So why is Bad Religion’s How Could Hell Be Any Worse? on this best 1,000 albums ever thing?
“Latch Key Kids” is a standout track on Bad Religion’s How Could Hell Be Any Worse? It’s a perfect example of the band’s ability to craft socially conscious punk rock music that is both melodic and catchy as all get out.
The song’s lyrics address the issue of latch key kids (children who are often left alone after school and have to fend for themselves), painting a vivid picture of the struggles these kids face and the sense of isolation they feel. The song’s catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs make it a true punk rock anthem, and the lyrics are a powerful reminder of the social issues that Bad Religion has long been known for addressing.
“We’re Only Gonna Die” has a driving rhythm and powerful lyrics about the futility of life and the eventuality of death. The song’s opening lines set the tone for the entire album, with singer Greg Graffin declaring, “We’re only gonna die for our own arrogance.” The song’s message of anti-establishmentarianism and defiance is still just as relevant today as it was in 1982.
I love the opening guitar riff on “Oligarchy” – it’s just crushing and pure hardcore punk rock that runs a tidy one minute total all told.
Some stats & info about Bad Religion – How Could Hell Be Any Worse?
- What kind of musical stylings does this album represent? Rock Music, Punk Rock, SoCal Bands, American Underground, Hardcore Punk
- Rolling Stone’s greatest 500 albums ranking – none!
- All Music’s rating – 3 out of 5 stars
- When How Could Hell Be Any Worse? released? 1982
- My ranking, the one you’re reading right now – #554 out of 1,000
Bad Religion’s How Could Hell Be Any Worse? on Spotify
A lyrical snippet from Bad Religion’s How Could Hell Be Any Worse? that’s evocative of the album in some way, maybe
In this world today, there ain’t nobody to thank. Just blame it on the kids and toss ‘em in the tank.
What’s the most interesting thing about Bad Religion’s How Could Hell Be Any Worse? that most people don’t know?
How Could Hell Be Any Worse? is Bad Religion’s debut album, released in 1982. It is considered a classic album in the punk genre and is known for its politically charged lyrics and melodic guitar work. One interesting thing about the album is that it was recorded in a single day on a budget of just $600. Despite the limited resources, the band was able to produce a polished and powerful sound that helped establish them as one of the leading acts in the punk scene. Additionally, the album’s cover art is a painting by artist Pushead, who’s one of the most well-known punk cover artist in the punk scene.
What does the “best 1,000 albums ever” mean and why are you doing this?
Yeah, I know it’s audacious, a little crazy (okay, maybe a lot cray cray), bordering on criminal nerdery.
But here’s what it’s NOT: a definitive list of the Greatest Albums of All-Time. This is 100% my own personal super biased, incredibly subjective review of what my top 1,000 albums are, ranked in painstaking order over the course of doing research for nearly a year, Rob from High Fidelity style. Find out more about why I embarked on a best 1,000 albums ever project.