Push It cover

Push It

Garbage · 1998

17 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic blend of alternative rock and electronic elements that pulses with a gritty, danceable energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Push It — The title track is an infectious anthem that showcases the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and dark lyrical themes, encapsulating their artistic identity.
  • →
    Thirteen — This track presents a more introspective side of Garbage, combining melancholic lyrics with a haunting melody that contrasts sharply with the album’s more upbeat moments.
  • →
    Lick the Pavement — With its raw energy and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge punk influences with pop sensibilities, making it a standout on the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production but lacks full cohesion due to varied styles across tracks.

What we noticed

  • The lead track features a driving beat with layered synths and guitars, creating an energetic atmosphere.
  • The third track shifts to a more subdued tone with acoustic instrumentation, contrasting sharply with the first two tracks.
  • The final track maintains a gritty sound but introduces a more experimental arrangement, further diversifying the EP's sonic palette.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — 'Push It' solidified Garbage's reputation following their successful albums.
Themes
dance floor rebellion· electronic edge· urban nightlife tension
Career context
Released in 1998, 'Push It' marked Garbage's continued ascent following their successful self-titled debut and their sophomore album 'Version 2.0'. At this point, the band had firmly established their unique sound, mixing genres and pushing creative boundaries, solidifying their place in the alternative rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
No Doubt· Placebo· The Smashing Pumpkins

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Thirteen

    The narrative shifts from third-person observations to an intimate reflection on vulnerability and connection.

    This transition deepens the emotional impact of the song by allowing listeners to engage more personally with the narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Push It 4:06
  • 2 Push It (Boom Boom Satellites mix) 6:44
  • 3 Thirteen 3:28
  • 4 Lick the Pavement 2:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata