What makes Good Riddance / Ensign by Good Riddance notable?

The album is notable for its critical reception within the punk community, showcasing Good Riddance's lyrical depth while contributing to the popularity of politically charged punk music in the late 90s. It helped solidify their reputation as a band that combined melodic hardcore with thoughtful commentary, influencing a generation of punk bands that followed. Released in early 1997, this split album marked a significant moment for Good Riddance as they were transitioning from underground success to broader recognition. Following their previous album 'For God and Country', the band was solidifying their presence in the punk scene, gaining traction alongside contemporaries like NOFX and Pennywise.

How many songs are on Good Riddance / Ensign?

Good Riddance / Ensign has 4 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Good Riddance / Ensign

Good Riddance · 1997

7 min · 4 tracks · hardcore punk

A raw and aggressive fusion of hardcore punk energy with introspective lyrics that dissect personal and societal issues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What We Have — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent pace and reflective lyrics, addressing themes of identity and social responsibility.
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Salt — Clocking in at under two minutes, this track encapsulates the band's frenetic energy while critiquing societal norms with sharp lyricism.
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Tourniquet — With its intense delivery and poignant message about personal struggles, this song highlights the band's ability to blend aggression with vulnerability.

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 EP showcases strong lyrical content and energetic performances, marking a solid entry in the hardcore punk scene.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a fast-paced guitar riff that sets an aggressive tone, which is maintained through the following tracks.
Lyrically, the songs tackle personal and societal issues, with a focus on introspection and critique rather than typical punk themes.

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

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 What We Have 2:29
2 Salt 1:49
3 Tourniquet 1:44
4 Where Did We Go Wrong 1:43

What to play next

Listen next

Ballads from the Revolution

1998

Go back to

A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion

1996

Full Good Riddance discography Artists like Good Riddance

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata