Tell the Truth
Billy Squier · 1993
60 min · 12 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant blend of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads, underscored by Billy Squier's powerful guitar work and emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Angry — The lead single captures Squier's signature arena rock sound with infectious energy and showcases his ability to craft memorable hooks.
-
→
Rhythm (A Bridge So Far) — This track combines complex rhythms with introspective lyrics, demonstrating Squier's evolution as a songwriter while maintaining his hard rock roots.
-
→
Time Bomb — With its dynamic shifts and compelling narrative about personal struggle, this track stands as a highlight that encapsulates the album's thematic depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a high-energy pace with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in the ballads.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 engagement
- emotive vocals for introspection
- sing-along anthems for gatherings
- energetic riffs for motivation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1993, Tell the Truth marked Billy Squier's sixth studio album, following the commercial success of his 1981 breakthrough, Don't Say No. At this point in his career, Squier was navigating a challenging music landscape and seeking to redefine his sound amid shifting trends in rock music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ted Nugent· Joan Jett & the Blackhearts· Heart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Angry 4:30
- 2 Tryin' to Walk a Straight Line 4:05
- 3 Rhythm (A Bridge So Far) 7:01
- 4 Hercules 4:43
- 5 Lovin' You Ain't So Hard 5:18
- 6 Time Bomb 6:58
- 7 Stranger to Myself 5:52
- 8 The Girl's All Right 4:09
- 9 Break Down 4:48
- 10 Not a Color 5:13
- 11 Mind Machine 4:00
- 12 Shocked Straight 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.