Released 30 years ago
The Burdens of Being Upright
Tracy Bonham · 1996
35 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of jagged guitar riffs and introspective lyrics encapsulates the angst of 90s alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mother Mother — The lead single showcases Bonham's ability to blend catchy melodies with complex emotional themes, becoming emblematic of her style.
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Navy Bean — This track highlights Bonham's witty lyricism and quirky instrumentation, reflecting the playful yet serious tone present throughout the album.
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Sharks Can't Sleep — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song delves into deeper emotional territory, illustrating Bonham's range as a songwriter.
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One Hit Wonder — The title itself serves as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on fame, making it both self-referential and relatable to listeners navigating their own identities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong lead single, 'Mother Mother', which features dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Brain Crack', which features abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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, consistent energy levels
- short, engaging listening sessions
- whimsical lyrical exploration
- reflective moments of introspection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Burdens of Being Upright was Tracy Bonham's debut album, released in 1996 when she was emerging as a significant voice in the alternative rock scene. This album marked her entry into the music industry after gaining attention for her songwriting and musicianship, setting the stage for her future releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Liz Phair· Fiona Apple· Anya Marina
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mother Mother
The chorus shifts between pleading and defiance, embodying a struggle against familial expectations while asserting personal identity.
This dynamic shift in tone serves to illustrate the complexity of the relationship being addressed, elevating its emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mother Mother 3:00
- 2 Navy Bean 2:49
- 3 Tell It to the Sky 4:05
- 4 Kisses 2:20
- 5 Brain Crack 1:04
- 6 The One 3:26
- 7 One Hit Wonder 3:01
- 8 Sharks Can't Sleep 4:33
- 9 Bulldog 2:07
- 10 Every Breath 2:33
- 11 30 Seconds 3:14
- 12 The Real 3:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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