What makes Run Fast by The Julie Ruin notable?

Run Fast received positive critical acclaim, appearing on several year-end lists and solidifying The Julie Ruin's place within the punk rock landscape. It also marked a resurgence of interest in feminist punk, influencing a new generation of artists exploring similar themes of empowerment and identity. Released in early 2013, Run Fast was The Julie Ruin's debut album after the band's formation in 2010. This marked a significant moment in Kathleen Hanna's career, as it followed her influential work with Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, showcasing her evolution into a more personal songwriting style while maintaining her punk roots.

Run Fast works well if you're into spirited bursts of energy, short, punchy tracks for commuting and cathartic release through raw emotion.

How many songs are on Run Fast?

Run Fast has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Run Fast

The Julie Ruin · 2013

44 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

A spirited blend of punk rock energy and confessional lyricism, pulsating with urgency and raw emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Oh Come On — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its anthemic chorus and driving beat, encapsulating the album's spirit of defiance and fun.
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Girls Like Us — This song stands out for its empowering lyrics celebrating female friendships and solidarity, resonating deeply within the feminist punk ethos.
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Run Fast — The title track captures the album's overarching themes of urgency and resilience, blending catchy hooks with poignant reflections on personal struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with personal lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and distinct vocal delivery.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
The lyrics often shift between personal confessions and broader social commentary, providing depth to the punk rock sound.

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

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

spirited bursts of energy
short, punchy tracks for commuting
cathartic release through raw emotion
playful irreverence with confessional tones

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
want mellow, soothing soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2013, Run Fast was The Julie Ruin's debut album after the band's formation in 2010. This marked a significant moment in Kathleen Hanna's career, as it followed her influential work with Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, showcasing her evolution into a more personal songwriting style while maintaining her punk roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Bikini Kill· Le Tigre· Sleater-Kinney

Tracklist

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

1 Oh Come On 2:25
2 Ha Ha Ha 3:18
3 Just My Kind 3:51
4 Party City 3:27
5 Cookie Rd. 3:35
6 Lookout 3:07
7 Right Home 3:06
8 Kids in NY 2:27
9 Goodnight Goodbye 4:22
10 South Coast Plaza 3:00
11 Girls Like Us 3:19
12 Stop Stop 2:47
13 Run Fast 5:19

What to play next

Listen next

Hit Reset

2016

Full The Julie Ruin discography Artists like The Julie Ruin

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata