This Addiction
Alkaline Trio · 2010
36 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A raw, energetic blend of pop-punk and emo, steeped in dark humor and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Addiction — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of dependency and longing with an infectious chorus that reflects both vulnerability and resilience.
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Lead Poisoning — This track showcases the band's signature dark humor and melodic sensibility, juxtaposing upbeat instrumentals with sharp, self-deprecating lyrics.
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Draculina — With its gothic imagery and playful storytelling, this song stands out as a creative exploration of love intertwined with horror motifs.
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The American Scream — Addressing themes of disillusionment and societal pressures, this track captures a sense of urgency that resonates with the band's punk ethos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk elements with introspective lyrics, creating a solid yet familiar sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a fast tempo with aggressive guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Lyrical themes of addiction and introspection are prevalent throughout, often juxtaposed with upbeat melodies.
- The album features a consistent use of harmonized vocals, particularly in the choruses, which enhances the pop-punk sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 sessions
- steady energetic flow
- dark introspective moods
- front-loaded with energy
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Re-establishes the band's presence after a hiatus with mature themes.
- Career context
- This Addiction marks Alkaline Trio's sixth studio album and their first release after a two-year hiatus following the 2008 album Agony & Irony. At this point, the band was re-establishing its presence in the punk rock scene after a period of commercial fluctuation, aiming to return to its roots while exploring deeper lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Wonder Years· Brand New· Taking Back Sunday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Addiction 2:34
- 2 Dine, Dine My Darling 2:58
- 3 Lead Poisoning 2:37
- 4 Dead on the Floor 4:19
- 5 The American Scream 2:59
- 6 Off the Map 3:15
- 7 Draculina 3:33
- 8 Eating Me Alive 2:53
- 9 Piss and Vinegar 2:27
- 10 Dorothy 3:31
- 11 Fine 3:17
- 12 Two Lips, Two Lungs and One Tongue 1:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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