How Could Hell Be Any Worse?
Bad Religion · 1982
55 min · 28 tracks · punk · melodic hardcore
Raucous melodies collide with biting lyrics, embodying the raw energy of early American punk rock.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its role in shaping the Southern California punk scene and its critique of societal norms. It received positive reviews upon release and has been credited with influencing numerous punk bands that followed, establishing a template for socially conscious lyrics paired with energetic sound.
- Best for
- quick, punchy listening sessions energetic and rebellious vibes short bursts of intensity
- Context
- Released on January 19, 1982, 'How Could Hell Be Any Worse?' marked Bad Religion's debut album. At this point, the band had just formed in Los Angeles and was eager to establish their voice in the burgeoning punk rock scene. This album set the stage for their long-lasting influence in melodic hardcore and punk music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Moby· Green Day· Beck· Neil Young· R.E.M.· Sonic Youth· Nine Inch Nails· Tori Amos
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 We’re Only Gonna Die 2:12
- 2 Latch Key Kids 1:38
- 3 Part III 1:48
- 4 Faith in God 1:50
- 5 Fuck Armageddon… This Is Hell Standout 2:48
- 6 Pity 2:00
- 7 Into the Night 3:25
- 8 Damned to Be Free 1:58
- 9 White Trash (2nd Generation) 2:21
- 10 American Dream 1:41
- 11 Eat Your Dog 1:04
- 12 Voice of God Is Government Standout 2:54
- 13 Oligarchy 1:01
- 14 Doing Time 3:00
- 15 Bad Religion 1:49
- 16 Politics 1:21
- 17 Sensory Overload 1:31
- 18 Slaves 1:20
- 19 Drastic Actions 2:36
- 20 World War III 0:54
- 21 Yesterday 2:39
- 22 Frogger 1:19
- 23 Bad Religion 2:10
- 24 Along the Way 1:35
- 25 New Leaf 2:53
- 26 Bad Religion 1:46
- 27 Slaves 1:07
- 28 Drastic Actions 2:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.