Here Come the Runts cover

Here Come the Runts

Awolnation · 2018

45 min · 14 tracks · electronic rock

A vibrant fusion of electronic rock and pop anthems that pulses with infectious energy and catchy hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Miracle Man — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics that explore themes of self-discovery and resilience. Its anthemic quality encapsulates the album's spirit of empowerment.
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    Cannonball — With its energetic beat and punchy lyrics, Cannonball captures the essence of youthful exuberance and spontaneity. The track exemplifies Awolnation's ability to create infectious hooks that resonate with listeners.
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    Table for One — This song offers a poignant contrast to the album's more upbeat tracks, delving into themes of solitude and introspection through its haunting melody. It showcases the band's versatility in balancing lightheartedness with deeper emotional exploration.
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    Here Come the Runts Start here — The title track serves as an anthemic introduction to the album, setting a tone of resilience and determination. Its dynamic arrangement reflects the band's signature style while inviting listeners into their evolving narrative.

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 album blends energetic electronic rock with introspective moments, but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving beats and layered synths, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, creating a dynamic interaction between the lead vocals and backing harmonies.
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 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with energetic peaks
  • sing-along anthems for gatherings
  • pulsating rhythm for active listening
  • introspective moments between anthems

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, steady tempos
  • seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid catalog entry that showcases a blend of influences but lacks mainstream breakout status.
Themes
self-discovery journey· solitude in crowds
Career context
Here Come the Runts is Awolnation's third studio album, following the commercially successful Run in 2015. At this point in their career, the band aimed to blend more diverse influences while maintaining their signature sound, reflecting a desire for artistic evolution. The album showcases a matured approach to songwriting and production as they navigated their growing fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Imagine Dragons· Bastille· X Ambassadors

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Table for One

    The verse shifts perspective to describe personal struggles with loneliness, emphasizing an internal dialogue rarely explored in previous songs.

    This moment introduces a vulnerable side of the artist, contrasting sharply with the overall upbeat nature of the album.

Tracklist

  • 1 Here Come the Runts Start here 3:19
  • 2 Passion 3:21
  • 3 Sound Witness System 2:22
  • 4 Miracle Man 3:23
  • 5 Handyman 3:22
  • 6 Jealous Buffoon 3:09
  • 7 Seven Sticks of Dynamite 4:06
  • 8 A Little Luck… and a Couple of Dogs 0:30
  • 9 Table for One 4:39
  • 10 My Molasses 3:32
  • 11 Cannonball 3:09
  • 12 Tall, Tall Tale 2:57
  • 13 The Buffoon 1:53
  • 14 Stop That Train 6:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata