This Gun for Hire
The Toasters · 1990
38 min · 10 tracks · ska
Energetic ska rhythms meet punchy brass and catchy hooks, creating an infectious danceable sound that defines the genre's vibrant spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Havana (This Gun for Hire) — The title track showcases a blend of Caribbean rhythms and punk energy, capturing the essence of The Toasters' unique sound while addressing themes of ambition and survival.
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Worry — Opening with a catchy horn riff, this track encapsulates the upbeat yet introspective lyrics that characterize much of the album, making it a fan favorite.
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East Side Beat — Clocking in at over six minutes, this track offers a more extended groove that highlights the band's musical prowess and ability to engage listeners with intricate arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic ska rhythms and strong brass arrangements but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first five songs before a slight dip in tempo.
- Brass instrumentation features prominently throughout, often playing syncopated rhythms that complement the guitar and bass lines.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that encourages listener participation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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
- infectious danceable energy
- short bursts of joy
- for social gatherings
- quick tempo for active vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, reflective moments
- prefers lengthy immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, This Gun for Hire marked The Toasters' fourth studio album, coming after their 1988 release, Hard Band for Dead. At this time, the band was solidifying its role as a pivotal player in the American ska revival, following the success of their previous albums and gaining recognition on the burgeoning ska scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Specials· Madness· Operation Ivy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Worry 3:40
- 2 Havana (This Gun for Hire) 3:03
- 3 One Track Mind 3:41
- 4 Paralyzed 4:16
- 5 Don't Say Forever 3:37
- 6 Choose 3:11
- 7 Lies 3:48
- 8 Roseanne 4:04
- 9 East Side Beat 6:10
- 10 T-Time 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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