Problems
The Get Up Kids · 2019
38 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic hooks intertwine with introspective lyrics, embodying the band's signature blend of emo and alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Problem Is Me — This opening track encapsulates the album’s central themes of self-reflection and personal accountability while delivering an infectious melody that sets the tone for the record.
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Common Ground — With its anthemic chorus and relatable lyrics about connection and understanding, this track stands as a highlight for its emotional resonance and memorable hooks.
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Waking Up Alone — This song offers a poignant exploration of isolation and longing, distinguished by its heartfelt delivery and dynamic instrumentation that showcases the band's growth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic and reflective moments but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features faster tempos and more aggressive instrumentation, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective tracks.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build tension before resolving in the choruses.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- short bursts of youthful energy
- cathartic moments of self-reflection
- sing-along anthems with friends
- quick emotional releases throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want heavy production elements
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in the band's later years.
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2019, Problems marked The Get Up Kids' first full-length album in over a decade since their 2011 release, There Are Rules. This album arrived during a period of renewed activity for the band, revitalizing their presence in the emo and indie rock scenes after a hiatus.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Eat World· The Starting Line· Brand New
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Satellite 2:55
- 2 The Problem Is Me 2:42
- 3 Salina 4:38
- 4 Now or Never 3:05
- 5 Lou Barlow 2:17
- 6 Fairweather Friends 3:24
- 7 Common Ground 4:04
- 8 Waking Up Alone 3:28
- 9 The Advocate 3:12
- 10 Symphony of Silence 2:56
- 11 Brakelines 2:21
- 12 Your Ghost Is Gone 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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