The Herd cover

The Herd

The Herd · 2001

66 min · 18 tracks · Australian hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and sharp social commentary, layered with eclectic instrumentation and dynamic vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Scallops — Opening the album with a strong beat and intricate lyrics, 'Scallops' sets the tone for The Herd's fusion of hip-hop and social commentary.
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    Royal Jelly — 'Royal Jelly' showcases the group's ability to weave personal narratives with broader societal issues, reflecting their lyrical strength and versatility.
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    Manufactured — This track critiques consumer culture through clever wordplay and compelling rhythms, embodying the band's signature blend of entertainment and insight.
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    Ones and Zeros — 'Ones and Zeros' highlights The Herd's adeptness at addressing technology's impact on society, making it relevant both musically and thematically.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The Herd's debut showcases strong lyrical themes and varied instrumentation, marking a notable entry in Australian hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating a dynamic interplay between the group members.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • sharp social commentary and wit
  • eclectic instrumentation throughout album
  • dynamic vocal performances engaging
  • vibrant beats for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, simple tracks
  • want consistent pacing throughout

Where this album fits

Career context
The Herd's debut album, released in 2001, marked the beginning of their impactful presence in the Australian hip-hop scene. At this time, they were emerging from the underground circuit, ready to challenge mainstream norms with their politically charged lyrics and innovative sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Hilltop Hoods· Bliss n Eso· Urthboy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Royal Jelly

    A pivotal moment shifts from personal introspection to a critique of societal expectations regarding success and identity.

    This transition emphasizes the tension between individual aspirations and collective pressures, highlighting The Herd's skill in blending personal narrative with cultural critique.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Scallops 4:51
  • 2 Lurque 4:04
  • 3 Symbiosis 3:20
  • 4 Royal Jelly 4:56
  • 5 Dase’n 5:14
  • 6 Hello Boys 3:24
  • 7 Hill Cats 5:51
  • 8 Manufactured 3:22
  • 9 Awaken 0:42
  • 10 Toronto 2:37
  • 11 X-Continental 4:10
  • 12 Ones and Zeros 4:30
  • 13 Too Late 4:24
  • 14 Takin’ Space 3:08
  • 15 Gutter Rats 1:07
  • 16 20 Leopards 3:36
  • 17 Sutherland Pickup 3:52
  • 18 Tricky Sleeves 3:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata