Top tracks — play these first
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Right Up Ahead — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its powerful riffs and introspective lyrics, illustrating the band's mature approach to songwriting.
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M16 — A hard-hitting commentary on war and violence, this track combines aggressive instrumentals with thoughtful lyrics, highlighting Winger's ability to tackle serious subjects.
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Livin’ Just to Die — This song showcases emotional depth through haunting melodies and reflective lyrics about life's struggles, representing a more vulnerable side of the band.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate musicianship with reflective lyrics, marking a notable evolution in Winger's sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a driving tempo, but the pace fluctuates significantly in the second half, introducing slower ballads.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and personal struggle, with many songs featuring reflective verses that contrast with the upbeat instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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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
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- thoughtful lyrical contemplation
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, IV marked Winger's return after a decade-long hiatus following their initial breakup in the late '90s. This album came as the band sought to redefine their sound while reestablishing their presence in a music landscape that had shifted significantly since their earlier success.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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M16
The moment shifts from personal narrative to broader social commentary, drawing parallels between individual experiences and collective trauma.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Right Up Ahead 5:07
- 2 Blue Suede Shoes 3:46
- 3 Four Leaf Clover 4:18
- 4 M16 3:57
- 5 Your Great Escape 3:55
- 6 Disappear 3:49
- 7 On a Day Like Today 6:24
- 8 Livin’ Just to Die 3:40
- 9 Short Flight to Mexico 4:18
- 10 Generica 6:33
- 11 Can’t Take It Back 4:05
- 12 Blue Suede Shoes (acoustic) 3:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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