Tigers Jaw cover

Tigers Jaw

Tigers Jaw · 2008

29 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A blend of raw emotion and melodic hooks, embodying the spirit of early 2000s emo and indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Sun — Opening with an infectious melody and introspective lyrics, this track sets the emotional tone for the entire album, showcasing the band's knack for blending pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
  • →
    Plane vs Tank vs Submarine — This short yet impactful song encapsulates Tigers Jaw's ability to convey urgency and vulnerability, exemplifying their signature sound with its catchy chorus and relatable angst.
  • →
    I Was Never Your Boyfriend — With its narrative-driven lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, this track highlights the band's skill in storytelling while encapsulating the complexities of young relationships.

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 showcases solid songwriting and emotional delivery but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual male and female vocals, often harmonizing on melodic hooks.
  • Tracks frequently shift dynamics, with quieter verses building into more intense choruses, creating emotional peaks.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and extended instrumental sections.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of raw emotion
  • youthful angst and introspection
  • for short commutes
  • sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek polished production quality

Where this album fits

Career context
This self-titled debut album marks Tigers Jaw's entrance into the music scene, released in January 2008 when they were still a relatively unknown band. At this time, they were building a following in the DIY punk circuit, setting the stage for their future influence on the emo revival movement.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Sun 3:44
  • 2 Plane vs Tank vs Submarine 2:00
  • 3 I Saw Water 4:14
  • 4 Chemicals 2:58
  • 5 Between Your Band and the Other Band 4:39
  • 6 HEAT 1:25
  • 7 I Was Never Your Boyfriend 2:46
  • 8 Meals on Wheels 2:29
  • 9 Arms Across America 2:53
  • 10 Never Saw It Coming 2:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata