Them XX cover

Them XX

Backyard Babies · 2009

40 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A raucous blend of glam punk and hard rock, brimming with rebellious energy and catchy hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Brand New Hate Start here — The opening track sets a defiant tone with driving rhythms and sharp lyrics, encapsulating the album's core themes of rebellion and frustration.
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    Minus Celsius — This track features a catchy chorus and a blend of melodic hooks that exemplifies the band's ability to merge punk attitude with accessible tunes.
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    Electric Suzy — A standout for its infectious groove and vivid storytelling, this song captures the quintessential Backyard Babies sound while showcasing their lyrical flair.
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    Dysfunctional Professional — With its sharp wit and commentary on societal norms, this track exemplifies the band's knack for blending humor with critique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic songwriting and performance but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high-energy tempo with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the second half introduces more varied pacing.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and rebellion typical of punk rock.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • short, punchy listening bursts
  • energetic driving soundtrack
  • rebellious spirit and attitude
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • dynamic and engaging performances

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Received notable attention for its energetic sound, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes
societal critique· punk rebellion· rock 'n' roll excess
Career context
Released in 2009, Them XX was Backyard Babies' fifth studio album, following their 2008 live album. At this point in their career, the band sought to reaffirm their presence in the hard rock scene after a brief hiatus, showcasing a return to their punk roots while continuing to evolve their sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The Hellacopters· Turbonegro· The Wildhearts

Tracklist

  • 1 Brand New Hate Start here 3:01
  • 2 Minus Celsius 3:35
  • 3 Highlights 3:46
  • 4 Degenerated 3:35
  • 5 Electric Suzy 3:15
  • 6 Look at You 2:44
  • 7 Abandon 4:17
  • 8 The Mess Age 3:29
  • 9 Fill Up This Bad Machine 3:10
  • 10 The Clash 3:06
  • 11 Friends 2:48
  • 12 Dysfunctional Professional 3:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata