt Lip 2:34
  • 13 Learning To Listen 2:04
  • 14 51 Gardner 5:21
  • 15 Good Luck 4:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata