How to Ruin Everything
Face to Face · 2002
46 min · 15 tracks · punk rock
A raw blend of melodic hooks and aggressive punk energy that captures youthful disillusionment and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing — This track's incisive lyrics critique superficiality and betrayal, exemplifying the album's exploration of trust and deception with an energetic punk sound.
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The New Way — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song encapsulates the struggle for self-identity amidst societal expectations, making it a standout anthem.
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How to Ruin Everything — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, blending personal reflection with a sharp critique of life's complications in a direct and engaging manner.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic punk with melodic hooks, showcasing growth while maintaining a raw edge.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied pacing.
- Several tracks feature dual vocal harmonies that emphasize the lyrical themes of disillusionment and introspection.
- 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
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, punchy listening bursts
- thoughtful, reflective moments
- youthful angst and rebellion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Face to Face released How to Ruin Everything in 2002, they were transitioning from their earlier work into a more mature sound. This album marked their first release after a brief hiatus following the 1999 album Reactionary, showcasing a renewed focus on personal themes and lyrical introspection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pennywise· NOFX· Bad Religion
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bill of Goods 2:46
- 2 The Take-Away 2:47
- 3 14 Hours 2:20
- 4 A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing 3:07
- 5 The New Way 3:35
- 6 The World in Front of You 2:44
- 7 Why Would I Lie? 2:46
- 8 Unconditional 3:14
- 9 Shoot the Moon 3:20
- 10 Graded on a Curve 3:43
- 11 Fight or Flight 3:06
- 12 Waiting to be Saved 3:18
- 13 Double Standard 2:42
- 14 The Compromise 3:31
- 15 How to Ruin Everything 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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