The General Electric
Shihad · 1999
49 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
Pulsating riffs and sharp lyrics collide in a gritty exploration of modern disillusionment and personal struggle.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Mind’s Sedate — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics, addressing existential themes with raw energy.
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The General Electric — The title track serves as a powerful critique of modern society's values, combining catchy hooks with thought-provoking commentary.
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Pacifier — With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, this song highlights the band's ability to fuse melodic elements with aggressive instrumentation.
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Sport and Religion — This track stands out for its bold juxtaposition of two cultural obsessions, using sharp lyrics to critique societal priorities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intense riffs with sharp lyrics, creating a cohesive exploration of modern struggles.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a tense atmosphere before launching into the high-energy track 'My Mind’s Sedate'.
- Many tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, with verses often contrasting quieter, introspective moments against explosive choruses.
- Lyrically, the songs address themes of disillusionment and personal struggle, with sharp, direct language that complements the aggressive instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- gritty exploration of disillusionment
- pulsating riffs energize the spirit
- steady build towards cathartic release
- for reflective afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer light, upbeat sounds
- want instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The General Electric is Shihad's fourth studio album, released in 1999 after the band's breakthrough with their self-titled album. At this point, Shihad was solidifying their presence in the alternative metal scene, aiming for broader international appeal while retaining their distinct sound. The album followed a period of intense touring and marked a shift towards more reflective and socially conscious lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helmet· Deftones· Stone Sour
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 1:04
- 2 My Mind’s Sedate 2:53
- 3 The General Electric 5:45
- 4 Wait and See 4:34
- 5 Pacifier 4:03
- 6 Thin White Line 3:15
- 7 Only Time 4:38
- 8 Just Like Everybody Else 2:49
- 9 Sport and Religion 4:32
- 10 Spacing 4:19
- 11 The Metal Song 4:24
- 12 Life in Cars 4:03
- 13 Brightest Star 3:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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