Infected
Bad Religion · 1994
19 min · 7 tracks · punk rock
A raw blend of melodic hardcore and punk energy that critiques modern society with relentless intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Incomplete (BBC Radio One session) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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21st Century Digital Boy — This track embodies the band's critique of consumerism and existential angst, resonating with listeners amidst the rapid technological changes of the era.
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Stranger Than Fiction — The song showcases Bad Religion's signature fast-paced melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting on the absurdity of life in a rapidly changing world.
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Infected — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of societal infection through catchy riffs and poignant lyrics, making it a standout representation of their message.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of high energy
- catchy anthems for sing-alongs
- quick hits of youthful rebellion
- front-loaded excitement with urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want slower, contemplative tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped popularize melodic hardcore and received significant attention for its themes.
- Themes
- 21st century consumerism· technological disillusionment· societal infection
- Career context
- Released in 1994, Infected marked Bad Religion's return after a brief hiatus following their previous album, Recipe for Hate. This album showcased their continued evolution in sound while maintaining the socio-political edge that defined their earlier work. It was a pivotal moment as they solidified their place within the punk rock landscape of the '90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Stranger Than Fiction
The shift from abstract commentary to a personal reflection on identity challenges conventional perceptions throughout this track.
The juxtaposition between societal critique and personal introspection deepens the impact of the song, allowing listeners to connect more intimately with its themes.
Tracklist
- 1 Incomplete (BBC Radio One session) Start here 2:29
- 2 The Handshake (KROQ radio) 2:41
- 3 Recipe for Hate (KROQ radio) 2:08
- 4 Infected (BBC Radio One session) 3:22
- 5 21st Century Digital Boy (MTV's Most Wanted) 2:52
- 6 Stranger Than Fiction (KROQ radio) 2:13
- 7 Struck a Nerve (KROQ radio) 3:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
About Time
Pennywise
Shares the same raw energy and socio-political themes, with melodic hooks and punk intensity.
Black Sails in the Sunset
AFI
Combines melodic punk with dark lyrical themes, reflecting societal discontent and emotional depth.
Revolutions per Minute
Rise Against
Offers a similar blend of melodic hardcore and social critique, with anthemic choruses and urgent energy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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