Messed Up Kids cover

Messed Up Kids

Jake Bugg · 2014

12 min · 4 tracks · blues

A blend of introspective lyrics and jangly guitars creates a raw yet melodic exploration of youth and disillusionment.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Messed Up Kids — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of youthful disillusionment through vivid storytelling and catchy melodies, making it a standout representation of Bugg's narrative style.
  • →
    A Change in the Air — This track features a more reflective tone, showcasing Bugg's growth as a songwriter and his willingness to embrace change both musically and personally.
  • →
    Strange Creatures — Blending folk influences with modern production, this track exemplifies Bugg's ability to merge traditional sounds with contemporary issues, highlighting his artistic evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases solid songwriting and cohesive themes but lacks the depth for high replay value.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a steady, jangly guitar riff that sets a reflective tone for the EP.
  • Each song features a consistent mid-tempo pace, with lyrics that delve into themes of youth and disillusionment.
  • The final track introduces a slightly more complex arrangement with layered instrumentation, creating a sense of culmination.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Messed Up Kids 2:59
  • 2 A Change in the Air 3:22
  • 3 Strange Creatures 3:34
  • 4 The Odds 3:00

What to play next

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Full Jake Bugg discography Where to start with Jake Bugg Artists like Jake Bugg
folk rock indie rock traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata