The Signal cover

The Signal

Guano Apes · 2007

45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of melodic rock and energetic nu metal, blending catchy hooks with powerful instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Name of My Baby — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and memorable chorus, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
  • →
    Sorry — With its emotional depth and engaging melody, 'Sorry' highlights the band's lyrical maturity while maintaining a strong rock foundation.
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    Fever — This track stands out for its rhythmic intensity and catchy hooks, representing the vibrant fusion of rock and nu metal that defines the album.
  • →
    Counting Trees — Closing out the album, 'Counting Trees' showcases a more contemplative side of the band, featuring layered instrumentation and reflective lyrics that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with strong hooks but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective tracks.
  • Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, moving from softer verses to explosive choruses that highlight the band's nu metal influences.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 groove
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • for casual gatherings
  • consistent flow throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • avoid lyrical depth

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, The Signal was Guano Apes' third studio album following the successful Don't Give Me Names (2000) and Walking on a Thin Line (2003). At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the alternative rock scene after a brief hiatus, aiming to expand their sound and reach a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Lacuna Coil· Evanescence· Halestorm

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Name of My Baby 3:54
  • 2 Sorry 3:46
  • 3 Right Lane 4:08
  • 4 Fever 3:23
  • 5 Mecasanova (Yam Yam) 3:55
  • 6 Do It Again 3:23
  • 7 Stop the Crying 3:32
  • 8 Old Shack 3:20
  • 9 Big City 3:28
  • 10 Perfume 3:41
  • 11 The Signal 3:53
  • 12 Counting Trees 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata