Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem
Bad Astronaut · 2002
47 min · 14 tracks · independent music
A blend of raw emotion and melodic punk energy, infused with introspective lyrics and a touch of melancholy.
Top tracks — play these first
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These Days — Opening with a poignant reflection on life's transience, this track sets the emotional tone for the album and showcases the band's lyrical depth.
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Disarm — A cover of The Smashing Pumpkins' classic, Bad Astronaut's version reinterprets the song's themes of vulnerability and despair through their unique sound.
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Off the Wagon — This track encapsulates the struggle with addiction and self-awareness, featuring a catchy chorus that contrasts its serious subject matter.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends melodic punk with introspective lyrics, creating a relatable yet uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich sound texture, particularly in the choruses.
- Lyrically, the album frequently employs conversational phrasing, making the themes of personal struggle feel immediate and relatable.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- melancholy melodies for introspective vibes
- mid-tempo flow for easy listening
- confessional lyrics provoke deep thought
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem is Bad Astronaut's second album, following their debut, Acrophobe. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the independent music scene while exploring deeper thematic elements, showcasing a growth from their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Album Leaf· Explosions in the Sky· Sigur Rós
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 These Days 4:17
- 2 Clear Cutting 1:40
- 3 Single 3:01
- 4 Break Your Frame 3:20
- 5 Disarm 4:26
- 6 Not a Dull Moment 2:36
- 7 You Deserve This 3:05
- 8 If I Had a Son 3:52
- 9 Solar Sister 3:18
- 10 Off the Wagon 3:09
- 11 Another Dead Romance 3:29
- 12 Killers and Liars 3:04
- 13 Our Greatest Year 3:44
- 14 The Passenger 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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