What makes Rise to Your Knees by Meat Puppets notable?

'Rise to Your Knees' was well-received critically, reinforcing the Meat Puppets' legacy within the alternative rock genre. The album marked their first release on a major label since the early '90s, allowing them to reach a wider audience and gain renewed interest from both fans and critics alike. By the time 'Rise to Your Knees' was released in 2007, the Meat Puppets had experienced a long career marked by their influential presence in the alternative rock scene since the 1980s. This album came after a five-year hiatus following their previous release, showcasing a return that sought to re-establish their sonic identity while incorporating new musical influences.

Who is Rise to Your Knees for?

Rise to Your Knees works well if you're into dynamic progression with peaks, introspective moments of reflection and patient unfolding of themes.

How many songs are on Rise to Your Knees?

Rise to Your Knees has 15 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Rise to Your Knees

Meat Puppets · 2007

67 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and jangly guitars, capturing the essence of alternative rock's evolution in the late 2000s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Radio Moth — This track features a haunting melody paired with lyrics reflecting themes of isolation and longing, making it a standout representation of the album's emotional depth.
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Enemy Love Song — With its catchy chorus and playful instrumentation, this song encapsulates the band's ability to blend humor with poignant commentary on relationships and conflict.
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Fly Like the Wind — Opening the album with an expansive soundscape, this track introduces listeners to the band's evolved style while maintaining their signature lyrical introspection.

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 showcases solid songwriting and craftsmanship but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar harmonies, with distinct melodic lines weaving in and out of the mix.
The lyrics often shift between personal introspection and broader social commentary, creating varied thematic content across tracks.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic progression with peaks
introspective moments of reflection
patient unfolding of themes
wave-like pacing throughout
for thoughtful afternoons

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in the alternative rock scene post-2000s.
Career context: By the time 'Rise to Your Knees' was released in 2007, the Meat Puppets had experienced a long career marked by their influential presence in the alternative rock scene since the 1980s. This album came after a five-year hiatus following their previous release, showcasing a return that sought to re-establish their sonic identity while incorporating new musical influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Pixies· Sonic Youth· They Might Be Giants