The Finer Things
State Champs · 2013
39 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
Energetic punk rock melodies collide with introspective lyrics, encapsulating youthful angst and a desire for connection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Elevated — Opening with infectious energy, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of self-empowerment and resilience against adversity.
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Prepare to Be Noticed — This anthem captures the urgency of youth ambition, blending catchy hooks with relatable themes of chasing dreams and recognition.
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We Are the Brave — Closing out the album, this track reflects on unity and perseverance, leaving listeners with a hopeful message amidst struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Energetic melodies and introspective lyrics create a solid debut, though it follows familiar pop-punk structures.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos and driving guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often reflect themes of youth and personal struggle, with a conversational tone that invites listener connection.
- 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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6/10
- 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 mid-tempo sing-alongs
- youthful exuberance and energy
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- for group listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike consistent pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2013, The Finer Things marked State Champs' debut album, launching them into the spotlight of the pop-punk revival. At this point, the band had already built a significant following through their energetic live performances and earlier EPs, setting the stage for their breakout in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Neck Deep· The Wonder Years· Real Friends
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Elevated 3:29
- 2 Deadly Conversation 3:08
- 3 Hard to Please 3:03
- 4 Prepare to Be Noticed 3:07
- 5 Over the Line 3:24
- 6 Simple Existence 3:45
- 7 Remedy 3:24
- 8 Nothing's Wrong 3:18
- 9 Mind Bottled 2:54
- 10 Critical 3:24
- 11 Easy Enough 3:01
- 12 We Are the Brave 3:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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