What makes Painkillers by Brian Fallon notable?

Painkillers received positive critical acclaim, debuting at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidifying Fallon's reputation as a solo artist. Critics highlighted the album's introspective nature and its departure from the punk roots of his previous work, influencing a wave of singer-songwriters in the alternative rock scene. Released on March 11, 2016, Painkillers is Brian Fallon's first solo album after his work with The Gaslight Anthem. Positioned following the band's hiatus, Fallon sought to carve out a distinct identity while maintaining his lyrical depth and melodic sensibilities. This record marks a significant step in his evolution as a solo artist.

How many songs are on Painkillers?

Painkillers has 14 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Painkillers

Brian Fallon · 2016

48 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A melodic exploration of heartache and resilience, blending folk-inflected rock with confessional storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Painkillers — The title track encapsulates the album's themes, melding a catchy melody with poignant lyrics about coping with emotional pain.
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Steve McQueen — This song stands out for its vivid storytelling and nostalgic imagery, showcasing Fallon's ability to weave personal narratives into broader cultural references.
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Nobody Wins — With its reflective lyrics about life’s struggles and choices, this track highlights Fallon's signature confessional style while delivering an infectious chorus.
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A Wonderful Life — Opening the album on a hopeful note, this track juxtaposes optimism against life's hardships, setting the thematic tone for the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong storytelling through its lyrics and maintains a solid melodic structure, though it follows familiar rock patterns.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with acoustic guitars often leading the melodies and electric guitars providing texture.
Lyrically, the album employs a narrative style, with many songs telling personal stories that unfold over their duration.

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

Influence 3/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Nobody Wins

The bridge shifts perspective to reveal a stark reality of loss and regret, marking a turning point in the narrative flow.

This moment deepens the emotional weight of the song by breaking from the established pattern, forcing listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

1 A Wonderful Life 3:11
2 Painkillers 3:06

Disc 2

1 Among Other Foolish Things 2:59
2 Smoke 3:43

Disc 3

1 Steve McQueen 2:48
2 Nobody Wins 3:39

Disc 4

1 Rosemary 3:39
2 Red Lights 3:36

Disc 5

1 Long Drives 3:35
2 Honey Magnolia 3:29

Disc 6

1 Mojo Hand 3:30
2 Open All Night 3:36

Disc 7

1 The Blues, Mary 3:44
2 Digging In The Dirt 4:04

What to play next

Listen next

Sleepwalkers

2018

Full Brian Fallon discography Artists like Brian Fallon

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata