Intolerance cover

Intolerance

Grant Hart · 1989

39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of melodic alternative rock with introspective lyrics and unexpected sonic shifts throughout its ten tracks.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    All of My Senses — The opening track sets the tone with its expansive instrumentation and introspective lyrics, encapsulating themes of perception and awareness that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Twenty‐five Forty‐one — This track features a catchy melody paired with a poignant narrative, highlighting Hart's skill in blending personal storytelling with accessible songwriting.
  • →
    You're the Victim — With its driving rhythm and biting lyrics, this song stands out for its commentary on victimhood and societal expectations, showcasing Hart's ability to tackle complex themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and sonic shifts, establishing a distinct sound while maintaining cohesive themes.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong melodic hook in 'All of My Senses' and maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace through the first half.
  • Tracks feature unexpected shifts in instrumentation, such as the transition from guitar-driven sections to piano-led moments, particularly evident in 'Fanfare in D Major (Come, Come)'.
  • The final track, 'Reprise', serves as a reflective conclusion that revisits themes from earlier songs, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • introspective moments of quiet reflection
  • unexpected sonic shifts throughout tracks
  • short bursts of melodic energy
  • late-night contemplative listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable songs
  • want longer immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on December 12, 1989, Intolerance was Grant Hart's first solo album after the breakup of Hüsker Dü, marking a significant transition in his career. This album followed his role as drummer and songwriter in the influential punk band, showcasing his evolution as a solo artist exploring more personal themes and diverse musical styles.
Stylistic neighbors
Bob Mould· Pavement· Sonic Youth

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Now That You Know Me

    The perspective shifts from introspection to direct address, creating an intimate connection with the listener.

    This choice to engage directly alters the emotional landscape of the song, making it feel more personal and urgent.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 All of My Senses 5:56
  • 2 Now That You Know Me 3:56
  • 3 Fanfare in D Major (Come, Come) 3:49
  • 4 The Main 4:06
  • 5 Twenty‐five Forty‐one 4:47
  • 6 Roller-Rink 4:25
  • 7 You're the Victim 3:17
  • 8 Anything 3:30
  • 9 She Can See the Angels Coming 3:47
  • 10 Reprise 1:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata