Pull the Pin
Stereophonics · 2007
46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of hard rock and introspective lyrics, capturing the complexities of modern life with a distinct Welsh edge.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soldiers Make Good Targets Start here — This opening track sets a tone of conflict and introspection, using war as a metaphor for personal struggles, showcasing the album's thematic depth.
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It Means Nothing — With its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates feelings of existential doubt, making it an anthem for those questioning life's purpose.
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Drowning — This closing track blends poignant lyrics with an emotive musical arrangement, providing a powerful conclusion that mirrors the album's exploration of vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gritty rock with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its length.
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 utilize layered guitar riffs that create a gritty texture, particularly in 'Soldiers Make Good Targets' and 'Daisy Lane'.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and social commentary, with recurring themes of disillusionment throughout multiple tracks.
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- gritty anthems for group listening
- introspective ballads for quiet times
- emotional resonance throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases the band's sound but isn't a standout in their catalog.
- Themes
- war commentary· emotional struggle· personal loss
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Pull the Pin was Stereophonics' sixth studio album, following their commercial peak with Language. Sex. Violence. Other? in 2005. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the post-Britpop landscape while experimenting with deeper lyrical themes and a more polished sound.
Tracklist
- 1 Soldiers Make Good Targets Start here 4:37
- 2 Pass the Buck 3:24
- 3 It Means Nothing 3:48
- 4 Bank Holiday Monday 3:14
- 5 Daisy Lane 3:38
- 6 Stone 4:17
- 7 My Friends 3:35
- 8 I Could Lose Ya 3:17
- 9 Bright Red Star 3:39
- 10 Ladyluck 3:45
- 11 Crush 3:56
- 12 Drowning 5:08
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Foo Fighters
Shares emotional depth and a mix of anthemic rock with introspective moments.
Costello Music
The Fratellis
Combines gritty rock energy with reflective lyrics, echoing personal struggles.
Puzzle
Biffy Clyro
Merges hard rock soundscapes with themes of loss and emotional turmoil.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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