Released 20 years ago
The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me
Brand New · 2006
58 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation that oscillates between raw aggression and delicate vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sowing Season Start here — The opening track sets a tumultuous tone with its explosive instrumentation and haunting vocals, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of inner conflict.
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Jesus — This track confronts themes of faith and disillusionment through vivid imagery, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and willingness to tackle controversial subjects.
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Limousine (MS Rebridge) — A standout piece that weaves a narrative around tragic events, it highlights Brand New's ability to blend storytelling with emotional intensity in a sprawling format.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and dynamic shifts, making it a notable entry in the emo revival.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a soft guitar melody that gradually builds into a full band sound, setting a dynamic tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in tempo and intensity, such as 'Jesus' which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
- The final track, 'Luca (reprise)', revisits themes from earlier songs, creating a sense of closure while maintaining an unresolved emotional tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- late-night contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Often cited as a defining record of the emo revival, showcasing artistic evolution.
- Themes
- faith crisis· inner turmoil· tragic narratives
- Career context
- Released on November 21, 2006, this third studio album marked a significant evolution for Brand New, following their commercially successful album 'Deja Entendu'. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their pop-punk roots into darker and more complex themes, establishing themselves as key figures in the alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Taking Back Sunday· The Wonder Years· Dashboard Confessional
Tracklist
- 1 Sowing Season Start here 4:30
- 2 Millstone 4:16
- 3 Jesus 5:18
- 4 Degausser 5:32
- 5 Limousine (MS Rebridge) 7:42
- 6 You Won’t Know 5:42
- 7 Welcome to Bangkok 3:05
- 8 Not the Sun 3:09
- 9 Luca 5:08
- 10 [untitled] 2:04
- 11 The Archers Bows Have Broken 4:14
- 12 Handcuffs 4:10
- 13 Luca (reprise) 4:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Boxer
The National
Explores themes of isolation and existential dread with a rich, moody soundscape.
Plans
Death Cab for Cutie
Balances introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation, touching on loss and uncertainty.
The Rising Tide
Sunny Day Real Estate
Shares emotional intensity and dynamic shifts between raw power and delicate melodies.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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