Guilty cover

Guilty

The Rasmus · 2004

11 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A polished blend of alternative and pop rock, weaving emotional melodies with anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Guilty — The title track exemplifies the album's sound, featuring haunting melodies and anthemic hooks that encapsulate themes of regret and longing.
  • →
    Play Dead — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and darker lyrical content, showcasing the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional narratives.
  • →
    Used to Feel Before — With its reflective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, this song captures the album's introspective side while maintaining a catchy, melodic structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The single showcases polished production and emotional depth but remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Guilty' opens with a strong, anthemic chorus that sets a high energy level for the single.
  • Each track features layered instrumentation, with prominent guitar riffs and synth elements that enhance the emotional tone.
  • The lyrics across all three tracks explore themes of regret and introspection, creating a cohesive lyrical narrative.
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
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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked a transition for The Rasmus, increasing visibility in Europe and globally.
Themes
inner turmoil· guilt and longing
Career context
By the time 'Guilty' was released in 2004, The Rasmus had already established themselves in the Finnish music scene with their previous albums. This album marked a transition as it followed their breakthrough success with 'Dead Letters,' showcasing a refined sound aimed at broader international appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
HIM· Placebo· 30 Seconds to Mars

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Guilty 3:41
  • 2 Play Dead 3:52
  • 3 Used to Feel Before 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata