What makes Jawbox by Jawbox notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its complex arrangements and lyrical depth, helping to elevate Jawbox's status in the underground music scene. It is noted for influencing later bands within the post-hardcore genre and was one of the first albums released on the iconic label Dischord Records that embraced more melodic elements. Released in 1996, Jawbox's self-titled album marked their third full-length release and showcased their evolution following a brief hiatus. By this time, they had solidified their place within the post-hardcore scene after gaining attention with their previous albums 'Grippe' and 'For Your Own Special Sweetheart'. This album represents a culmination of their artistic growth and experimentation during a pivotal time in their career.

How many songs are on Jawbox?

Jawbox has 15 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Jawbox

Jawbox · 1996

46 min · 15 tracks · post-hardcore

Angular guitar riffs intertwine with dynamic rhythms, creating an intricate soundscape that embodies the post-hardcore ethos of the mid-90s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Iodine — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating their ability to balance complexity with accessibility.
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Livid — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, 'Livid' showcases Jawbox's knack for crafting emotionally charged songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Mirrorful — 'Mirrorful' stands out for its intricate guitar work and poignant exploration of self-reflection, making it a highlight of the album's thematic depth.

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 showcases complex arrangements and dynamic shifts typical of mid-90s post-hardcore.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between melodic and shouted delivery, often overlapping with intricate instrumental sections.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, which contribute to the dynamic feel of the record.
The last three tracks feature a gradual build-up in intensity, culminating in a climactic finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Iodine

A shift occurs in the chorus where the narrative voice changes from observational to confessional, revealing personal vulnerabilities.

This transition allows for a deeper emotional connection as it invites listeners into an intimate space seldom explored in earlier tracks.

Tracklist

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

1 Mirrorful 3:04
2 Livid 3:57
3 Iodine 3:37
4 His Only Trade 2:00
5 Chinese Fork Tie 2:31
6 Won't Come Off 2:48
7 Excandescent 4:27
8 Spoiler 2:30
9 Desert Sea 3:07
10 Empire of One 2:49
11 Mule/Stall 1:56
12 Nickel Nickel Millionaire 2:37
13 Capillary Life 3:24
14 Absenter 3:09
15 Cornflake Girl 4:21

What to play next

Listen next

Cornflake Girl

1996

Go back to

For Your Own Special Sweetheart

1994

Full Jawbox discography Artists like Jawbox

post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata