Tick Tick Boom cover

Released 19 years ago this October

Tick Tick Boom

The Hives · 2007

7 min · 2 tracks · garage rock

High-energy garage rock explodes with infectious hooks and relentless rhythms, embodying a raw and unapologetic spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tick Tick Boom — The title track perfectly encapsulates the album's high-octane energy and catchy melodies, showcasing the band's signature sound and lyrical wit.
  • →
    Waits Too Long — This track introduces a slightly more reflective tone while still maintaining the band's infectious energy, highlighting their versatility within the garage rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions and strong performances, solidifying The Hives' garage rock identity.

What we noticed

  • Both tracks maintain a high-energy delivery, with the lead vocals often layered over harmonized backing vocals to enhance the anthemic quality.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Gained significant attention and solidified The Hives' reputation in the garage rock scene.
Career context
Released in 2007, Tick Tick Boom marks The Hives' fourth studio album, following their successful 2004 release, Tyrannosaurus Hives. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as leaders of the garage rock revival, building on their previous acclaim while experimenting with pop sensibilities.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tick Tick Boom 3:35
  • 2 Waits Too Long 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata