Making Friends
No Use for a Name · 1997
35 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
Fast-paced punk anthems blend sharp lyrics with catchy melodies, capturing the essence of 90s skate culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Answer Is Still No — Opening with infectious energy, this track encapsulates the album's spirit of defiance and clever lyricism, setting the tone for what follows.
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Invincible — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song reflects themes of resilience and empowerment that are central to the punk ethos.
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A Postcard Would Be Nice — This track combines humor with poignant observations about distance and relationships, showcasing the band's ability to balance lightheartedness with deeper emotion.
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3 Month Weekend — Clocking in at just over a minute, this fast-paced song serves as a quintessential example of the band's energetic style and knack for brevity in songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and varied lyrical themes, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with fast tempos and driving rhythms, while the sixth track introduces a slower pace.
- The album features a consistent use of melodic hooks in the choruses, making them memorable and singable.
- 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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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
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
- quick, punchy songs
- short bursts of energy
- introspective lyrical reflections
- fast-paced listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1997, Making Friends was No Use for a Name's third studio album, following their breakthrough effort, Leche Con Carne. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the punk scene, gaining traction with fans and expanding their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lagwagon· Pennywise· Bad Religion
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Invincible
The bridge shifts from collective struggle to an individual declaration of strength.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Answer Is Still No 2:33
- 2 Invincible 2:21
- 3 Growing Down 2:01
- 4 On the Outside 2:50
- 5 A Postcard Would Be Nice 2:01
- 6 Secret 3:24
- 7 Best Regards 1:50
- 8 Revenge 1:52
- 9 Sidewalk 2:16
- 10 3 Month Weekend 1:17
- 11 Sitting Duck 1:21
- 12 Fields of Athenry / [untitled] 11:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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