Search - Bad Religion :: Against the Grain

The third of Bad Religion's comeback trilogy

L. J. Penglase | allentown PA | 09/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before the first notes of this album explode out of the speakers, lead-singer Greg Graffin can be heard saying "With attitude. . ." into the microphone. No lengthy review can sum up Bad Religion's return to the punk scene in the late 80's than that.



Having taken a five year hiatus following the major flop that was Into The Unknown (that not even the brilliant Back To The Known e.p. could make up for, apparently), Bad Religion exploded back onto the punk scene in 1988 with Suffer that not only reignited their career, but also the punk rock scene in America as well.



Over the next few years, the band remained on top of their game, releasing albums that proved that Suffer wasn't just a fluke. No Control expanded on the themes from Suffer, addressing some specifics on the subjects of social responsibility and environmental accountability to name a few.



Against The Grain, the third album from this era, and final to feature the amazing Pete Finestone on drums, is certainly the most musically caustic and lyrically scathing. The guitar work became more intricate, the bass work more impressive, and the vocal performances became huge explosions of compositional tapestries. When the band would list the Beach Boys as an influence years later (on the Live At The Palladium DVD), the connection is obvious in retrospect.



From the flaming guitar solo that opens "Modern Man," to the stadium rock feel of "Faith Alone," to Graffin spewing "Un-ac-f***ing-ceptable!" in the final moments of "Unacceptable," this album demands full attention from front to back.



Certainly not for the light of heart, but good punk isn't, by definition. A must-own for fans of hardcore."

5 star punk album

Gogol | England | 05/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can remember Maximum Rock and Roll once saying (in praise) about this band that you needed a dictionary to understand the lyrics. While I wouldnt go that far their lyrics are definatly far beyond the usual "boo goverment" "I hate society" this is much more worth listening to. Put together with such great powerful music the opening track knocks you for 6. This has got to be one of the punk rock essentials.



Great band, great lyrics (check out the 'rock and roll' style pictures inside, very punk rock guys) pure cheese! Lol."