Wasted…Again cover

Wasted…Again

Black Flag · 1987

33 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenzied blast of hardcore punk energy layered with sardonic wit and social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wasted — The opening track sets the tone with its raw energy and rebellious spirit, encapsulating the band's ethos in under a minute.
  • →
    TV Party Start here — This track cleverly critiques consumer culture while maintaining a catchy punk rhythm, highlighting Black Flag's knack for combining humor with social commentary.
  • →
    Six Pack — A quintessential anthem of youthful disillusionment that resonates with listeners through its infectious hook and short runtime.
  • →
    Slip It In — The extended length and complex structure showcase the band's willingness to experiment beyond traditional punk boundaries while addressing themes of desire and frustration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with sharp lyrical commentary, reflecting its punk roots while navigating new territory.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Slip It In', which shifts from a driving beat to a slower, more chaotic section.
  • The lyrics often employ sardonic wit, with social commentary woven into the vocal delivery, creating a contrast between the music's intensity and the lyrical content.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short, intense listening bursts
  • high-energy motivation sessions
  • raw, chaotic emotional release
  • immediate hooks and energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift in sound and lineup, showcasing artistic evolution.
Themes
consumer culture critique· California punk scene· sardonic social commentary
Career context
Released in 1987, Wasted…Again is Black Flag's fifth studio album, marking a period of significant lineup changes and artistic evolution. At this point, the band was navigating the aftermath of their iconic album, My War, and redefined their sound through experimentation with longer song structures and diverse themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Minor Threat· Dead Kennedys· Circle Jerks

Tracklist

  • 1 Wasted 0:53
  • 2 TV Party Start here 3:31
  • 3 Six Pack 2:20
  • 4 I Don’t Care 1:00
  • 5 I’ve Had It 1:24
  • 6 Jealous Again 1:50
  • 7 Slip It In 6:16
  • 8 Annihilate This Week 4:44
  • 9 Loose Nut 4:33
  • 10 Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie 2:00
  • 11 Louie Louie 1:19
  • 12 Drinking & Driving 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata