Daniel J. Hagerman | barnegat, NJ United States | 10/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Classic Bad Religion album full of critical, intelligent and usually sarcastic toned lyrics on top of catchy (almost poppy which is why some people find this album dis-tasteful) songs. the music is not as punk-oriented or hardcore as in other BR albums such as the straight ahead punk album STRANGER THAN FICTION. there are some slower songs where the music complements greg's voice and this album is a bit more produced than other BR albums.
this album is more rock and melody driven, more song driven. It still has the BR bite lyrically with lyrics that are stark yet retain a good sense of humor and they still have the greatest rhythm section ever which only elevate the music and the band far above the rest. this is one of the gretest punk bands and one of the greatest albums by this band. Songs like STRUCK A NERVE, which spews emotion so deep i almost drown. Another no brainer of an album and this is definitely an album you want to check out and a band that is worth your time.
Out of all of the Southern Californian hardcore punk bands of the early '80s, Bad Religion stayed around the longest. For over a decade, they retained their underground credibility without turning out a series of indistinguishable records that all sound the same. Instead, the band refined their attack, adding inflections of psychedelia, heavy metal, and hard rock along the way, as well as a considerable dose of melody. Between their 1982 debut and their first major-label record, 1993's Recipe for Hate, Bad Religion stayed vital in the hardcore community by tightening their musical execution and keeping their lyrics complex and righteously angry"
No typical BR album
Evan H. Sagal | Encino, CA USA | 02/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although this album is not considered to be one of Bad Religion's better albums, I rank it first on my list for the simple reason that I listen to it the most. The songs are not typically sung in Bad Religion's fast paced style as showcased on earlier recordings. For that I urge you to pick up Suffer. Recipe for Hate however has more melodic songs, and is different in that it is a complete album. The tracks relate to each previous track's theme. To better define what I mean, this album is like reading a book and appreciating the story. Lyrically it is their best effort. The album deals with topics of politics (of course), religion, and really focuses on self examination. What hits me the hardest is when Gregg sings about his frustration over how people enter into cliques, and how he can't seem to fit into any structure because he is such an individual..."I scoff at labels,I defy censuses and despise group mentality." He admits he is an outsider, accknowledges that he will suffer from not belonging, but claims he will never belong even if he's destined to suffer. On a personal level I can relate to Gregg. Being a teenager, I see people sporting the popular name brand appearal, or praying for the weekend so they can get drunk and hit the parties, hoping to score some action with a drunk girl who will be out of their life after that one night. I have been combating this typically shallow way of life for "normal" teens, and constantly stuggle with it, but this album has made it alright and even great to be different. I mean, that is what this punk thing is all about anyway. I know I'm not alone when I say that it feels like I am on the outside looking in (check out "Looking In - track 10"). As Gregg says in the album, "Observing those around us, desiring to belong, beneath the guise of salvation, we suffer all along the way."In conclusion, this album is not for everyone. If you have share similar views with me (feeling like an outsider), then pick up this album. If you are just getting into BR, get Suffer, No Control and especially All Ages, which covers all the classic BR songs from the Epitaph days. But please don't buy the album if you are only into heavy punk with idiotic, meaningless lyrics. (Just cuz they toured with Blink dont make Blink good!) Bad Religion's stuff is meant to stimulate the mind. Recipe for Hate is your recipe for exactly that."
A Punk Landmark
Evan H. Sagal | 03/28/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Why has this album gotten so much bad press over the years? While perhaps not BR's best, it is certianly not an album to be ignored. Intense lyrics, wonderful guitars, and that amazing punk feel culminate in an amazing piece of work. Check this out, and with an open mind you will be rewarded."
Needs more
Evan H. Sagal | 12/20/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the weaker Bad Religion albums, and it is strange that it was their breakout album. The lyrics are incredible, but listening to it, I wished that the instrumentation was tighter. There are times on the album when Gurewitz can't seem to find the riff he is looking for, and it becomes distracting. The highlights on the album include the title track, Portrait of Authority, and American Jesus, which is good, but highly overrated. If you want a far surperior BR album check out either No Control or Suffer, and then All Ages, a compilation of their best songs produced while they were with indie mega-label Epitaph."