Is How It Goes a good place to start with Big D and the Kids Table?

Yes, How It Goes is recommended as a starting point for new Big D and the Kids Table listeners. Energetic ska rhythms fuse with punk’s raw edge, creating a vibrant and irreverent soundtrack for youthful rebellion. Released in 2004, How It Goes marked Big D and the Kids Table's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Good Luck. The album solidified their place within the ska punk scene, showcasing their evolution in sound while maintaining their signature high-energy performances.

Who is How It Goes for?

How It Goes works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing exploration.

How many songs are on How It Goes?

How It Goes has 20 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

How It Goes

Big D and the Kids Table · 2004

76 min · 20 tracks · ska punk

Energetic ska rhythms fuse with punk’s raw edge, creating a vibrant and irreverent soundtrack for youthful rebellion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Sounds of Allston Village Start here — This opener captures the essence of the album with its infectious energy and vivid storytelling about local life, setting a relatable tone.
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Girls Against Drunk Bitches — A standout track that tackles issues of gender dynamics with humor and bite, reflecting the band's knack for blending social commentary with catchy tunes.
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My Girlfriend’s on Drugs — This track combines personal narrative with an upbeat ska tempo, showcasing the band's ability to infuse serious themes into playful music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Energetic ska rhythms and punk edge create a vibrant sound, but cohesion dips with varied pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining this pace through the first half before introducing slower, more introspective songs.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing vocals, creating an interactive feel.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the energetic opening.
The instrumentation prominently features brass sections throughout, which are integral to the ska sound and add a vibrant texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing exploration
introspective moments of reflection

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its energetic ska-punk sound and live staples.
Themes: Allston Village nightlife· gender dynamics humor
Career context: Released in 2004, How It Goes marked Big D and the Kids Table's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Good Luck. The album solidified their place within the ska punk scene, showcasing their evolution in sound while maintaining their signature high-energy performances.
Stylistic neighbors: Reel Big Fish· Less Than Jake· Streetlight Manifesto