What makes When I Hit the Ground by Ace Enders notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, solidifying Ace Enders' reputation as a solo artist. It resonated well within the alternative rock community and helped re-establish Enders’ musical footprint after his previous band's dissolution. When I Hit the Ground marked Ace Enders' first solo album after his work with The Early November, which had disbanded in 2006. Released in 2009, this project represented a significant shift toward personal storytelling and artistic independence for Enders, as he explored themes of vulnerability and self-reflection outside the confines of a full band.

How many songs are on When I Hit the Ground?

When I Hit the Ground has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

When I Hit the Ground

Ace Enders · 2009

51 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of introspective lyrics and energetic melodies that captures the spirit of early 2000s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Take the Money and Run — This track encapsulates the album's theme of escape and freedom with its catchy hooks and driving rhythm, showcasing Enders' knack for blending urgency with lyrical depth.
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When I Hit the Ground — As the title track, it perfectly embodies the album's emotional core, reflecting on personal struggles with poignant imagery and a memorable chorus that sticks with listeners.
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Sweeter Light — This song stands out with its reflective tone and melodic richness, offering insight into Enders' journey while providing an uplifting contrast to some darker themes present in the album.

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

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken word track that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into more melodic songs.
Several tracks feature layered guitar arrangements, creating a rich soundscape that supports the introspective lyrics.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a high energy while others slow down to emphasize lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Reaction

The moment shifts from introspection to a direct confrontation with external expectations, creating a sense of urgency to break free.

This transition heightens the emotional stakes, illustrating Enders' struggle between personal desire and societal pressure.

Tracklist

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

1 Reintroduction 2:24
2 Take the Money and Run 3:24
3 New Guitar 1:04
4 The Only Thing I Have (The Sign) 3:26
5 When I Hit the Ground 4:02
6 Reaction 4:02
7 Sweeter Light 4:19
8 SOS 2:55
9 Over This 3:33
10 Where Do We Go From Here 5:34
11 Emergency 4:17
12 Leader 4:37
13 Bring Back Love 4:28
14 Can't Run Away 3:37

What to play next

Go back to

The Secret Wars

2008

Full Ace Enders discography Artists like Ace Enders

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata