Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue cover

Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue

Danko Jones · 2012

48 min · 14 tracks · rock music

High-octane rock riffs meld with infectious melodies, showcasing a raw energy and punk attitude that defines the band's sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Terrified — Opening with a thunderous guitar riff, this track immediately sets a dynamic tone for the album and showcases Jones’ powerful vocal delivery.
  • →
    Get Up — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the band's ability to craft catchy rock hooks that energize listeners.
  • →
    I Don’t Care — This track stands out with its bold declaration of independence, encapsulating the album's rebellious spirit through punchy instrumentation and confident lyrics.
  • →
    You Wear Me Down — This song features a compelling narrative about emotional fatigue set against a backdrop of soaring melodies, highlighting 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 balances energetic rock with melodic elements, showcasing strong songwriting and performance.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and high-energy tempos, establishing a consistent pace before the fourth track introduces a more melodic approach.
  • Several tracks employ call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the punk attitude and engaging the listener.
  • The album closes with two tracks that slow down the tempo, creating a contrast to the earlier high-octane energy.
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 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

  • high-energy anthems for motivation
  • for sing-along moments
  • short tracks for quick bursts
  • unapologetic attitude throughout listening
  • ideal for party ignition

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced reflective experiences
  • long-form immersive compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue is Danko Jones' sixth studio album, following their 2009 effort, Below the Belt. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation in the rock scene, balancing commercial viability with a commitment to their energetic roots. The album reflects their continued evolution while maintaining the signature style that earned them a loyal fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bronx· Royal Blood· Clutch

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Believed in God

    The shift from existential doubt to a moment of clarity occurs mid-song, where the perspective pivots dramatically.

    This structural choice emphasizes a journey from confusion to resolution, adding emotional weight to the narrative arc of the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Terrified 3:26
  • 2 Get Up 3:09
  • 3 Legs 3:37
  • 4 Just a Beautiful Day 3:15
  • 5 I Don’t Care 3:19
  • 6 You Wear Me Down 3:55
  • 7 Type of Girl 3:46
  • 8 Always Away 4:12
  • 9 Conceited 3:47
  • 10 Don’t Do This 3:43
  • 11 The Masochist 2:53
  • 12 I Believed in God 3:59
  • 13 I Believed in God (reprise) 0:46
  • 14 In Your Arms 4:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata