Speed Ballads
Republica · 1998
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of techno and alternative rock that captures the urgency and chaos of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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From Rush Hour With Love — This opening track sets a high-energy tone with its infectious hooks and driving beat, embodying the album's adrenaline-fueled spirit.
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Faster Faster — With its catchy chorus and fast-paced rhythm, this track perfectly encapsulates the album's urgency and aligns with the themes of speed and modernity.
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Millennium — Offering a more reflective vibe amidst the energetic tracks, 'Millennium' combines evocative lyrics with a memorable melody, highlighting the band's versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends techno and rock effectively but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature layered electronic beats and guitar riffs that create a dense soundscape, particularly in 'Faster Faster' and 'Luxury Cage'.
- The vocals often intertwine with the instrumentation rather than standing out distinctly, contributing to a chaotic feel throughout.
- The last two tracks shift to a more reflective tone, contrasting with the frenetic energy of earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- catchy hooks for engagement
- mid-tempo flow for focus
- short bursts of intensity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Speed Ballads is Republica's second studio album, following their successful self-titled debut in 1996. At this point, the band was navigating the changing landscape of Britpop and electronic music, seeking to refine their sound while maintaining their energetic edge.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Garbage· No Doubt· The Prodigy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 From Rush Hour With Love 3:26
- 2 Fading of the Man 4:34
- 3 Try Everything 4:03
- 4 Luxury Cage 5:03
- 5 Faster Faster 3:20
- 6 Nothing’s Feeling New 3:50
- 7 Millennium 3:16
- 8 Pretty Girl Hate 3:48
- 9 Kung Fu Movies 4:02
- 10 Pub Pusher 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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