Standards & Practices cover

Standards & Practices

Face to Face · 1999

31 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

A brisk collection of punk rock anthems that blend catchy melodies with sharp social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What Difference Does It Make — This opening track sets the tone with its energetic riff and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the tension between personal struggles and broader societal issues.
  • →
    The KKK Took My Baby Away — A poignant cover of the classic by The Ramones, this track not only pays homage but also amplifies its original themes of loss and disillusionment.
  • →
    Chesterfield King — This song stands out for its melodic hooks combined with sharp commentary on consumerism, illustrating Face to Face's knack for blending catchiness with critique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features solid punk compositions with energetic performances but lacks standout depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover that sets a brisk tempo, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent energy level throughout.
  • Several songs feature dual vocal lines, allowing for dynamic interplay between the singers and enhancing the punk rock feel.
  • The last three tracks shift slightly in tone, introducing more introspective lyrics while still retaining a driving rhythm.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

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

  • punchy tracks for quick bursts
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs
  • energetic vibes for gatherings
  • short bursts of vibrant energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • dislike upbeat, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context
Standards & Practices is Face to Face's fourth studio album, released in early 1999 after their commercial breakthrough with Big Choice in 1996. By this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound and navigating a post-grunge landscape while maintaining a dedicated punk audience. The album followed a period of lineup stability and creative exploration, showcasing their evolution in songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors
Pennywise· NOFX· Bad Religion

Tracklist

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

  • 1 What Difference Does It Make 3:42
  • 2 Chesterfield King 3:47
  • 3 Don’t Change 4:07
  • 4 Sunny Side of the Street 2:42
  • 5 Planet of Sound 2:06
  • 6 The KKK Took My Baby Away 2:31
  • 7 Heaven 3:24
  • 8 Merchandise 2:59
  • 9 Helpless 2:54
  • 10 That’s Entertainment 3:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata