Top Ten Songs by Jawbreaker
Jawbreaker was an early to mid 90’s three piece punk band distinctive for their varied discography, strong influence, and poetic songwriting. The output was outstanding for their timeframe now we have enough material to look back on what has affected musicians and people in general.
10. Want
In a classic punk rock stylized tune complete with the snarl commonly identified with a punk music oriented vocalist the song served as a strong opener for Jawbreaker’s first album Unfun and is worth particular mention because of its raw quality.
9. Big
A down tempo strum, speak, and shred type of song it is a commonly overshadowed by the other songs on Bivouac but it makes up for being particularly simple and honest. With some domineering pace changes while feeling like something that should appear on a soundtrack of sorts the song is as “Big,” as it makes itself out to be.
8. Oyster
The opening lines and chorus of “The world is an oyster, locked in a shell,” is a prominent moment in Jawbreaker’s final album Dear You because it adds a stronger social commentary to an already overtly strong album. As soon as it hits you it leaves you with a mark, which is definitely a good thing.
7. Do You Still Hate Me?
Despite an easily passable title the song blows that idea over just by being driven from the depths of a long time gone emotion and easily relatable situation. The grinding guitar contrasts really well with what’s being sung surpassing most surface observations one could make.
6. Save Your Generation
Angered, directed, and a bit irritated it doesn’t joke around what individuals should consider about themselves and others which is clearly reflected in the sound. It avoids sidestepping and teaches without being preachy which works in its favor.
5. P.S. New York Is Burning
Stepping outside of what Jawbreaker has created it comes complete with a voice sample nearing the end of the song. It even sounds reminiscent of Joy Division with a depressive destructive tone.
4. Bad Scene, Everyone’s Fault
Telling the story of a guy who encountered a problem with an old girlfriend its stage banter turned into an enjoyable poppy tune that can either irritate “enthusiasts,” for just recounting an old incident or become a favorite for to fans for the same reason. This writer falls into the latter crowd.
3. Chesterfield King
Said to be Bob Nanna’s favorite song (of Braid fame), it’s relatively easy to see why. Named after a cigarette brand it reflects the memories most people can garner from relationships. With small instances of backup vocals, off beats, and a balanced input from each one of the members in the band it sticks out like a sore thumb on Bivouac.
2. The Boat Dreams on the Hill
A small short drum roll paves the way strait into the song and the rest of 24 Hour Revenge Therapy. This song is filled with metaphors and plays like a midpoint for the band with being intense enough to cater their youthful audiences while being mature enough to be related to something like a man’s favorite novel in a few lines. It works in constant action and doesn’t allow you to be distracted for the entire duration of the track. If nothing else at the very least it has instantly quotable phrases to use but that’s only at the very least.
1. Boxcar
Sounding like something out of a playground it leaves the listener as disillusioned as Blake Schwarzenbach when he written this song as a response towards criticism he was receiving for “betraying,” the punk community for touring with bands like Nirvana. It was also originally recorded with the well recognized Steve Albini and the aggression of the track has not died down at all since it was written. It speaks out against common identification and remains to do so beyond the band’s original intention.
Jawbreaker nearly unintentionally helped pioneer what most identify as “emo music,” to today’s standards but listening at these songs helps prove they were beyond that. They help represent what musicians get their title for, being musicians.
