Released 20 years ago
IV
Veruca Salt · 2006
55 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
An energetic blend of fuzzy guitars and melodic harmonies that captures the essence of 90s alternative rock with a modern twist.
Top tracks — play these first
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So Weird — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to blend catchy melodies with emotional depth.
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Sick as Your Secrets — This track stands out with its darker themes and layered instrumentation, offering a glimpse into the band's more mature sound while maintaining their distinctive style.
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Blissful Queen — A standout for its anthemic chorus and uplifting message, this song encapsulates the blend of optimism and defiance that characterizes much of IV.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production, reflecting a blend of familiar sounds with some modern touches.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The use of fuzzy guitar tones is prevalent throughout, with distinct riffs driving many of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective themes of love
- cathartic moments of release
- punchy riffs for energy
- dynamic journey through emotions
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- IV marked Veruca Salt's return after a lengthy hiatus following their previous album, Resolver, released in 2000. This fourth studio album came out during a period of lineup changes, featuring new drummer, and reflects the band's evolution while retaining their signature sound. The release signified an effort to re-establish their presence in the alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Breeders· L7· Hole
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Innocent
The bridge shifts perspective dramatically, introducing a moment of vulnerability amidst an otherwise confident narrative.
This structural choice emphasizes a contrast between strength and fragility, revealing deeper layers within the song's emotional landscape.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 So Weird 3:35
- 2 Centipede 3:00
- 3 Innocent 2:52
- 4 Circular Trend 2:42
- 5 Perfect Love 3:42
- 6 Closer 3:27
- 7 Sick as Your Secrets 5:36
- 8 Wake Up Dead 3:34
- 9 Damage Done 4:09
- 10 Blissful Queen 3:44
- 11 The Sun 3:57
- 12 Comes and Goes 2:29
- 13 Save You 4:24
- 14 Salt Flat Epic 7:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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