The Devil in Stitches cover

The Devil in Stitches

Bad Religion · 2010

3 min · 1 track · punk rock

A raw exploration of personal turmoil layered over the driving rhythms and melodic hooks characteristic of punk rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Devil in Stitches — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of existential angst and societal critique, delivered through sharp lyrics and an infectious melody that captures Bad Religion's signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid punk elements but lacks the depth and variety of a full album.

What we noticed

  • The track features a driving tempo with a consistent four-on-the-floor beat, typical of punk rock.
  • Melodic hooks are layered over raw guitar riffs, creating a contrast between aggression and catchiness.
  • The lyrics delve into themes of personal turmoil, delivered with a vocal style that oscillates between melodic singing and urgent shouting.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases the band's signature sound but isn't widely recognized.
Career context
By the time 'The Devil in Stitches' was released in 2010, Bad Religion had already established themselves as a pivotal force in punk rock since their formation in 1980. This album came after their 2007 release 'New Maps of Hell', continuing to showcase their enduring relevance in the genre while reflecting on themes of disillusionment and resilience.
Stylistic neighbors
Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Devil in Stitches 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata