The Fastest Kid Alive
Adolescents · 2011
40 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk
A relentless burst of hardcore punk energy fueled by sharp social commentary and blistering instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Operation FTW — Opening with a fierce declaration, this track sets the tone for the album's high-energy assault and political fervor.
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Wars Aren’t Won, Wars Are Fought — This song encapsulates the album's themes of conflict and struggle while delivering an infectious melody that resonates deeply.
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Can’t Change the World With a Song — Reflecting on the limitations of art as activism, this track offers a critical perspective while maintaining catchy hooks that showcase the band's evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures the raw energy of hardcore punk while addressing relevant themes, though it may not stand out significantly in the genre's history.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the second half.
- Many tracks feature rapid-fire lyrics that address social issues, often delivered over aggressive guitar riffs and driving drum patterns.
- Several songs incorporate tempo changes, with some shifting from intense verses to more melodic choruses, creating dynamic contrasts.
- 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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5/10
- 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
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
- short bursts of frenetic energy
- sharp social commentary on repeat
- for high-energy workouts
- intense tracks for quick listens
- engaging sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, melodic tunes
- avoid politically charged lyrics
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, The Fastest Kid Alive is the Adolescents' first album in over a decade, following their 2000 self-titled release. This album marked a return to their roots while showcasing a matured sound that reflects both personal and societal themes. The band remained a significant influence in the punk scene, maintaining their relevance through this revival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Agent Orange· Dead Kennedys· Circle Jerks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Operation FTW 2:09
- 2 Inspiration 2:57
- 3 Wars Aren’t Won, Wars Are Fought 3:29
- 4 One Nation, Under Siege 2:36
- 5 Babylon by Bomb 2:31
- 6 Too Fast, Too Loud 2:00
- 7 Learning to Swim 3:01
- 8 Can’t Change the World With a Song 3:53
- 9 Orange Crush 1:57
- 10 Serf City 3:12
- 11 The Jefferson Memorial Dance Revolution 2:12
- 12 Tokyo au Go-Go 1:28
- 13 No Child Left Behind 2:43
- 14 Branded 1:48
- 15 Peace Don’t Cost a Thing 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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