Description
Bad Religion – No Control – Vinyl Record
Bad Religion’s No Control (1989) is the fourth studio album from the influential punk rock band and is widely regarded as one of the definitive releases in the Southern California punk scene. Following the success of Suffer (1988), which helped revive both the band’s career and the punk genre, No Control further cemented Bad Religion’s status as a cornerstone of melodic hardcore punk. With its blistering speed, politically charged lyrics, and infectious melodies, No Control became a touchstone for punk bands throughout the 1990s and beyond.
The album is notable for its fast, aggressive sound paired with highly intelligent, often philosophical lyrics—a signature combination that has defined Bad Religion’s music. No Control tackles themes of individual freedom, societal norms, and self-awareness, delivered with the relentless energy that became a hallmark of the band’s style.
No Control exemplifies the melodic hardcore genre, blending the aggression and speed of hardcore punk with catchy melodies and harmonized backing vocals. Bad Religion is known for its rapid tempos, tight musicianship, and distinctive vocal harmonies, often referred to as the “oozin\’ ahs,” which add a layer of complexity to the straightforward punk framework. The album is a high-energy barrage, with many songs clocking in at under two minutes. Despite its brevity, the album packs in 15 tracks, each filled with fast-paced drumming, driving basslines, and relentless, distorted guitars. As is typical of Bad Religion, the lyrics are densely packed with meaning, often using philosophical and academic language. The band’s frontman Greg Graffin, who holds a Ph.D. in zoology, weaves in commentary on politics, religion, and personal freedom with clarity and purpose.
Key Tracks
“No Control”: The title track captures the essence of the album, with lyrics that reflect on the feeling of losing control in the face of societal pressures. The fast tempo, tight guitar work, and memorable chorus make it one of the standout tracks.
“Change of Ideas”: Opening the album, this song sets the tone with rapid-fire vocals and fast, aggressive instrumentation. It’s a perfect introduction to the band’s philosophical approach, with Graffin pondering the necessity of adapting to new ideas in a changing world.
“I Want to Conquer the World”: One of the most iconic tracks on the album, “I Want to Conquer the World” blends idealism with frustration. It’s an anthem of wanting to make a difference in the world, tempered by the harsh realities of human nature. The song’s catchy chorus and anthemic feel made it a fan favorite.
“You”: This song stands out for its sharp, biting lyrics about personal accountability and hypocrisy. Clocking in at just over a minute, it’s short but impactful, packing a punch with its rapid pace and Graffin’s confrontational vocal delivery.
“Sanity”: A slightly slower track compared to the rest of the album, “Sanity” features a melodic hook and introspective lyrics about maintaining one’s mental balance in a chaotic world. The song highlights the band’s ability to blend aggression with melody.
A recurring theme on No Control is the importance of personal responsibility and critical thinking. Songs like “No Control” and “You” call for individuals to question authority, challenge societal norms, and take accountability for their own actions and beliefs. As with much of Bad Religion’s discography, the album criticizes blind adherence to authority, be it religious, political, or social. “I Want to Conquer the World” reflects an internal struggle between wanting to change the world for the better and recognizing the futility of some efforts.
Graffin’s lyrics often delve into existential themes, questioning the nature of existence, morality, and the future. Songs like “Automatic Man” and “Sanity” explore the human condition in a way that’s both introspective and socially aware. Many of the songs on the album are politically charged, addressing the failures of governments, the dangers of blind nationalism, and the inequalities present in society. Bad Religion doesn’t offer simple solutions but instead asks the listener to think critically about these issues.
Greg Graffin’s vocal style is urgent and direct, perfectly suited for the rapid tempos and heavy lyrical content of the album. His voice maintains a melodic quality even at high speeds, making the songs both aggressive and singable. Brett Gurewitz, the band’s primary guitarist and key songwriter, delivers tight, fast riffs that drive the songs forward. His playing on No Control is fast and aggressive, yet the melodic underpinnings give the songs a tunefulness that sets Bad Religion apart from other punk bands of the era. Jay Bentley’s basslines provide a steady backbone for the band’s fast rhythms. His playing is precise and often mirrors the guitar work, but with enough variation to give the songs a fuller sound. Drummer Pete Finestone drives the album’s fast tempos with tight, rapid drumming. His fast-paced rhythms are relentless, maintaining the energy throughout the album’s short, punchy tracks.
No Control is considered one of the defining albums of both Bad Religion’s career and the broader punk rock scene. Its blend of intelligent lyrics, melodic hooks, and fast-paced aggression influenced countless bands in the punk and hardcore genres, particularly during the 1990s punk revival.
No Control had a significant impact on the development of melodic hardcore and pop-punk. Bands like Pennywise, NOFX, and The Offspring have cited Bad Religion as a key influence, particularly in terms of their ability to blend catchy melodies with punk intensity. The themes addressed on No Control—from anti-authoritarianism to personal accountability—remain relevant today. The album continues to resonate with fans, both for its timeless message and its high-energy, no-nonsense punk sound.
No Control by Bad Religion is a landmark album in the punk rock and melodic hardcore genres. With its high-speed tempos, socially conscious lyrics, and infectious melodies, the album captures the essence of what makes Bad Religion one of the most influential bands in punk history. Its themes of personal responsibility, political critique, and existential reflection continue to resonate, making No Control both a product of its time and a timeless record. For fans of punk rock, No Control is an essential listen that helped shape the sound and ethos of the genre for years to come.
The fourth studio album from Bad Religion.
No Control follows the band’s comeback Suffer. It originally sold 12,000 copies, and eventually ended up selling 60,000, making this another one of Epitaph’s best-selling records.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Change Of Ideas
Big Bang
No Control
Sometimes I Feel Like
Automatic Man
I Want To Conquer The World
Sanity
Henchman
It Must Look Pretty Appealing
You
Progress
I Want Something More
Anxiety
Billy
The World Won’t Stop
