Never Better
P.O.S · 2009
55 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk
A chaotic blend of alternative hip-hop and hardcore punk, brimming with raw energy and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let It Rattle — This opening track sets the tone with its frenetic energy and powerful message about resilience amidst adversity, capturing P.O.S's lyrical prowess.
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Drumroll (We're All Thirsty) — The track's infectious groove and clever wordplay highlight P.O.S's ability to blend humor with social commentary, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Goodbye — In this emotionally charged track, P.O.S confronts themes of loss and regret, showcasing his vulnerability and depth as a songwriter.
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Optimist (We Are Not for Them) — This anthem of defiance embodies the spirit of the album, merging upbeat rhythms with incisive critiques of societal expectations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a strong blend of genres with energetic execution but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features aggressive beats and rapid-fire lyrics, setting a chaotic tone.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from punk-infused rhythms to slower, introspective moments.
- The use of layered vocal styles creates a dynamic interplay between melodic hooks and harsh delivery throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- frenetic energy for active listening
- sharp lyrics with raw intensity
- short tracks for quick bursts
- cathartic release through aggression
- engaging storytelling with urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer laid-back, mellow sounds
- seek long, experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Never Better was P.O.S's third studio album and marked a pivotal moment in his career following the acclaimed album Audition. At this point, he was solidifying his presence in the underground hip-hop scene while showcasing a more polished production style and personal lyricism that resonated with a broader audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Shabazz Palaces· Run the Jewels
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Goodbye
The verses shift from vivid memories to stark realizations about loss, culminating in an emotionally gripping reflection on what remains unsaid.
This structural choice emphasizes the contrast between nostalgia and harsh reality, deepening the emotional impact of P.O.S's storytelling.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Let It Rattle 3:33
- 2 Drumroll (We're All Thirsty) 2:37
- 3 Savion Glover 2:19
- 4 Purexed 3:13
- 5 Graves (We Wrote the Book) 3:13
- 6 Goodbye 3:07
- 7 Get Smokes 2:38
- 8 Been Afraid 3:39
- 9 Low Light Low Life 3:14
- 10 The Basics (Alright) 3:23
- 11 Out of Category 3:16
- 12 Optimist (We Are Not for Them) 3:19
- 13 Terrorish 2:13
- 14 Never Better 4:03
- 15 The Brave and the Snake / Hand Made Hand Gun 11:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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