Wouldn't Believe It cover

Wouldn't Believe It

The Get Up Kids · 2002

4 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, emotive collection blending sharp guitars with reflective lyrics that capture the essence of early 2000s emo.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Martyr Me — The opening track sets an introspective tone, combining earnest lyrics with a driving rhythm that encapsulates the emotional weight of the album.
  • →
    Wouldn't Believe It — This title track features a catchy chorus and poignant reflections on personal struggles, making it a standout representation of the band's growth in songwriting.
  • →
    I'll Catch You (acoustic) — The stripped-down acoustic version highlights vulnerability and emotional depth, showcasing the band's ability to convey raw feelings through minimal instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first two tracks feature full instrumentation with driving guitars and energetic drumming, while the last two tracks are stripped down acoustic versions.
  • The EP opens with a mid-tempo track that builds intensity, then shifts to a more upbeat pace before transitioning to the quieter acoustic pieces.
  • Each of the four tracks has distinct lyrical themes, but they maintain a cohesive emotional tone 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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — An EP that adds depth to their catalog but isn't widely recognized.
Career context
Released in January 2002, Wouldn't Believe It is The Get Up Kids' fourth studio album and showcases a transitional phase after their earlier successes. Following the critical acclaim of Something to Write Home About, this album finds the band experimenting more with sound and lyrical themes, marking a shift toward their later work.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Eat World· The Starting Line· Brand New

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Martyr Me
  • 2 Wouldn't Believe It
  • 3 I'll Catch You (acoustic)
  • 4 Wish You Were Here (acoustic)

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata