Top tracks — play these first
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Jaded (These Years) — This track epitomizes the album's theme of longing and disillusionment with its infectious chorus and collaborative energy from Benji Madden. It became one of Mest's signature songs and resonated with fans navigating similar feelings.
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Rooftops — With its upbeat tempo and reflective lyrics, 'Rooftops' captures a sense of youthful optimism while addressing personal challenges, making it a standout anthem for many listeners.
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Return to Self-Loathing — 'Return to Self-Loathing' delves into deeper emotional struggles, showcasing the band's ability to balance catchy hooks with heartfelt introspection. Its raw honesty is a highlight of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mest combines energetic punk rock with introspective lyrics, balancing catchy melodies and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several songs include dual vocal lines, particularly in the chorus, creating a call-and-response dynamic that enhances the emotional delivery.
- The album's lyrics often reflect personal struggles and relationships, with recurring motifs of self-doubt and resilience throughout the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- catchy sing-along anthems
- reflective moments of angst
- short bursts of energy
- nostalgic themes of youth
- late-night introspective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long immersive tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Mest marked the band's third studio album and came during a period of significant evolution following their previous album 'Destination Unknown'. At this point, they were solidifying their sound within the pop-punk scene, having gained recognition for their energetic performances and relatable themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Finch· The Used· Yellowcard
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Until I Met You 3:02
- 2 Rooftops 3:54
- 3 Jaded (These Years) (feat. Benji Madden) 3:10
- 4 Night Alone 3:29
- 5 Burning Bridges 3:30
- 6 Walking on Broken Glass 3:34
- 7 Your Promise 3:15
- 8 2000 Miles 2:47
- 9 Shell of Myself 3:47
- 10 Lost, Broken, Confused 2:51
- 11 Chance of a Lifetime 3:09
- 12 Return to Self-Loathing 3:55
- 13 Paradise (122nd and Highland) / 25 to Life 8:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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