The Will to Live cover

The Will to Live

Titus Andronicus · 2022

51 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A raw explosion of punk energy intertwined with introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation that captures both urgency and vulnerability.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My Mother Is Going to Kill Me — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and darkly humorous lyrics, encapsulating the band's unique blend of angst and wit.
  • →
    (I’m) Screwed — Highlighting themes of existential dread, this song combines catchy melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect a sense of impending doom, characteristic of the band's style.
  • →
    Give Me Grief — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and sincere exploration of grief, making it both relatable and impactful within the context of the album.

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 album combines energetic punk with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven execution.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Lyrically, the album intertwines personal narratives with broader societal themes, often using vivid imagery and storytelling techniques.
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 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

  • introspective lyrics with energy
  • short bursts of raw emotion
  • cathartic release through frustration
  • late-night reflections on struggle
  • vibrant energy for personal battles

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking subtle, soundscapes
  • prefer polished mainstream production

Where this album fits

Career context
The Will to Live marks Titus Andronicus' fifth studio album, released after a four-year hiatus following A Productive Cough. At this stage, the band was exploring deeper emotional themes while maintaining their signature punk sound, reflecting a maturation in their songwriting and musical experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors
The Menzingers· PUP· Against Me!

Tracklist

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

  • 1 My Mother Is Going to Kill Me 3:19
  • 2 (I’m) Screwed 4:18
  • 3 I Can Not Be Satisfied 5:14
  • 4 Bridge and Tunnel 7:10
  • 5 Grey Goo 1:30
  • 6 Dead Meat 3:21
  • 7 An Anomaly 7:02
  • 8 Give Me Grief 4:13
  • 9 Baby Crazy 4:15
  • 10 All Through the Night 4:38
  • 11 We’re Coming Back 3:13
  • 12 69 Stones 2:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata