What a Time to Be Alive (Superchunk album)
Superchunk · 2018
32 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A raucous blend of punk energy and introspective lyricism, capturing urgency in uncertain times.
Top tracks — play these first
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What a Time to Be Alive Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's urgent commentary on modern life, combining catchy hooks with biting social critique that sets the tone for the entire record.
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Lost My Brain — This track distills feelings of confusion and disillusionment into a brief, frenetic burst, effectively mirroring the chaotic landscape of contemporary society.
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Dead Photographers — Offering a reflective look at art and legacy, this song stands out for its poignant lyrics and melodic depth, showcasing Superchunk's ability to balance introspection with energetic instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk elements with introspective lyrics, making it engaging yet accessible.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a driving guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Bad Choices,' which transitions from a fast-paced section to a slower, reflective bridge.
- Lyrically, the album frequently employs vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, particularly in 'Dead Photographers' and 'Cloud of Hate,' creating an intimate connection with listeners.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 mid-tempo reflective energy
- short bursts of urgency
- anxious yet vibrant mood
- focused listening with lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, sprawling albums
- seek purely upbeat anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a five-year hiatus, showcasing continued vitality.
- Career context
- What a Time to Be Alive is Superchunk's first album in nearly five years, following the 2013 release of I Hate Music. This album showcases a return to form for the band, who have been influential in the alternative rock scene since their formation in 1989. It arrives during a period of renewed political engagement and personal reflection within their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Archers of Loaf· Pavement· Guided by Voices
Tracklist
- 1 What a Time to Be Alive Start here 3:45
- 2 Lost My Brain 1:36
- 3 Break the Glass 3:09
- 4 Bad Choices 2:53
- 5 Dead Photographers 3:17
- 6 Erasure 3:41
- 7 I Got Cut 2:48
- 8 Reagan Youth 2:21
- 9 Cloud of Hate 1:13
- 10 All for You 3:26
- 11 Black Thread 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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