What makes Heartworm by Whipping Boy notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its emotive lyrics and innovative sound, which helped solidify Whipping Boy's place in the '90s Irish rock movement. It achieved significant recognition, including a nomination for Best Album at the 1996 Irish Music Awards, which underscored its cultural impact in shaping alternative rock in Ireland. Heartworm is Whipping Boy's debut album, marking their entry into the alternative rock scene during a time when Irish music was gaining international attention. Released in 1995, it followed a period of local success and showcases the band's distinctive sound that would influence the Irish rock landscape in the years to come.

How many songs are on Heartworm?

Heartworm has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 31 years ago this October

Heartworm

Whipping Boy · 1995

44 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of jagged guitars and haunting melodies, encapsulating the tumult of youth and disillusionment.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Honeymoon Is Over — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and poignant lyrics that explore themes of love and loss, capturing the essence of youthful idealism fading into reality.
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Blinded — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, this song delves into feelings of confusion and emotional turmoil, making it a pivotal moment on the album.
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When We Were Young — This track embodies nostalgia through its reflective lyrics and melodic structure, perfectly representing the album's exploration of memory and lost innocence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw energy with emotional depth, showcasing distinctive songwriting and cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a raw tone, followed by a gradual shift to more introspective pieces as it progresses.
The use of jagged guitar riffs is consistent, often layered with haunting melodies that evoke feelings of disillusionment.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Twinkle 5:01
2 When We Were Young 2:52
3 Tripped 3:45
4 The Honeymoon Is Over 3:38
5 We Don’t Need Nobody Else 4:17
6 Blinded 3:54
7 Personality 4:28
8 Users 3:53
9 Fiction 3:25
10 Morning Rise / A Natural 9:08

What to play next

Listen next

Whipping Boy

2000

Go back to

Submarine

1992

Full Whipping Boy discography Artists like Whipping Boy

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata