Waiting
Thursday · 1999
33 min · 9 tracks · hardcore punk
A dynamic blend of post-hardcore intensity and introspective lyrics, woven through intricate guitar work and passionate vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Porcelain — The album opener sets the tone with its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, encapsulating themes of vulnerability and introspection that permeate the record.
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Ian Curtis — This track pays homage to the iconic Joy Division frontman, intertwining personal struggles with larger existential themes, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Dying in New Brunswick — With its raw energy and evocative storytelling, this song captures a sense of dislocation and longing that resonates deeply within the album’s narrative arc.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong dynamics and emotional themes typical of its genre but lacks the depth of later works.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid drumming and layered guitar riffs, setting an intense tone.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts between quiet, introspective verses and explosive choruses, creating a push-and-pull effect.
- The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and emotional turmoil, with vocal delivery that ranges from melodic singing to raw shouting.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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, consistent energy levels
- introspective late-night reflections
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, 'Waiting' was Thursday's debut album, marking their entrance into the post-hardcore scene. Coming off the heels of a successful EP, they were eager to establish their sound and identity as a band in the burgeoning emo landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· Taking Back Sunday· The Used
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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This Side of Brightness
The lyric shifts from personal reflection to broader societal commentary, creating a stark contrast that heightens emotional impact.
This structural shift not only broadens the song's scope but also emphasizes a connection between personal experiences and collective feelings.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Porcelain 4:40
- 2 This Side of Brightness 3:35
- 3 Ian Curtis 3:47
- 4 Introduction 1:58
- 5 Streaks in the Sky 4:30
- 6 In Transmission 3:41
- 7 Dying in New Brunswick 4:06
- 8 The Dotted Line 4:19
- 9 Where the Circle Ends 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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