What makes Head for the Door by The Exies notable?

Head for the Door debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, showcasing the band's growing popularity in the alternative rock scene. It also featured tracks that received substantial radio play, such as Ugly, which contributed to its recognition in the post-grunge genre. The album's raw sound and lyrical themes resonated with fans during a time when grunge influences were still prevalent in rock music. Released on November 30, 2004, Head for the Door was The Exies' third studio album, following their self-titled record in 2003. At this point, the band was establishing themselves within the post-grunge movement and seeking to build on the moderate success of their previous albums. This album reflects a maturation of their sound as they navigated the evolving landscape of early 2000s rock.

How many songs are on Head for the Door?

Head for the Door has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Head for the Door

The Exies · 2004

41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A gritty blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, marked by angst-driven lyrics and powerful guitar riffs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ugly — This track encapsulates the album’s themes of alienation and self-acceptance, propelled by an infectious chorus that showcases The Exies' knack for memorable hooks.
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Slow Drain — Opening the album, this song sets a tone of introspection and urgency with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that explore personal struggles.
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What You Deserve — A standout for its emotional depth, this track combines hard-hitting instrumentals with lyrics that confront issues of betrayal and self-worth.
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Hey You — With an anthemic quality, this song offers a rallying cry against societal pressures, making it a fan favorite that exemplifies the band's message-driven approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its genre but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, while the second half introduces more melodic elements.
Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, particularly in the choruses, which enhances the anthemic quality of the songs.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

What You Deserve

The pivotal moment where the verses shift from reflection to confrontation as accusations are leveled directly at an unnamed subject.

This structural change amplifies the emotional intensity of the song, transforming it from personal lament to a powerful call-out.

Tracklist

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

1 Slow Drain 3:35
2 Splinter 3:39
3 Ugly 3:18
4 What You Deserve 3:08
5 Hey You 3:58
6 Baptize Me 3:38
7 F.S.O.S. 2:39
8 My Opinion 3:20
9 Dear Enemy 3:55
10 Tired of You 3:59
11 Normal 3:35
12 Don’t Push the River 2:54

What to play next

Listen next

A Modern Way of Living with the Truth

2007

Go back to

Inertia

2003

Full The Exies discography Artists like The Exies

alternative rock post-grunge

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata