...Is a Real Boy
Say Anything · 2004
82 min · 20 tracks · emo
An eclectic mix of pop-punk energy and introspective emo lyrics wrapped in quirky, theatrical arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alive With the Glory of Love — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its poignant narrative about love during wartime, balancing heartache with an anthemic chorus.
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Woe — The song showcases Max Bemis's lyrical prowess with its introspective examination of self-doubt and societal pressures, set against an engaging melodic backdrop.
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Every Man Has a Molly — This track features clever wordplay and genre-blending elements that highlight the band's quirky style while addressing themes of identity and relationships.
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Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too — With its catchy hooks and playful lyrics, this song exemplifies the album's balance between humor and sincerity while tackling themes of sexuality and vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic mix and lyrical depth contribute to its distinctiveness within the emo genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of tempos, with tracks alternating between frenetic pop-punk energy and slower, introspective moments.
- Lyrical themes often shift abruptly from humorous to deeply personal, creating a dynamic emotional landscape throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt key changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
- 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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7/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experiences
- introspective and reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2004, Say Anything was establishing their presence in the emo scene with ...Is a Real Boy, their second album following their debut, Baseball. This release marked a significant leap in both lyrical depth and musical complexity, showcasing lead singer Max Bemis's unique storytelling abilities and personal struggles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· The Wonder Years· Taking Back Sunday
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Want to Know Your Plans
The narrator shifts from expressing longing to asking directly about future intentions reveals a vulnerability that’s rare in typical love son…
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Belt 4:59
- 2 Woe 3:55
- 3 The Writhing South 4:46
- 4 Alive With the Glory of Love 4:15
- 5 Yellow Cat (Slash) Red Cat 5:18
- 6 The Futile 2:45
- 7 Spidersong 3:57
- 8 An Orgy of Critics 3:55
- 9 Every Man Has a Molly 3:05
- 10 Slowly, Through a Vector 4:40
- 11 Chia‐Like, I Shall Grow 4:56
- 12 I Want to Know Your Plans 5:12
- 13 Admit It!!! 6:12
Disc 2
- 1 Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too 3:00
- 2 Little Girls 3:54
- 3 Most Beautiful Plague 4:53
- 4 It’s a Metaphor Fool 2:52
- 5 Total Revenge 3:27
- 6 Metal Now 2:44
- 7 I Will Never Write an Obligatory Song About Being on the Road and Missing Someone 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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