The Troubled Stateside cover

Released 20 years ago

The Troubled Stateside

Crime in Stereo · 2006

36 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A blend of urgent punk energy and introspective lyricism captures the struggle of American adulthood in a turbulent era.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Bicycles for Afghanistan — This track encapsulates the album's mixture of urgency and introspection, addressing disillusionment with society while maintaining an infectious energy.
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    The Impending Glory of American Adulthood — The song serves as a poignant commentary on the anxieties surrounding growing up in America, showcasing both lyrical wit and emotional vulnerability.
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    I’m on the Guestlist Motherfucker — This track stands out for its sharp critique of social hierarchies within the music scene, combining humor with biting commentary that resonates deeply in punk culture.
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    Gravity/Grace — As a reflective piece, this song highlights personal struggles with identity and purpose, encapsulating a sense of yearning that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album balances urgent punk energy with introspective themes, showcasing solid songwriting and engaging arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a lengthy instrumental introduction that builds tension before introducing vocals, setting a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced punk sections and slower, more contemplative passages.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative thread that connects the songs thematically.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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 reflective moments
  • introspective lyrics for deep thought
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • cathartic expression of disillusionment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party anthems
  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'The Troubled Stateside' was released in January 2006, Crime in Stereo had established themselves as a significant force in the punk rock scene with their previous album, 'Crime in Stereo is Dead'. This album marked a pivotal moment in their career as they began to embrace more complex themes and sounds, setting them apart from their earlier work and solidifying their artistic identity.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Everything Changes/Nothing Is Ever Truly Lost 0:59
  • 2 Bicycles for Afghanistan 2:58
  • 3 The Impending Glory of American Adulthood 3:25
  • 4 I’m on the Guestlist Motherfucker 1:30
  • 5 Sudan 3:26
  • 6 Abre los ojos 3:28
  • 7 Gravity/Grace 3:57
  • 8 Slow Math 2:36
  • 9 I Stole This for You 3:02
  • 10 Dark Island City 2:06
  • 11 For Exes 3:26
  • 12 I, Stateside 5:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata