Turned On
73 min · 15 tracks · alternative metal
Raucous riffs and fervent vocals drive a raw exploration of emotional turmoil and existential dread.
Top tracks — play these first
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Out There — This track stands out with its lengthy exploration of isolation and desperation, showcasing the band's dynamic range and Rollins' intense vocal delivery.
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Tearing — With its relentless pace and visceral lyrics, this song captures the essence of emotional struggle, making it a quintessential representation of the album's themes.
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What Have I Got — The introspective lyrics coupled with a driving rhythm elevate this track as it delves into personal crisis and self-reflection, illustrating Rollins' poignant songwriting abilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intense energy and emotional exploration but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing slower, more introspective moments.
- Vocals are delivered in a fervent, spoken-word style that often overlaps with the instrumentation, creating a sense of urgency and emotional weight.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to quieter sections, which heightens the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dynamic flow with emotional peaks
- intense vocal delivery throughout
- engaging two-part listening experience
- cathartic release in longer tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, 'Turned On' was Rollins Band's debut studio album, following their acclaimed EP 'Life Time'. This album marked the beginning of Henry Rollins' transformation from spoken word artist to a prominent figure in alternative metal, establishing the band's signature sound.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Lonely 5:00
- 2 Do It 2:53
- 3 What Have I Got 5:09
- 4 Tearing 5:37
- 5 Out There 10:52
- 6 You Didn’t Need 5:38
- 7 Hard 4:18
Disc 2
- 1 Followed Around 2:47
- 2 Mask 2:30
- 3 Down and Away 5:13
- 4 Turned Inside Out 6:46
- 5 The Dietmar Song 2:08
- 6 Black and White 3:31
- 7 What Do You Do 6:27
- 8 Crazy Lover 4:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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