Victims of the Age cover

Victims of the Age

Mark Heard · 1982

34 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

A poignant blend of folk rock that marries introspective lyrics with melodic arrangements and a touch of social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everybody Loves a Holy War — This track stands out for its biting commentary on conflict and hypocrisy, encapsulating the album's theme of societal critique within a catchy melody.
  • →
    Dancing at the Policeman's Ball — With its clever juxtaposition of humor and seriousness, this song effectively highlights the absurdity of authority figures in a time of unrest.
  • →
    City Life Won't Let Up — This track captures urban disillusionment through vivid imagery and relatable sentiment, making it an anthem for those feeling overwhelmed by city living.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk rock with introspective lyrics and social critique, creating a thoughtful listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered acoustic guitars and harmonized vocals, establishing a reflective tone.
  • Lyrically, the songs often feature vivid imagery and social commentary, with lines that directly address contemporary issues.
  • The final track, 'Heart of Hearts', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • poignant reflections on society
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • thoughtful lyrics for deep thinking
  • light-hearted moments amidst seriousness

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, expansive albums
  • seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1982, Victims of the Age marked Mark Heard's fifth studio album, following his acclaimed 1981 release, Strength of the World. At this point in his career, Heard was establishing himself as a significant voice in Christian folk rock, blending personal reflection with broader societal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Larry Norman· James Taylor· Rich Mullins

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Victims of the Age 3:18
  • 2 City Life Won't Let Up 3:42
  • 3 Faces in Cabs 3:11
  • 4 Nothing Is Bothering Me 3:54
  • 5 Some Folks' World 4:35
  • 6 Growing Up Blind 4:39
  • 7 Dancing at the Policeman's Ball 3:58
  • 8 Everybody Loves a Holy War 4:26
  • 9 Heart of Hearts 3:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata