This Is the End of Control cover

This Is the End of Control

Hey Violet · 2012

37 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A spirited blend of pop-punk energy and alternative rock melodies, capturing a youthful sense of rebellion and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shake the Ground — This track showcases the band's energetic spirit with an anthemic chorus that emphasizes empowerment and self-confidence, making it a standout anthem for youth.
  • →
    Paper Doll — With its introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, this song encapsulates the struggle between identity and societal expectations, resonating deeply with listeners navigating similar challenges.
  • →
    Too Many Faces — The exploration of duality within personal identity is vividly portrayed here, making it a poignant reflection on self-acceptance amid external pressures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

41 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic songwriting with a blend of catchy hooks and introspective themes, typical of its era.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective tracks.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that emphasize the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

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 3/10

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

  • spirited anthems for youthful rebellion
  • quick bursts of introspective energy
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • punchy tracks for energetic moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • avoid energetic, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as Hey Violet's debut studio album, This Is the End of Control marked their transition from a teenage pop band to a more mature alternative rock sound. At this point in their career, they were establishing their identity and sonic direction following their earlier EP releases.
Stylistic neighbors
PVRIS· Tonight Alive· Paramore

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Let It Go

    The narrative shifts from contemplation to decisive action, urging release from past burdens.

    This shift emphasizes a transformative journey, reflecting growth and resilience rather than stagnation.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Take This Now 0:47
  • 2 Better This Way 2:48
  • 3 Raw. Real. 2:37
  • 4 Shake the Ground 2:42
  • 5 Too Many Faces 4:44
  • 6 Let It Go 3:39
  • 7 Sacrificial Lamb 2:55
  • 8 Act the Part 3:38
  • 9 Drawing a Blank 2:47
  • 10 Heart Is a Hole 4:14
  • 11 Paper Doll 3:42
  • 12 Hold On 3:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata