Reason to Believe
Pennywise · 2008
41 min · 14 tracks · melodic hardcore
A high-energy blend of melodic hardcore infused with poignant lyrics reflecting on resilience and hope.
Top tracks — play these first
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One Reason — This track encapsulates the album's core theme of hope amidst adversity, featuring driving rhythms and anthemic choruses that encourage perseverance.
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Faith and Hope — With its introspective lyrics and energetic instrumentation, this song highlights the emotional depth Pennywise explores throughout the record.
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Affliction — This track stands out for its raw examination of personal pain and resilience, combining aggressive melodies with thoughtful lyricism that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic instrumentation with reflective lyrics, though it lacks strong cohesion across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a tone before launching into high-energy songs that maintain a fast tempo.
- Each song features prominent guitar riffs and driving drum patterns, typical of the melodic hardcore genre.
- Lyrically, the tracks often reflect themes of resilience and hope, with verses that are direct and impactful.
- The last three tracks slow down slightly in tempo, providing a moment of reflection before concluding the album.
- 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, consistent energy levels
- introspective lyrical exploration
- short, engaging listening sessions
- motivational themes and messages
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 24, 2008, 'Reason to Believe' marked Pennywise's eighth studio album and their first project after the departure of longtime bassist Jason Thirsk. This album came during a phase of artistic reinvention for the band, showcasing a commitment to their punk roots while exploring deeper themes of personal struggle and societal issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bad Religion· NOFX· Descendents
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It’s Not Enough to Believe
The bridge emphasizes a shift from passive belief to active engagement, urging listeners to take control of their lives rather than simply hoping for change.
This pivotal moment reflects a call to action that contrasts with earlier themes of doubt, reinforcing the album's message about proactive living.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 (intro) As Long as We Can 3:09
- 2 One Reason 2:55
- 3 Faith and Hope 3:04
- 4 Something to Live For 2:38
- 5 All We Need 2:48
- 6 The Western World 3:08
- 7 We’ll Never Know 2:42
- 8 Confusion 3:01
- 9 Nothing to Lose 2:57
- 10 It’s Not Enough to Believe 2:38
- 11 You Get the Life You Choose 2:52
- 12 Affliction 3:19
- 13 Brag, Exaggerate & Lie 2:04
- 14 Die for You 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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