What makes Icon for Hire by Icon for Hire notable?

The album received positive critical reception and peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart, highlighting its commercial viability. Additionally, it cemented Icon for Hire's place within the emo genre and influenced subsequent acts with its blend of pop and rock sensibilities. Upon its release in 2013, Icon for Hire was the band's self-titled debut album, following their successful EP 'Scripted' released in 2011. This album marked a significant moment as they transitioned from independent releases to a major label debut, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.

Who is Icon for Hire for?

Icon for Hire works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, introspective lyrics with energy and catchy hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Icon for Hire?

Icon for Hire has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Icon for Hire

Icon for Hire · 2013

42 min · 12 tracks · emo

Emotive melodies intertwine with raw, confessional lyrics over driving rock instrumentals, defining a fresh sound in the emo landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cynics & Critics — This track sets the tone for the album with its anthemic chorus and sharp critiques of societal expectations, encapsulating the band's rebellious spirit.
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Sugar & Spice — With its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, this song explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, resonating deeply with the youth audience.
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Fix Me — A standout ballad that showcases vulnerability, this track highlights emotional struggles and invites listeners into a personal narrative of healing and hope.

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

The album features strong melodies and varied vocal styles but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a driving pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Vocals often alternate between melodic singing and aggressive delivery, creating dynamic contrasts within individual tracks.
Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and synths intertwining to build an emotive atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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

steady mid-tempo engagement
introspective lyrics with energy
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
afternoon drive soundtrack
emotional release through rhythm

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
seek long pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon its release in 2013, Icon for Hire was the band's self-titled debut album, following their successful EP 'Scripted' released in 2011. This album marked a significant moment as they transitioned from independent releases to a major label debut, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Paramore· Tonight Alive· We Are the In Crowd