The New America
Bad Religion · 2000
40 min · 13 tracks · punk rock
An urgent blend of punk rock energy and introspective lyrics, driven by melodic hooks and a critique of contemporary society.
Top tracks — play these first
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You’ve Got a Chance Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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New America — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of confronting modern disillusionment while showcasing Bad Religion's signature melodic punk style.
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I Love My Computer — This song cleverly critiques technology's grip on modern life, blending humor with a serious message about societal detachment.
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There Will Be a Way — An anthem of hope amidst despair, this track balances urgency with optimism, representing a core sentiment throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk with introspective lyrics, but lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.
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 down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich melodic texture.
- 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
- short, punchy listening sessions
- reflective lyrical exploration
- dynamic emotional shifts
- motivational themes of resilience
- energetic yet contemplative moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Bad Religion's status in punk with moderate commercial success.
- Themes
- modern disillusionment· technological detachment· political critique
- Career context
- Released in 2000, The New America marked Bad Religion's eleventh studio album and followed the somewhat commercially successful No Substance from 1998. By this point, the band had established themselves as a significant force in punk rock, known for their thought-provoking lyrics and energetic sound. This album came during a phase of artistic exploration as they sought to address themes of personal and political disillusionment.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Descendents· NOFX· Pennywise
Tracklist
- 1 You’ve Got a Chance Start here 3:40
- 2 It’s a Long Way to the Promise Land 2:28
- 3 A World Without Melody 2:32
- 4 New America 3:24
- 5 1000 Memories 3:00
- 6 A Streetkid Named Desire 3:17
- 7 Whisper in Time 2:32
- 8 Believe It 3:41
- 9 I Love My Computer 3:05
- 10 The Hopeless Housewife 2:59
- 11 There Will Be a Way 2:52
- 12 Let It Burn 2:44
- 13 Don’t Sell Me Short 3:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Sufferer & The Witness
Rise Against
Shares urgent punk energy with introspective lyrics addressing social and political issues.
The Terror State
Anti-Flag
Features a similar critique of contemporary society with a blend of melodic hooks and punk fervor.
Sing the Sorrow
AFI
Combines emotional depth and urgency in a punk context, exploring themes of disillusionment and identity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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