What makes My Shame Is True by Alkaline Trio notable?

My Shame Is True received positive critical acclaim, charting at number 27 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Alkaline Trio's place within the punk rock revival. The album also sparked conversation for its candid exploration of personal themes, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners alike. Released on January 1, 2013, My Shame Is True is Alkaline Trio's seventh studio album and follows their 2010 release, This Addiction. At this point, the band was navigating a period of reflection and reinvention after years in the pop-punk scene. The album showcases a matured sound while retaining their signature emotional intensity.

Who is My Shame Is True for?

My Shame Is True works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, dark humor with emotional depth and melodic anthems for reflection.

How many songs are on My Shame Is True?

My Shame Is True has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

My Shame Is True

Alkaline Trio · 2013

39 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of punk energy and confessional lyrics that captures the struggles of love, loss, and regret.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Wanna Be a Warhol — This track embodies the album's introspective nature while juxtaposing fame with existential angst, showcasing potent lyrical imagery.
→
Only Love — A standout ballad that delves into vulnerability and longing, it highlights the band's ability to balance heavy themes with melodic hooks.
→
She Lied to the FBI — Opening the album with a punchy energy, this track sets the tone for the themes of betrayal woven throughout My Shame Is True.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic punk elements with reflective lyrics, though it lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features fast-paced tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and more introspective lyrics.
Several songs utilize a call-and-response vocal style between the lead singers, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the record.
The album includes multiple tracks that end with unresolved chords, contributing to a sense of emotional tension and unfinished narratives.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo engagement
dark humor with emotional depth
melodic anthems for reflection
for short road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek purely upbeat vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and reflection in their sound during a mature phase.
Career context: Released on January 1, 2013, My Shame Is True is Alkaline Trio's seventh studio album and follows their 2010 release, This Addiction. At this point, the band was navigating a period of reflection and reinvention after years in the pop-punk scene. The album showcases a matured sound while retaining their signature emotional intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: The Wonder Years· Brand New· Taking Back Sunday