Plead the Fifth
Taproot · 2010
40 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal
A punchy blend of alternative metal riffs and introspective lyrics that captures the band's evolving sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Now Rise — Opening with a fierce energy, this track sets the tone for the album's heavy themes of resilience and determination. Its catchy chorus embodies the band's push to reclaim their identity.
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Fractured (Everything I Said Was True) — This song showcases a more vulnerable side of Taproot, combining intense instrumentation with introspective lyrics about personal conflict, making it a standout in their discography.
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Words Don’t Mean a Thing — With its infectious hook and driving rhythm, this track encapsulates the frustration and disillusionment expressed throughout the album, highlighting the band's ability to blend melody with aggression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
- Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts between heavy verses and softer choruses, creating a contrast that emphasizes the introspective lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
- punchy tracks for energetic moments
- introspective lyrics for self-reflection
- short bursts of cathartic release
- engaging hooks for group listens
Maybe skip if you
- slow, meandering musical exploration
- background music for relaxation
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Plead the Fifth' was released in 2010, Taproot was navigating a transitional phase following their previous album, 'Our Long Road Home' (2005). This fifth studio album marked their return to a heavier sound after experimenting with alternative rock influences and showcased their resilience in an evolving music landscape.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Now Rise 3:26
- 2 Game Over 3:29
- 3 Fractured (Everything I Said Was True) 3:14
- 4 Release Me 4:33
- 5 Stolage 3:38
- 6 911ost 3:07
- 7 Trophy WiFi 3:49
- 8 Words Don’t Mean a Thing 3:28
- 9 Left Behind 3:42
- 10 No View Is True 3:38
- 11 Stares 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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