What makes Kicking and Screaming by Funeral for a Friend notable?

This album marked a pivotal moment for Funeral for a Friend as it debuted at number 27 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting solid commercial performance. Critics noted its return to form, emphasizing its blend of melodic hardcore and emotive lyrics, which resonated strongly with fans during a time when the genre was evolving. Released in 2008, Kicking and Screaming was Funeral for a Friend's fifth studio album, coming after their commercially successful album Tales Don't Tell Themselves. At this point, the band was navigating a transitional phase with changing musical trends while aiming to reconnect with their hardcore roots.

How many songs are on Kicking and Screaming?

Kicking and Screaming has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Kicking and Screaming

Funeral for a Friend · 2008

10 min · 3 tracks · post-hardcore

Energetic melodies intertwine with raw emotional intensity, delivering a blend of post-hardcore and emo that defines a generation's angst.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kicking and Screaming — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of struggle and resilience, showcasing powerful instrumentation paired with emotionally charged vocals.
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Constant Illuminations — This track highlights the band's ability to merge melodic hooks with introspective lyrics, representing their signature sound while pushing lyrical boundaries.
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Faster — With its driving rhythm and urgent vocal delivery, 'Faster' epitomizes the band's energetic approach, making it a standout anthem of determination.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic melodies with emotional intensity, characteristic of its genre but not.

What we noticed

The title track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first two tracks.
The final track, 'Faster', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

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: 6/10

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: Late Career Highlight — Shows a return to form and solid commercial performance in the band's later years.
Themes: post-hardcore resurgence· emotional struggle
Career context: Released in 2008, Kicking and Screaming was Funeral for a Friend's fifth studio album, coming after their commercially successful album Tales Don't Tell Themselves. At this point, the band was navigating a transitional phase with changing musical trends while aiming to reconnect with their hardcore roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Thursday· The Used· Taking Back Sunday

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Kicking and Screaming

The bridge features an intense shift in dynamics where the music builds to a climactic release, mirroring the urgency in the lyrics.

The sudden change in dynamics emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a compelling contrast that heightens listener engagement.