Waxed cover

Waxed

Bigbang · 1995

49 min · 11 tracks · rock music

A gritty blend of alternative rock and melodic hooks that captures the raw energy of mid-'90s Norwegian music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Busride — Opening the album with infectious energy, this track sets a thematic stage of adventure and yearning that permeates the record.
  • →
    The Man — With its punchy riffs and catchy chorus, this song encapsulates the band's knack for blending rock with engaging pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Two'o Clock — This track showcases a more introspective side of Bigbang, balancing upbeat instrumentation with reflective lyrics about fleeting moments.
  • →
    Rules Understood — The infectious groove and clever lyrics highlight the band's ability to craft songs that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100
Lowland
Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

Waxed combines energetic rock with melodic elements, establishing a solid debut but lacking the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and energetic drumming, establishing a high tempo that characterizes the album's opening.
  • Several tracks incorporate melodic hooks that contrast with the gritty instrumentation, creating a dynamic tension throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • raw emotional intensity throughout
  • reflective moments amidst urgency
  • long track invites deep focus
  • nostalgic vibes of mid-90s angst

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished, upbeat sounds
  • seek instantly catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1995, Waxed was Bigbang's debut album, marking their entry into the Norwegian rock scene. At this point, the band had been honing their sound for a few years, building a local following before this significant introduction to a wider audience.
Stylistic neighbors
2NE1· CNBLUE· Day6

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Busride 4:02
  • 2 Limodriver 3:36
  • 3 The Man 2:36
  • 4 Little Cloud 3:46
  • 5 Two'o Clock 4:04
  • 6 Tennis Club 4:04
  • 7 Marvin Dale 2:34
  • 8 Rules Understood 2:42
  • 9 Situations 4:28
  • 10 Usually 3:22
  • 11 Down There Again 14:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata