What makes Hip Today by Extreme notable?

Hip Today gained attention for its bold themes, particularly in tracks like There Is No God, which tackled controversial subjects that led to discussions about censorship in rock music. Though it did not achieve the same mainstream success as previous records, it demonstrated Extreme's willingness to push boundaries and defined their legacy within the funk metal scene. Released in 1995, Hip Today marked a transitional phase for Extreme following the commercial success of their album Pornograffitti. This project arrived as the band was navigating changes in the music landscape, blending their signature glam metal sound with more experimental influences as they sought to evolve beyond their earlier hits.

How many songs are on Hip Today?

Hip Today has 4 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Hip Today

Extreme · 1995

18 min · 4 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant clash of funk-infused grooves and hard rock energy, showcasing the band's eclectic style and playful attitude.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hip Today (edit) — The title track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit while exploring themes of societal norms and expectations through an upbeat and catchy arrangement.
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There Is No God (edit) — This track stands out for its provocative lyrics that challenge religious beliefs, reflecting the band's penchant for tackling taboo topics with unapologetic bravado.
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When I’m President (live) — The live version captures the band's dynamic stage presence and humor, showcasing their ability to engage audiences while delivering sharp social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases energetic compositions but lacks strong cohesion due to its varied styles and live elements.

What we noticed

The live track 'When I’m President' introduces audience interaction, contrasting with the studio recordings and adding a different dynamic.
The final track, 'Strutter', is a cover that shifts the mood to a classic rock vibe, providing a notable change in style.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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: Deep Cut — A transitional release with bold themes, but not a primary entry or significant breakthrough.
Themes: societal expectations· religious critique· political satire
Career context: Released in 1995, Hip Today marked a transitional phase for Extreme following the commercial success of their album Pornograffitti. This project arrived as the band was navigating changes in the music landscape, blending their signature glam metal sound with more experimental influences as they sought to evolve beyond their earlier hits.
Stylistic neighbors: Mr. Big· Faith No More· Racer X

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

There Is No God (edit)

The verses progressively build a case against organized religion by directly addressing contradictions in beliefs without holding back on criticism.

This confrontational approach marks a significant departure from typical lyrical content in rock at the time, highlighting Extreme's fearlessness in challenging societal norms.