Is Renegade a good place to start with Thin Lizzy?

Yes, Renegade is recommended as a starting point for new Thin Lizzy listeners. A dynamic blend of hard rock and blues, punctuated by intricate guitar harmonies and poignant lyrical themes. Released on November 15, 1981, 'Renegade' marked Thin Lizzy's tenth studio album during a period of lineup changes and evolving musical direction. At this stage, the band was navigating a post-Phil Lynott landscape while still striving to maintain their signature sound amidst shifting rock trends.

Renegade works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Renegade?

Renegade has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Renegade

Thin Lizzy · 1981

41 min · 9 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic blend of hard rock and blues, punctuated by intricate guitar harmonies and poignant lyrical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Renegade — This title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics about rebellion and identity, showcasing Thin Lizzy's hallmark dual-guitar interplay.
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Angel of Death Start here — Opening the album with a heavy riff, this track sets an intense tone and highlights the band's ability to fuse storytelling with powerful instrumentation, drawing listeners into its dark narrative.
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The Pressure Will Blow — This song stands out for its infectious groove and catchy melody, presenting a more straightforward rock approach while maintaining lyrical depth that reflects on personal struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and musicianship but lacks significant impact or cohesion.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Guitar harmonies are prominent throughout, with dual leads often intertwining during choruses and solos.
Several tracks incorporate bluesy elements, particularly in the guitar riffs and vocal delivery, which adds depth to the hard rock foundation.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in their catalog amidst lineup changes and evolving sound.
Themes: post-Phil Lynott identity· rebellion against conformity· dark narrative storytelling
Career context: Released on November 15, 1981, 'Renegade' marked Thin Lizzy's tenth studio album during a period of lineup changes and evolving musical direction. At this stage, the band was navigating a post-Phil Lynott landscape while still striving to maintain their signature sound amidst shifting rock trends.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Wishbone Ash· Blue Öyster Cult