Kicking & Screaming cover

Kicking & Screaming

Sebastian Bach · 2011

51 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

An explosive blend of hard rock riffs and powerful vocals that capture the essence of modern heavy metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kicking & Screaming — The title track exemplifies the album's high energy, featuring anthemic choruses and dynamic guitar work that sets the tone for the entire record.
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    My Own Worst Enemy — This track showcases Bach's introspective lyrics and emotive delivery, combining personal themes with a catchy melody that resonates with listeners.
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    I’m Alive — With its driving rhythm and uplifting message, this song captures a sense of resilience and determination, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Dance on Your Grave — This track melds darker thematic elements with a vibrant sound, showcasing Bach's ability to balance intensity with melodic hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and high-energy tempos, establishing a hard rock sound that persists through the album.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic appeal.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • engaging anthemic choruses
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2011, Sebastian Bach released 'Kicking & Screaming' as his first solo studio album in over a decade, following a hiatus after his tenure with Skid Row. This album marked a return to form for Bach, showcasing his vocal prowess and songwriting abilities during a time when he was re-establishing himself in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Zakk Wylde· Robby Krieger· Chris Cornell

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Kicking & Screaming 3:17
  • 2 My Own Worst Enemy 3:45
  • 3 Tunnelvision 3:49
  • 4 Dance on Your Grave 3:28
  • 5 Caught in a Dream 3:40
  • 6 As Long as I Got the Music 3:39
  • 7 I’m Alive 4:21
  • 8 Dirty Power 3:06
  • 9 Live the Life 3:51
  • 10 Dream Forever 4:13
  • 11 One Good Reason 4:41
  • 12 Lost in the Light 4:28
  • 13 Wishin’ 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata