The Gray Race

by Bad Religion

Overview

It's a testament to a band that their weakest work is still this great. There's no question that the loss of guitarist Brett Gurewitz hurts the band. Gurewitz had a hot, edgy sound, and wrote half the songs, including all four singles off 1994's stunning Stranger Than Fiction. Losing such an awesome talent would cripple most groups. Fortunately, the other writer, extraordinary vocalist Greg Graffin, remains. He too has penned so many of Bad Religion's most memorable songs, and one can now add a bunch from Gray Race to this list. Moreover, this LP shows why it's an enormous relief this band survives and still prospers -- there's no better punk rock band in the world. Not even close. No one else can mix such high octane tunefulness, the most thought-provoking lyric sheet around, and Graffin's still ungodly, powerful voice. Hell, does anyone in America deliver better harmonies than this bunch? No! The standouts are the mid-tempo chuggers -- "Pity the Dead" is so catchy it hurts, with a knockdown bridge that stops the heart as Graffin strains for a dramatic high note. Likewise, "Spirit Shine" and the radio hit "A Walk" show the kind of melodic gifts a band should have to beg Lucifer for. The only reason Gray Race is even remotely weaker than their other LPs is because sympathetic producer Ric Ocasek (the Cars) smoothes out the firepower a tad. As well, without Gurewitz's half, a couple of songs seem so-so by past standards, and there's less variety. But make no mistake, Gray Race is one of the finest LPs any American band released in 1996; may they make records 'til the title of this LP refers to their hair. ~ Jack Rabid

Product Details

Release Date:	04/13/2018
Label:	Epitaph
UPC:	0045778699612
Rank:	21027

Tracks

1. The Gray Race
2. Them and Us
3. A Walk
4. Parallel
5. Punk Rock Song
6. Empty Causes
7. Nobody Listens
8. Pity The Dead
9. Spirit Shine
10. The Streets of America
11. Ten In 2010
12. Victory
13. Drunk Sincerity
14. Come Join Us
15. Cease

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bad Religion   Primary Artist
Bobby Schayer   Drums
Greg Hetson   Guitar
Greg Graffin   Vocals
Jay Bentley   Guitar (Bass)
Brian Baker   Guitar

Technical Credits

Bad Religion   Producer
Greg Graffin   Composer,Lyricist
George Marino   Mastering
Brian Baker   Composer
Bruce Calder   Engineer
Ric Ocasek   Producer
Mike Gitter   A&R
Stain   Art Direction
Frank Gargiulo   Design,Art Direction