What makes Vagabond Bones by Helix notable?

Vagabond Bones marked a significant return for Helix, showcasing their enduring appeal and managing to secure a place on the Canadian charts. The album received positive reviews for its energetic tracks and lyrical content that resonated with themes of resilience and self-discovery. Released in 2009, Vagabond Bones is Helix's seventh studio album, following their 2007 effort, Rockin' in My Outer Space. At this point in their career, Helix was navigating the challenges of remaining relevant in a changing music landscape while still retaining their hard rock roots.

Who is Vagabond Bones for?

Vagabond Bones works well if you're into steady mid-tempo anthems, resilient spirit of defiance and for road trips.

How many songs are on Vagabond Bones?

Vagabond Bones has 9 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Vagabond Bones

Helix · 2009

31 min · 9 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock anthems fueled by raw energy and introspective lyrics reflecting a restless spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Animal Inside (Won’t Be Denied) — This opening track sets the tone for the album, featuring an infectious chorus that embodies defiance and determination perfectly aligned with the hard rock ethos.
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Go Hard or Go Home — With its driving rhythm and motivational lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's spirit of perseverance and living life to the fullest.
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Vagabond Bones — The title track offers a reflective moment, combining catchy riffs with introspective lyrics about wandering and the search for purpose.
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Monday Morning Meltdown — This track delivers a relatable take on post-weekend struggles, blending humor with hard-hitting instrumentation that resonates with listeners facing daily grind.

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 features energetic hard rock tracks with introspective lyrics, but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy anthem that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature prominent guitar riffs and solos, with lyrics that reflect themes of resilience and restlessness.
The track 'Monday Morning Meltdown' introduces a more introspective tone, contrasting with the earlier anthems while still retaining a hard rock edge.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 anthems
resilient spirit of defiance
for road trips
sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective pieces
seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Vagabond Bones is Helix's seventh studio album, following their 2007 effort, Rockin' in My Outer Space. At this point in their career, Helix was navigating the challenges of remaining relevant in a changing music landscape while still retaining their hard rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Kix· Ratt· Twisted Sister