Monster Monster cover

Monster Monster

The Almost · 2009

45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of dynamic rock rhythms and introspective lyrics that explores themes of faith and personal struggle.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Monster Monster — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of inner turmoil and conflict, driven by catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.
  • →
    No I Don't — This song stands out for its raw emotional honesty and dynamic shifts, reflecting a struggle against societal expectations and personal doubt.
  • →
    Lonely Wheel — With poignant lyrics about isolation and longing, this track effectively combines vulnerability with melodic intensity, representing a core theme of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features energetic rhythms and introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating a dynamic interplay between the lead singer and backing vocals.
  • The lyrics often shift from personal introspection to broader themes of faith, with some tracks featuring abrupt transitions in mood and tempo.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • vibrant energy for road trips
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • short bursts of emotional release
  • catchy choruses for sing-alongs
  • dynamic pacing keeps engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, soundscapes
  • seek purely instrumental tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Monster Monster is The Almost's third studio album, following the commercial success of their previous record, Southern Weather. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the Christian rock scene while experimenting with a more expansive sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Anberlin· Hawk Nelson· Switchfoot

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Monster Monster 3:20
  • 2 Lonely Wheel 3:14
  • 3 No I Don't 3:54
  • 4 Hands 4:00
  • 5 Young Again 2:58
  • 6 Summer Summer 4:00
  • 7 Hand Grenade 3:51
  • 8 Books & Books 3:32
  • 9 Souls on Ten 3:25
  • 10 Want To 3:21
  • 11 Get Through 3:24
  • 12 Monster 6:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata