What makes There Are Rules by The Get Up Kids notable?

'There Are Rules' received mixed reviews but was notable for its attempt to evolve the band's sound. It debuted at number 49 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating that despite their time away, they still maintained a dedicated fanbase eager for new material. Released on January 25, 2011, 'There Are Rules' marked The Get Up Kids' return after a hiatus following their 2004 album 'Guilt Show'. At this point, the band was attempting to redefine their sound while navigating their legacy in the emo scene, showcasing a more mature approach to songwriting and production.

Who is There Are Rules for?

There Are Rules works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, introspective late-night listening and steady, consistent energy levels.

How many songs are on There Are Rules?

There Are Rules has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

There Are Rules

The Get Up Kids · 2011

42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of angular guitars and introspective lyrics that push the boundaries of emo and alternative rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Tithe — Opening the album with a punchy energy, 'Tithe' encapsulates the band's signature melodic hooks while introducing a more aggressive edge in both instrumentation and lyrical content.
→
Automatic — This track features intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that reflect the album's exploration of personal struggles and self-awareness, making it a standout example of their evolving style.
→
Rally ’round the Fool — 'Rally ’round the Fool' showcases an ambitious structure with dynamic shifts that highlight the band's growth as songwriters, blending catchy choruses with deeper thematic elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album attempts to evolve the band's sound but remains within familiar emo and alternative rock frameworks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate angular guitar riffs that contrast with introspective lyrics, creating a tension between sound and message.
The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the themes explored throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
introspective late-night listening
steady, consistent energy levels
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album attempts to redefine the band's sound after a hiatus.
Career context: Released on January 25, 2011, 'There Are Rules' marked The Get Up Kids' return after a hiatus following their 2004 album 'Guilt Show'. At this point, the band was attempting to redefine their sound while navigating their legacy in the emo scene, showcasing a more mature approach to songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors: Jimmy Eat World· The Starting Line· Brand New