Ring cover

Ring

The Connells · 1993

50 min · 13 tracks · pop rock

A melodic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that encapsulate the essence of early '90s alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    '74-'75 — This track's infectious chorus and reflective lyrics capture a nostalgic yearning that resonated widely, becoming one of the band's most recognized songs.
  • →
    Slackjawed — Opening the album with its catchy hooks and upbeat tempo, this song sets the tone for the rest of the record while showcasing the band's pop rock sensibilities.
  • →
    Disappointed — With its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, this track stands out as a deeper exploration of themes surrounding personal disillusionment, adding emotional weight to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting but uneven pacing.

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 tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • '74-'75

    The moment shifts from reminiscing about youth to confronting the passage of time, evoking a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.

    This structural change highlights the contrast between carefree memories and adult realizations, enriching the emotional landscape of the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Slackjawed 4:00
  • 2 Carry My Picture 3:57
  • 3 '74-'75 4:38
  • 4 Doin' You 3:33
  • 5 Find Out 3:31
  • 6 Eyes on the Ground 3:03
  • 7 Spiral 3:07
  • 8 Hey You 3:23
  • 9 New Boy 4:39
  • 10 Disappointed 5:04
  • 11 Burden 3:59
  • 12 Any Day Now 2:39
  • 13 Running Mary 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata