Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review




MxPx
Teenage Politics



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 19 tracks: 45 minutes, 50 seconds
Street Date: November, 1995


In the early 90's, punk rock had nearly lost its edge, that was until bands like Green Day, Blink 182, and MxPx had emerged with a new wave of punk, entitled "pop/punk." This meant that the so-called "punk" attitude was still constant with the gathered masses, but it also entailed that the music would contain pop-like sensibilities while being more speed-driven. After a musical barrage of new punk flavor with Pokinatcha, MxPx continued their same musical style, but with a maturer and more serious approach to songwriting with their sophomore effort Teenage Politics.

Lyrically, the album contains several tracks that touch on more political-based values and sociology, which forced several fans to turn away from their music, while gaining a whole new crowd of fans. Coincidentally, the band was also anything but short on inflicting their spirituality as well. In "Like Sand Thru the Hourglass... So are the Days of our lives," Mike Herrera proudly boasts "I see my destroyed world in front of me. Any and everything I trusted, I weep for my world disgusted. But I look to you, Jesus yes I do, and I trust in You." More God-centered lyrics permeate tracks like "I'm The Bad Guy," "Opposite of Intellect" (which portrays an example of 2 Timothy 4:12), and "Something More," all while containing power-soaked vocal chords, grinding guitar riffs, and supersonic drum rhythms. However, there are songs that also express oblivious political themes, with words like "Believing the lies defines American, they don't realize their ignorance and sin" ("Democracy") and "Is it time again to disagree, about anything and everything and what's on TV; it's a vicious circle, never-ending, a linear equation worldly extending" ("Teenage Politics").

Unfortunately, MxPx's disgust with the United States government is not over yet as Mike sings in the song "Americanism," "Why aren't we against them, cause we know that they are wrong, we're the biggest faction, and they've had control too long." The aforementioned song also contains brutal lyrics like "Would you die for your country, false freedom and liberty... Americanism, nationalism, bow to the flagism! Militaristic, egotistic, high class and capitalistic." It is understandable that our nation is not the same as it was decades of years ago, but it seems rather awkward that a band who called themselves Christians would be so gutsy as to be Anti-Patriotic towards a land that has more freedom than many may ever know.

Despite the flames and criticism that the album received due to the overall message it sent to more than a few individuals, Teenage Politics brought forth the pivotal single and music video "Punk Rawk Show" (which became the first video by a Christian punk band to be played on MTV) and propelled MxPx into the mainstream as they gained notoriety through several video networks and numerous rock music-related publications. In a world where punk rock's original origins were rooted in revolt, aggression, and rebellion, it's always a relief to know that there are mainstream bands like MxPx and even Relient K who can keep a devoted faith in God while producing quality music.

- Review date: 12/4/05, written by Paul Portell



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
. Album length: 19 tracks, 45 minutes and 50 seconds
. Street Date: November, 1995
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Sugarcoated Poison Apple
  2. Do & Don't
  3. Teenage Politics
  4. Punk Rawk Show
  5. Opposite of Intellect
  6. False Fiction
  7. Falling Down
  8. Money Tree
  9. Rainy Day
  10. Like Sand Thru the Hourglass... So Are the Days of Our Lives
  11. Democracy
  12. Something More
  13. Different Things
  14. Misunderstanding
  15. Study Humans
  16. Inquiring Minds Want to Know
  17. I'm the Bad Guy
  18. Americanism
  19. Delores [Hidden Track]

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images