What makes Up the Bracket by The Libertines notable?

'Up the Bracket' received widespread acclaim, often cited as a defining record of its era, landing in numerous best-of lists and earning a spot on NME's list of the greatest albums of all time. The album's raw storytelling and musical style influenced a wave of subsequent British bands in the indie and punk rock scenes. Released as The Libertines' debut album in January 2003, 'Up the Bracket' positioned them at the forefront of the UK garage rock revival. At this time, the band was gaining attention for their chaotic live performances and camaraderie, which defined their early image and sound.

Who is Up the Bracket for?

Up the Bracket works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, punchy listening sessions and raw, energetic engagement.

How many songs are on Up the Bracket?

Up the Bracket has 14 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Up the Bracket

The Libertines · 2003

40 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

Frantic guitar riffs intertwine with raw, youthful energy, capturing the essence of early 2000s British indie rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Time for Heroes — This track encapsulates the band's defiant spirit and captures the zeitgeist of youth disillusionment with its anthemic chorus and vivid storytelling.
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What a Waster — With its catchy melody and sharp lyrics about wasted potential, this song serves as both a critique of aimlessness and a celebration of carefree youth.
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Vertigo — The opening track sets a frenetic tone with its driving beats and urgent vocals, immediately drawing listeners into the band's chaotic world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album captures youthful energy with its raw sound and storytelling, marking it as a notable entry in early 2000s indie rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature rapid tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a frenetic tone that persists through much of the album.
Several songs employ a call-and-response vocal style between the lead singers, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and urgency.
The album's lyrics often reflect themes of youth disillusionment and urban life, with a raw storytelling approach that feels immediate and personal.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
short, punchy listening sessions
raw, energetic engagement
melodic hooks and anthems

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as The Libertines' debut album in January 2003, 'Up the Bracket' positioned them at the forefront of the UK garage rock revival. At this time, the band was gaining attention for their chaotic live performances and camaraderie, which defined their early image and sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys· Franz Ferdinand