Handcream for a Generation
Cornershop · 2002
60 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant mix of indie rock and eclectic influences, merging catchy hooks with thoughtful social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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Heavy Soup — Opening with energetic instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's playful yet politically charged spirit, inviting listeners into its unique sound world.
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Wogs Will Walk — This track stands out for its bold critique of racial stereotypes wrapped in an infectious groove, demonstrating Cornershop's ability to blend humor with serious commentary.
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People Power — An anthem for social change, the song balances upbeat melodies with powerful lyrics about collective action, reflecting the band's commitment to activism through music.
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Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III — This track cleverly uses pop culture references to explore themes of perseverance and victory, showcasing Cornershop's wit and narrative style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic influences and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, 'Heavy Soup', that sets a vibrant tone before shifting to more eclectic influences in subsequent tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III', which features abrupt tempo changes and layered instrumentation.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- catchy hooks with thoughtful commentary
- playful irreverence and vibrant energy
- short bursts of eclectic creativity
- engaging tracks for social reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, serious music
- want long, continuous soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Handcream for a Generation' was released in 2002, Cornershop had already achieved significant recognition with their hit single 'Brimful of Asha.' This album marked their fourth studio release, coming after a four-year hiatus since their previous work, 'When I Was Born for the 7th Time,' showcasing a matured sound that blends diverse musical styles and cultural references.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Beta Band· Gogol Bordello· Beastie Boys
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Heavy Soup 3:22
- 2 Staging the Plaguing of the Raised Platform 4:35
- 3 Music Plus 1 4:46
- 4 Lessons Learned From Rocky I to Rocky III 4:24
- 5 Wogs Will Walk 4:53
- 6 Motion the 11 5:45
- 7 People Power 3:54
- 8 Sounds Super Recordings 1:30
- 9 The London Radar 4:07
- 10 Spectral Mornings 14:24
- 11 Slip the Drummer One 3:41
- 12 Heavy Soup (outro) 2:12
- 13 Bonus Track 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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