Hurry Up and Wait
Soul Asylum · 2020
46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant mix of reflective lyrics and catchy melodies, capturing the essence of modern alternative rock with a nostalgic touch.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Beginning Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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If I Told You — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that explore vulnerability and honesty, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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Social Butterfly — With its upbeat tempo and clever wordplay, this song captures the tension between social expectations and personal authenticity, making it both relatable and engaging.
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Silent Treatment — This track features a haunting melody paired with poignant lyrics about communication breakdowns, showcasing the band's maturity and depth in songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with reflective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacks standout moments.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar riffs and harmonized vocals, creating a rich sound texture that is characteristic of alternative rock.
- The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and personal struggle, with a conversational delivery that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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, consistent energy levels
- reflective, introspective listening moods
- melodic hooks for engagement
- mid-tempo flow for relaxation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes interest in the band, showcasing their continued creativity.
- Themes
- social authenticity· communication breakdowns· nostalgic reflections
- Career context
- By the time 'Hurry Up and Wait' was released in April 2020, Soul Asylum was navigating their post-90s legacy after a lengthy hiatus since their last studio album in 2016. This release marked their return to the music scene, showcasing a blend of new influences while maintaining their signature sound that once propelled them to mainstream success in the early '90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gin Blossoms· Counting Crows· Bush
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Make Her Laugh
A key moment occurs when the narrator shifts from playful banter to a sincere confession of affection.
This transition not only adds emotional weight but also reflects the duality of lightheartedness and seriousness present throughout the album.
Tracklist
- 1 The Beginning Start here 3:55
- 2 If I Told You 3:52
- 3 Got It Pretty Good 3:17
- 4 Make Her Laugh 4:03
- 5 Busy Signals 2:55
- 6 Social Butterfly 3:52
- 7 Dead Letter 3:05
- 8 Landmines 3:14
- 9 Here We Go 3:06
- 10 Breezer Burn 3:27
- 11 Silent Treatment 4:03
- 12 Hopped Up Feelin' 3:24
- 13 <Silent> 0:04
- 14 Silly Things 3:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
After the Party
The Menzingers
Shares reflective lyrics and catchy melodies, focusing on nostalgia and the passage of time.
Dear You
Jawbreaker
Explores themes of social authenticity and communication breakdowns with a melodic punk edge.
From Here to Infirmary
Alkaline Trio
Combines introspective lyrics with vibrant melodies, echoing feelings of longing and reflection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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