Grand Bargain!
Poster Children · 2018
33 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A dynamic blend of punk energy and melodic hooks, reflecting on contemporary societal issues with biting wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Grand Bargain — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of compromise and disillusionment, featuring sharp lyrics that critique the socio-political climate.
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Devil and the Gun — This track combines urgent instrumentation with poignant lyrics about gun violence, making a powerful statement that reflects ongoing societal issues.
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Lucky Ones — With its infectious chorus and reflective verses, this song examines privilege and luck amidst adversity, balancing personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines punk energy with melodic hooks, addressing contemporary issues effectively.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
- The album's final three tracks slow down in tempo and introduce more reflective lyrics, contrasting with the earlier urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- short, punchy listening sessions
- energetic background engagement
- conversational and relatable themes
- quick bursts of excitement
- dynamic emotional shifts
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Grand Bargain!' was released in 2018, Poster Children were re-establishing their presence after a long hiatus, having last released an album in 1997. This marked their return to the studio as they embraced a modern sound while retaining their alternative rock roots, showcasing both growth and nostalgia for longtime fans.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Superchunk· The Promise Ring· Jawbreaker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Grand Bargain 3:14
- 2 Hippie Hills 3:25
- 3 Lucky Ones 3:13
- 4 World's Insane 3:09
- 5 Devil and the Gun 4:19
- 6 Better Than Nothing 2:25
- 7 Brand New Country 2:54
- 8 Better Place 2:11
- 9 Final Offense 2:42
- 10 Big Surprise 2:36
- 11 Safe Tonight 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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