What makes Under the Boards by Saves the Day notable?

This album is notable for its critical reception, gaining attention for its introspective lyrics and energetic instrumentation in the emo scene. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as previous albums, it solidified Saves the Day's influence on emerging bands within the genre, showcasing their evolution and commitment to authenticity. Under the Boards is Saves the Day's fifth studio album, released during a transitional phase following their commercial peak with 2003's In Reverie. At this point, the band sought to strip back their sound, opting for a more straightforward rock approach while experimenting with themes of loss and longing, which marked a departure from their earlier work.

Who is Under the Boards for?

Under the Boards works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, melodic hooks for sing-alongs and introspective energy for late nights.

How many songs are on Under the Boards?

Under the Boards has 13 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 19 years ago this October

Under the Boards

Saves the Day · 2007

37 min · 13 tracks · emo

A raw and energetic blend of melodic punk and emo that captures the turmoil of youth and heartbreak.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Under the Boards — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and introspection, blending catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about personal struggle.
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Get Fucked Up — This track stands out with its raw energy and candid exploration of escapism through reckless behavior, embodying the album’s youthful angst.
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Woe — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song delves into themes of regret and sorrow, showcasing a more mature side of the band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of emo while showing some structural consistency.

What we noticed

The first track features a driving tempo with layered guitar riffs that set an energetic tone for the album.
Several tracks employ a dynamic shift between quiet verses and explosive choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
The last three tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere as the album concludes.

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

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 pacing for reflective moments
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
introspective energy for late nights
short tracks for quick bursts
emotional exploration of turmoil

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer immersive albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Under the Boards is Saves the Day's fifth studio album, released during a transitional phase following their commercial peak with 2003's In Reverie. At this point, the band sought to strip back their sound, opting for a more straightforward rock approach while experimenting with themes of loss and longing, which marked a departure from their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: The Get Up Kids· Jimmy Eat World· Dashboard Confessional