What makes It Hurts by Angels & Airwaves notable?

'It Hurts' received notable airplay on various alternative rock stations and contributed to the band's growing reputation for ambitious music and thematic depth. The accompanying live track, 'The Gift', further showcased the band's dynamic live performance capabilities during a time of increasing interest in their sonic explorations. In 2006, Angels & Airwaves released 'It Hurts' as a standalone single following their debut album, 'We Don't Need to Whisper.' This release came at a time when the band was establishing their identity apart from Blink-182, marking a pivotal moment in their evolution towards a more atmospheric and philosophical sound.

How many songs are on It Hurts?

It Hurts has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

It Hurts

Angels & Airwaves · 2006

9 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal soundscapes blend with soaring melodies, creating an expansive atmosphere that captures the essence of longing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It Hurts — This title track encapsulates the band's signature blend of emotional lyrics and expansive instrumentation, serving as both an anthem of vulnerability and resilience.
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The Gift (live) — The live rendition highlights the band's energetic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, emphasizing the communal experience of their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong emotional themes and solid production but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The single features a slow build-up with layered guitar effects that create an expansive soundscape, leading into a soaring chorus.
The vocal delivery is emotionally charged, with a focus on sustained notes that enhance the theme of longing.
The live track 'The Gift' contrasts the studio recording by incorporating audience interaction and a more raw performance energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single helped establish the band's identity and reputation in alternative rock.
Themes: expansive longing· philosophical evolution
Career context: In 2006, Angels & Airwaves released 'It Hurts' as a standalone single following their debut album, 'We Don't Need to Whisper.' This release came at a time when the band was establishing their identity apart from Blink-182, marking a pivotal moment in their evolution towards a more atmospheric and philosophical sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Muse· The 1975· Coheed and Cambria