Rip It Off cover

Rip It Off

Stroke 9 · 2002

48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and punk-infused energy, capturing the spirit of early 2000s alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Kick Some Ass — This track stands out as an anthem of youthful defiance, blending humor with a punchy melody that resonated with listeners seeking empowerment.
  • →
    100 Girls — With its infectious chorus and witty lyrics about romantic escapades, this song encapsulates the playful spirit of the album while showcasing the band's knack for catchy songwriting.
  • →
    California — The closing track offers a reflective take on personal identity and belonging, contrasting with the album's upbeat vibe and providing emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100
Lowland
Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album captures early 2000s alternative rock energy but lacks standout depth and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with driving guitar riffs, while the fourth track, 'Kick Some Ass', features a more anthemic chorus that contrasts with the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

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 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • catchy anthems for road trips
  • pumped-up energy for workouts
  • feel-good vibes with friends
  • short bursts of excitement
  • playful irreverence throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2002, Rip It Off was Stroke 9's fourth studio album and came after their commercial breakthrough with the hit 'Little Black Backpack'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the alternative rock scene while experimenting with a more polished sound compared to earlier releases.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Kick Some Ass

    The bridge shifts to a rallying cry where the singer directly addresses listeners to embrace their inner strength.

    This moment transitions from personal reflection to collective empowerment, inviting listeners to join in a shared sense of rebellion.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Latest Disaster 3:39
  • 2 100 Girls 3:15
  • 3 Vacuum Bag 3:45
  • 4 Kick Some Ass 4:02
  • 5 Don't Worry 3:01
  • 6 Do It Again 3:50
  • 7 Just Can't Wait 3:39
  • 8 We Were Wrong 4:01
  • 9 Reject 4:46
  • 10 Anywhere 5:21
  • 11 Lead the Way 4:43
  • 12 California 4:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata