Modern Rock
The Clean · 1994
46 min · 14 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant fusion of jangly guitars and rhythmic drive, encapsulating the essence of 90s indie rock with a playful yet earnest spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Linger Longer — This track exemplifies The Clean's knack for catchy melodies intertwined with introspective lyrics, showcasing their ability to blend whimsy and depth seamlessly.
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Too Much Violence — Addressing themes of societal issues through sharp lyrical commentary, this song stands out for its raw energy and compelling instrumentation that drives the message home.
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Wake Up in the Morning — With its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, this track captures the album’s lively spirit while reflecting on everyday moments with a sense of optimism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with varied instrumentation but lacks tight cohesion in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo that is maintained through the first six tracks, creating an energetic start before slowing down in the latter half.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar melodies that intertwine rather than follow a traditional verse-chorus structure, adding complexity to the sound.
- 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
- playful energy for afternoon hangs
- quick bursts of catchy melodies
- vibrant sound for road trips
- short tracks for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer slow, introspective sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1994, Modern Rock marked The Clean's return after a five-year hiatus following their previous album, Vehicle. This record was pivotal as it showcased the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound, solidifying their influence in the burgeoning indie rock scene of the 90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bats· Pavement· Yo La Tengo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Starting Point 2:25
- 2 Outside the Cage 5:05
- 3 Linger Longer 2:25
- 4 Wake Up in the Morning 3:55
- 5 2 Reasons 3:40
- 6 Safe in the Rain 2:58
- 7 Secret Place 3:34
- 8 Something I Need 3:41
- 9 Different World 3:45
- 10 Stomp the Guru 2:18
- 11 Too Much Violence 3:48
- 12 Phluke 2:23
- 13 Do Your Thing 4:12
- 14 Ginger Ale 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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