Top tracks — play these first
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Coming Back With Bigger Guns — This energetic opener sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, encapsulating the band's classic hard rock sound.
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Whiskey Bent and Hellbound — The track merges gritty storytelling with a memorable hook, reflecting themes of rebellion and resilience that resonate throughout the album.
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If Tears Could Talk — This ballad showcases the band's versatility, blending emotional depth with powerful instrumentation, underlining their ability to balance hard rock with poignant lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively channels classic rock vibes but doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocals, creating anthemic choruses that invite listener participation.
- The instrumentation prominently features classic rock guitar riffs and solos, with a consistent use of layered harmonies throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- nostalgic themes of resilience
- sing-along choruses with friends
- for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, energetic tracks
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 14, 2019, Old School marks Helix's return to form, following a period of fluctuating releases since their last studio album in 2014. This album showcases the band's enduring commitment to their hard rock roots amidst a changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kix· Ratt· Twisted Sister
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Coming Back With Bigger Guns 3:45
- 2 Whiskey Bent and Hellbound 4:02
- 3 If Tears Could Talk 3:26
- 4 Your Turn to Cry 4:05
- 5 Tie Me Down 4:00
- 6 Closer to You 3:48
- 7 Games Mother Never Taught You 3:56
- 8 Southern Comfort 3:24
- 9 Hound Dog Howlin’ Blues 5:43
- 10 Cheers 4:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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