What makes Grippe by Jawbox notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release, noted for its innovative blend of punk energy and melodic complexity. It has been influential within the post-hardcore movement, paving the way for subsequent bands in the genre and earning a place on numerous 'best-of' lists in alternative music. Grippe marks Jawbox's debut album, released in 1991 when they were emerging from the Washington, D.C. punk scene. The band was transitioning from local gigs to a broader audience, establishing their distinctive sound that would influence the post-hardcore genre.

How many songs are on Grippe?

Grippe has 16 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Grippe

Jawbox · 1991

44 min · 16 tracks · post-hardcore

Dynamic post-hardcore rhythms interweave with intricate melodies, creating an intense and emotionally charged atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Freezerburn — Opening with a driving rhythm and tense lyrics, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of emotional conflict and personal struggle.
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Grip — This track showcases the band's signature dynamic shifts, juxtaposing quiet introspection with explosive bursts of sound, embodying the essence of post-hardcore.
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Ballast — At under two minutes, this song delivers concise emotional intensity, demonstrating Jawbox's ability to convey depth within a compact structure.
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Tools and Chrome — With its intricate guitar work and layered vocals, this track exemplifies the band's skill in blending melody with raw energy, marking a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Grippe showcases innovative songwriting and a blend of intensity and melody, marking a significant entry in post-hardcore.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and dynamic drumming, while the second half introduces more melodic elements.
The album includes moments of quiet introspection, contrasting with its more intense sections, which adds to the emotional weight of the music.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Freezerburn 3:39
2 Impossible Figure 2:54
3 Tools and Chrome 2:31
4 Paint Out the Light 2:28
5 Consolation Prize 3:29
6 Grip 3:34
7 Ballast 1:47
8 Something Must Break 2:33
9 Green-Line Delayed 3:33
10 Bullet Park 2:40
11 Manatee Bound 3:41
12 Footbinder 1:54
13 Tools & Chrome 2:26
14 Secret History 2:21
15 Ballast 1:55
16 Twister 2:32

What to play next

Listen next

Novelty

1992

Go back to

Jawbox

1990

Full Jawbox discography Artists like Jawbox

post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata