What makes The Age of Octeen by Braid notable?

The Age of Octeen is credited with helping to define the sound of 90s emo, earning significant acclaim within the underground music community. The album's influence can be seen in the rise of subsequent emo bands, as well as its inclusion in various lists highlighting essential emo albums over the years. Released in 1996, The Age of Octeen was Braid's second album, following their debut, Frankie Welfare Boy Age Five. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the emo scene, leveraging the buzz from their previous release to explore more complex arrangements and lyrical themes.

How many songs are on The Age of Octeen?

The Age of Octeen has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

The Age of Octeen

Braid · 1996

38 min · 11 tracks · emo

A vibrant blend of intricate guitar work and emotive vocals that encapsulates the raw energy of mid-90s emo.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Baby Smokes — Opening with a punchy riff and driving rhythm, this track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and reflective lyrics about youthful rebellion.
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Nineteen 75 — This song showcases Braid's signature blend of melodic intricacy and emotional depth, capturing a sense of nostalgia for simpler times through its dynamic shifts.
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American Typewriter — With its introspective lyrics and layered instrumentation, this track highlights Braid's ability to convey complex emotions while maintaining a captivating sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and emotional delivery typical of mid-90s emo, solidifying its place in the genre.

What we noticed

The album features complex guitar riffs that intertwine with dynamic shifts in tempo, creating a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.
Vocals alternate between melodic singing and raw, shouted passages, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions, such as sudden tempo changes or shifts from quiet to loud sections, enhancing the overall energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 My Baby Smokes 3:15
2 Nineteen 75 3:04
3 Divers 3:42
4 Jimmy Go Swimmer 2:25
5 Movie Clock Star 5:45
6 Eulalia, Eulalia 3:50
7 Grace Car, Part One 4:10
8 Harrison Ford 4:00
9 American Typewriter 3:19
10 The Chandelier Swing 3:24
11 Autobiography 1:06

What to play next

Listen next

Frame and Canvas

1998

Go back to

Frankie Welfare Boy Age Five

1995

Full Braid discography Artists like Braid

emo

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata