State of Grace cover

State of Grace

Street Dogs · 2008

35 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

Raucous hardcore punk energy meets poignant storytelling, creating an anthemic sound that resonates with both rebellion and reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A State of Grace — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and redemption, showcasing a more introspective side amidst the high-energy instrumentation.
  • →
    Guns — This track confronts gun violence with urgency and anger, reflecting broader societal concerns while maintaining the band's signature punk fervor.
  • →
    Rebel Song — An anthem of defiance, 'Rebel Song' captures the spirit of resistance and activism inherent in Street Dogs' ethos, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic punk with storytelling, creating a strong thematic arc despite some unevenness in execution.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, establishing a consistent punk sound.
  • The last three tracks slow down slightly in tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics and a reflective tone that contrasts with the earlier aggression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • short bursts of raw energy
  • poignant storytelling in anthems
  • cathartic release through rebellion
  • for energetic gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • seek mellow background sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2008, 'State of Grace' marked the Street Dogs' fourth studio album, following their 2005 release, 'Savin Hill'. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation within the punk scene, known for blending political themes with personal narratives.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mean Fist 2:38
  • 2 Kevin J. O’Toole 3:52
  • 3 Into the Valley 3:07
  • 4 Rebel Song 2:56
  • 5 The General’s Boombox 3:38
  • 6 Elizabeth 3:05
  • 7 Two Angry Kids 2:29
  • 8 Guns 3:16
  • 9 San Patricios 2:49
  • 10 A State of Grace 3:46
  • 11 Free 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata