Life Time
Rollins Band · 1987
53 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal
Raw energy and introspective lyrics collide in a relentless exploration of personal turmoil and societal critique.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Am I Doing Here? — This track encapsulates the album's themes of alienation and existential questioning, driven by its urgent tempo and poignant lyrics that reflect inner conflict.
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Gun in Mouth Blues — The lengthy, climactic exploration of despair and aggression showcases Rollins' intense vocal delivery and dynamic instrumentation, making it a standout moment on the record.
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Wreck-Age — A powerful commentary on societal decay, this track merges heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with feelings of frustration and disillusionment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines raw energy with introspective lyrics, creating a distinctive sound that resonates within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing more introspective moments.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Gun in Mouth Blues,' which shifts from aggressive instrumentation to quieter, reflective passages.
- The lyrics often employ a stream-of-consciousness style, with Rollins delivering them in a spoken-word manner that enhances the emotional weight of the themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- chaotic yet cathartic energy
- wave-like emotional dynamics
- introspective moments of reflection
- short bursts of raw intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer smooth, consistent pacing
- seek polished, radio-friendly tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Life Time was Rollins Band's debut studio album, following the dissolution of Black Flag. This album marked a pivotal shift for Henry Rollins as he transitioned from punk icon to frontman of his own band, showcasing a distinctive blend of post-hardcore and alternative metal.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Burned Beyond Recognition 2:56
- 2 What Am I Doing Here? 3:21
- 3 1,000 Times Blind 2:57
- 4 Lonely 4:16
- 5 Wreck-Age 5:33
- 6 Gun in Mouth Blues 8:57
- 7 You Look at You 3:31
- 8 If You're Alive 2:42
- 9 Turned Out 5:57
- 10 Do It 2:43
- 11 Move Right In 7:27
- 12 Next Time 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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