Uglier Than They Used Ta Be
Ugly Kid Joe · 2015
48 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of hard rock and funk, underscored by an unapologetic attitude and a modern edge.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Hell Ain’t Hard to Find — Opening with a powerful riff, this track captures the band's signature blend of heavy rock and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the album.
-
→
Let the Record Play — This song stands out with its infectious groove and energetic vocals, reflecting the band's ability to merge catchy melodies with hard-hitting instrumentation.
-
→
Bad Seed — With a darker lyrical theme, this track highlights the band's grunge influences and showcases their evolution while maintaining their classic sound.
-
→
My Old Man — This poignant track delves into personal reflection, illustrating the emotional depth that Ugly Kid Joe brings to their music alongside their heavier tracks.
-
→
Ace of Spades — Their cover of this Motörhead classic pays homage to their roots while adding a fresh twist, demonstrating their respect for rock history.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar riffs that drive the melodies, often accompanied by funk-inspired bass lines.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- nostalgic themes with raw emotion
- gritty sound for late nights
- sing-along moments with friends
- consistent energy throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid emotional depth and reflection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Uglier Than They Used Ta Be marked Ugly Kid Joe's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last album in 1997. This album came during a resurgence for the band, as they aimed to reconnect with fans while introducing a contemporary sound that reflects their evolution over the years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Faith No More· Primus· Rage Against the Machine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hell Ain’t Hard to Find 3:48
- 2 Let the Record Play 3:50
- 3 Bad Seed 5:00
- 4 Mirror of the Man 3:55
- 5 She’s Already Gone 4:21
- 6 Nothing Ever Changes 3:23
- 7 My Old Man 3:41
- 8 Under the Bottom 5:47
- 9 Ace of Spades 2:44
- 10 The Enemy 6:07
- 11 Papa Was a Rolling Stone 5:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.