What makes Unclogged by X notable?

Unclogged received critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers noting its relevance in the punk revival of the '90s. The album featured standout tracks that captured both the band's roots and evolved sound, solidifying X's place within the American punk rock narrative and influencing emerging bands of that era. Released in 1995, Unclogged marked X's first album in nearly a decade after a hiatus following their 1987 release, See How We Are. This record came during a transitional phase for the band, as they sought to reconnect with their audience while navigating changes in the alternative rock landscape.

Who is Unclogged for?

Unclogged works well if you're into steady mid-tempo flow throughout, introspective lyrics with raw energy and for reflective road trips.

How many songs are on Unclogged?

Unclogged has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Unclogged

X · 1995

51 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of punk energy and alternative rock melodies, capturing a restless spirit of the mid-'90s music scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts — This track exemplifies the band’s sharp lyricism and melodic sensibility, blending humor with a critique of social norms, making it a standout reflection of their artistic vision.
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The World's a Mess; It's in My Kiss — With its catchy chorus and biting commentary on societal issues, this song serves as a powerful testament to X's ability to merge political themes with engaging music.
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Burning House of Love — This track showcases a more introspective side of the band, combining emotional depth with an infectious melody that highlights their evolution while staying true to their roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with alternative melodies, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced punk track, immediately establishing an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
Several tracks feature dual vocals that intertwine, creating a dynamic interplay between the singers.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing more melodic elements and reflective lyrics, which contrasts with the earlier intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady mid-tempo flow throughout
introspective lyrics with raw energy
for reflective road trips
catchy anthems for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1995, Unclogged marked X's first album in nearly a decade after a hiatus following their 1987 release, See How We Are. This record came during a transitional phase for the band, as they sought to reconnect with their audience while navigating changes in the alternative rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The Stooges· Refused· Fugazi