Repercussion cover

Repercussion

The dB's · 1982

41 min · 13 tracks · power pop

Melodic power pop harmonies intertwine with jangly guitars, delivering a vibrant yet bittersweet exploration of everyday life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Living a Lie — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious melody and introspective lyrics about disillusionment, showcasing the band's knack for blending upbeat sounds with deeper themes.
  • →
    I Feel Good (Today) — With its uplifting energy and clever hooks, this song exemplifies the album's overall vibe while reflecting a sense of optimism amidst uncertainty.
  • →
    Nothing Is Wrong — This track features intricate harmonies and thoughtful lyrics that capture a sense of ambivalence, making it a standout moment on the album that illustrates the band's lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several songs employ layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The track 'Amplifier' stands out with its driving rhythm and prominent guitar riffs, contrasting with the more subdued arrangements of other songs.
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
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • bittersweet reflections on daily life
  • short bursts of melodic energy
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • vibrant tunes for lighthearted moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want heavy, introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1982, Repercussion was the dB's second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, Stands for Decibels. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their sound within the power pop genre while facing challenges such as lineup changes and evolving industry expectations.
Stylistic neighbors
Big Star· The Posies· Matthew Sweet

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Nothing Is Wrong

    A verse shifts from observational to personal reflection, revealing an internal conflict through vivid imagery of mundane details.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Living a Lie 3:25
  • 2 We Were Happy There 2:41
  • 3 Happenstance 4:06
  • 4 From a Window 2:33
  • 5 Amplifier 3:06
  • 6 Ask for Jill 2:31
  • 7 I Feel Good (Today) 4:28
  • 8 Storm Warning 2:34
  • 9 Ups and Downs 3:02
  • 10 In Spain 3:01
  • 11 Nothing Is Wrong 4:15
  • 12 Neverland 2:48
  • 13 pH Factor 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata