What makes Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms notable?

Hey Jealousy was a commercial success, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track gained substantial radio play, becoming a staple of 1990s alternative rock and eventually earning a spot on various best-of lists for the decade. Released in 1993, Hey Jealousy is the debut album from Gin Blossoms, arriving after the band's formation in 1987. This record marked a significant step forward, showcasing their blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt songwriting that would define their sound and boost them into mainstream recognition.

How many songs are on Hey Jealousy?

Hey Jealousy has 4 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Hey Jealousy

Gin Blossoms · 1993

14 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic alternative rock intertwines jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing the bittersweet essence of youthful longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hey Jealousy — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability with its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics.
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Cajun Song — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, demonstrating the band's ability to marry lightheartedness with serious undertones.
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Just South of Nowhere — With its reflective tone and vivid storytelling, this song showcases the band's knack for creating poignant narratives that resonate with listeners.

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 strong melodies and varied arrangements but lacks deep cohesion across its brief runtime.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that drives the melody, while the verses employ a more subdued arrangement.
The second track introduces a different tempo with a laid-back groove, contrasting with the energetic opener.
The final two tracks shift towards a more introspective tone, with softer instrumentation and reflective lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established the band's reputation with a significant commercial success.
Career context: Released in 1993, Hey Jealousy is the debut album from Gin Blossoms, arriving after the band's formation in 1987. This record marked a significant step forward, showcasing their blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt songwriting that would define their sound and boost them into mainstream recognition.
Stylistic neighbors: The Rembrandts· Toad the Wet Sprocket· Counting Crows