About this album
Where they were
Released in 1998, 'Life Won't Wait' marked Rancid's fourth studio album and represented a pivotal moment following their commercial success with '...And Out Come the Wolves'. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new sounds and themes, incorporating ska and reggae influences while maintaining their punk roots. This album showcased their musical evolution and willingness to address social issues more directly.
Why it matters
'Life Won't Wait' is significant for its exploration of diverse musical styles and its critical reception, earning praise from outlets like Alternative Press. The album debuted at No. 45 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Rancid's position in the punk scene during the late '90s and influencing a generation of artists within punk and ska genres.
Essential tracks
- "Life Won’t Wait" — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of urgency and activism, blending poignant lyrics with an infectious melody that urges listeners to reflect on societal issues.
- "New Dress" — With its catchy hooks and sharp critique of consumer culture, 'New Dress' stands out as a vibrant commentary on identity and materialism amidst a lively ska backdrop.
- "Cash, Culture and Violence" — This track powerfully addresses systemic inequality and violence, combining hard-hitting punk riffs with thoughtful lyrics that resonate deeply with contemporary social struggles.
Release Date
January 1, 1998
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 0:48
- 2 Bloodclot 2:45
- 3 Hoover Street 4:09
- 4 Black Lung 1:53
- 5 Life Won’t Wait 3:48
- 6 New Dress 2:51
- 7 Warsaw 1:31
- 8 Hooligans 2:32
- 9 Crane Fist 3:48
- 10 Leicester Square 2:34
- 11 Backslide 2:53
- 12 Who Would’ve Thought 2:56
- 13 Cash, Culture and Violence 3:10
- 14 Cocktails 3:20
- 15 The Wolf 2:38
- 16 1998 2:45
- 17 Lady Liberty 2:20
- 18 Wrongful Suspicion 3:31
- 19 Turntable 2:16
- 20 Something in the World Today 2:33
- 21 Corazon de Oro 3:58
- 22 Coppers 5:01
