What makes Submarine by Whipping Boy notable?

The album received significant acclaim from critics and is often noted for its influence on the Irish alternative rock movement of the early '90s. It has since been recognized for its unique lyrical themes and emotional depth, contributing to the band's lasting legacy despite their relatively short career. Submarine was Whipping Boy's debut album, released in 1992 amid a burgeoning Irish rock scene. The band had garnered attention following their earlier EPs, positioning this album as a critical step in establishing their sound and presence in the music industry.

How many songs are on Submarine?

Submarine has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Submarine

Whipping Boy · 1992

43 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A gritty blend of alternative rock infused with raw emotion and atmospheric soundscapes that echo the early '90s underground scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Safari — Opening with an infectious energy, Safari sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and vivid imagery that captures youthful restlessness.
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Astronaut Blues — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, showcasing the band’s ability to blend melancholy with a sense of longing.
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Submarine — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, combining layered instrumentals with evocative storytelling that invites deep reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends gritty alternative rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing a solid debut but not yet reaching peak distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower, more atmospheric tracks that create a contrasting dynamic.
Several tracks incorporate layered guitar effects and reverb, contributing to a dense soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The lyrical themes often explore introspection and existentialism, with a notable shift in tone from the more upbeat tracks to the darker, reflective ones.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Safari 3:23
2 Beatle 3:27
3 Sushi 4:34
4 Favourite Sister 3:45
5 Astronaut Blues 3:21
6 Bettyclean 4:48
7 Buffalo 4:49
8 Snow 4:55
9 Valentine 69 4:15
10 Submarine 5:53

What to play next

Listen next

Heartworm

1995

Go back to

Sweet Mangled Thing

1989

Full Whipping Boy discography Artists like Whipping Boy

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata