What makes State of Emergency by The Living End notable?

The album debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart, showcasing its commercial appeal. It received positive reviews for its energetic tracks and thoughtful lyrics, with outlets like Rolling Stone Australia praising its blend of punk and pop sensibilities. The Living End's ability to tackle societal issues through music resonated strongly during a period marked by political unrest. State of Emergency is The Living End's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with Modern Artillery in 2003. By this point in their career, the band had established themselves as significant figures in the Australian rock scene and were looking to solidify their presence internationally. Released in early 2006, this album reflects a maturation of their sound while maintaining the urgency that characterized their earlier work.

Who is State of Emergency for?

State of Emergency works well if you're into steady mid-tempo flow, youthful rebellious energy and engaging melodic hooks.

How many songs are on State of Emergency?

State of Emergency has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

State of Emergency

The Living End · 2006

51 min · 14 tracks · rock music

A high-energy fusion of punk rock and melodic hooks that captures youthful defiance and social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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'Til the End — Opening the album with an anthem-like quality, this track sets the tone for the themes of resilience and perseverance that run throughout the record.
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Long Live the Weekend — This upbeat and catchy song captures a carefree spirit while cleverly commenting on escapism and the pursuit of joy in everyday life.
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State of Emergency — The title track encapsulates the album’s central message, using sharp lyrics to critique societal issues while delivering a powerful musical punch.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic punk rock with thoughtful lyrics but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a fast tempo with driving guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and slower tracks.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the sense of urgency and engagement.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady mid-tempo flow
youthful rebellious energy
engaging melodic hooks
immersive listening experience
dynamic lyrical storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases their sound but isn't the most recognized or accessible.
Career context: State of Emergency is The Living End's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with Modern Artillery in 2003. By this point in their career, the band had established themselves as significant figures in the Australian rock scene and were looking to solidify their presence internationally. Released in early 2006, this album reflects a maturation of their sound while maintaining the urgency that characterized their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Rancid· The Offspring· Social Distortion