What does Revolverlution sound like?

A politically charged blend of aggressive beats and incisive lyrics that reflect the urgency of social issues in early 2000s America. Rooted in hardcore hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop. Start with "Gotta Give the Peeps What They Need".

Is Revolverlution a good place to start with Public Enemy?

Yes, Revolverlution is recommended as a starting point for new Public Enemy listeners. A politically charged blend of aggressive beats and incisive lyrics that reflect the urgency of social issues in early 2000s America. Revolverlution is Public Enemy's sixth studio album, released in 2003, during a period when the group was re-establishing its voice after years of fluctuating commercial success. Following their acclaimed but commercially mixed albums in the late '90s, this project marked a return to their politically driven roots while also embracing contemporary production styles. The album came at a time when the political landscape was shifting dramatically post-9/11, influencing their lyrical content.

Who is Revolverlution for?

Revolverlution works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, politically charged themes and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Revolverlution?

Revolverlution has 21 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Revolverlution

Public Enemy · 2003

74 min · 21 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

A politically charged blend of aggressive beats and incisive lyrics that reflect the urgency of social issues in early 2000s America.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Son of a Bush — This track stands out for its direct assault on the political establishment, using sharp lyrics to critique George W. Bush's presidency while highlighting racial and economic issues.
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Gotta Give the Peeps What They Need Start here — The opening track sets an immediate tone for the album with its call to action and insistence on addressing the needs of marginalized communities through powerful messaging.
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Fight the Power (live Winterthur Switzerland 1992) — This live rendition brings a sense of urgency and historical context to the iconic anthem, reminding listeners of its relevance amidst ongoing struggles for justice.
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What Good Is a Bomb — The closing track encapsulates the album's themes by questioning militarism and advocating for peace, using an introspective lens that challenges listeners to reconsider violence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive beats with incisive political commentary but lacks cohesion due to its mix of live and studio tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level with aggressive beats and rapid-fire delivery.
Several tracks include live recordings, which introduce crowd noise and a different dynamic compared to studio tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
politically charged themes
gradual builds and payoffs
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Addresses urgent social issues, marking a significant artistic statement in their catalog.
Career context: Revolverlution is Public Enemy's sixth studio album, released in 2003, during a period when the group was re-establishing its voice after years of fluctuating commercial success. Following their acclaimed but commercially mixed albums in the late '90s, this project marked a return to their politically driven roots while also embracing contemporary production styles. The album came at a time when the political landscape was shifting dramatically post-9/11, influencing their lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors: KRS-One· Nas· A Tribe Called Quest

New to Public Enemy? Find your way in →

Tracklist

1 Gotta Give the Peeps What They Need Start here 3:32
2 Revolverlution 3:01
3 Miuzi Weighs a Ton (live San Francisco 1999-10-21) 1:47
4 Put It Up 3:11
5 Can a Woman Make a Man Lose His Mind? 3:34
6 PESA #1 0:21
7 Fight the Power (live Winterthur Switzerland 1992) 3:55
8 By the Time I Get to Arizona (The Moleman Mixx) 3:57
9 Post‐Concert Arizona Interview (U2 Zoo Tour) 1:03
10 Son of a Bush 5:52
11 54321… Boom 3:37
12 Welcome to the Terrordome (live Winterthur Switzerland 1992) 3:38
13 B Side Wins Again (Scattershot remix) 4:54
14 Get Your Shit Together 4:47
15 PESA #2 0:30
16 Shut Em Down (The Functionist version) 5:28
17 Now A'daze 3:25
18 Public Enemy No. 1 (Jeronimo Punx Redu) 4:48
19 The Making of Burn Hollywood Burn 2:46
20 Gotta Give the Peeps What They Need (DJ Johnny Juice - Paris Revolverlutionary mix) 3:30
21 What Good Is a Bomb 6:17

What to play next

Listen next

New Whirl Odor

2005

Continues the politically charged themes with a fresh sonic approach.

Go back to

There's a Poison Goin' On

1999

Sets the stage with similar urgency and energy in social commentary.

Full Public Enemy discography Where to start with Public Enemy Artists like Public Enemy

East Coast hip-hop hardcore hip-hop political hip-hop

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