Something to Write Home About
The Get Up Kids · 1999
45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Ebullient melodies intertwine with raw, confessional lyrics over vibrant guitar-driven arrangements that epitomize late '90s emo.
Top tracks — play these first
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Holiday — Opening the album with a bright yet reflective tone, this track encapsulates the band's signature blend of upbeat instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
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Valentine — A poignant exploration of love’s complexities, this song showcases the emotional depth and lyrical vulnerability that became hallmarks of the band’s style.
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Action & Action — This track captures the urgency and restlessness typical of youth, combining catchy hooks with an energetic delivery that resonates strongly with listeners.
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I’m a Loner Dottie, a Rebel — With its memorable chorus and clever lyrical play, this song embodies themes of individuality and defiance, making it a standout piece in their catalog.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines vibrant melodies with raw lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and production typical of late '90s emo.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track, 'Holiday', followed by three more upbeat songs before introducing slower tempos in the latter half.
- Each song features prominent guitar riffs that are layered with melodic hooks and harmonized vocals, creating a rich sound texture.
- Lyrically, the album employs a confessional style, with personal narratives that often shift between introspection and urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- reflective late-night listening
- short, engaging song lengths
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish The Get Up Kids' reputation in the emo genre.
- Career context
- Released in early 1999, Something to Write Home About was The Get Up Kids' second studio album and marked a pivotal moment in their career. Following the success of their debut album, they were solidifying their place within the burgeoning emo scene, attracting a wider audience while refining their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Eat World· The Starting Line· Brand New
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Holiday 3:29
- 2 Action & Action 4:05
- 3 Valentine 4:19
- 4 Red Letter Day 2:56
- 5 Out of Reach 3:46
- 6 Ten Minutes 3:12
- 7 The Company Dime 4:06
- 8 My Apology 3:24
- 9 I’m a Loner Dottie, a Rebel 3:08
- 10 Long Goodnight 4:49
- 11 Close to Home 3:50
- 12 I’ll Catch You 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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