by Jeff Rosenstock
Released October 14, 2016 via SideOneDummy Records / Quote Unquote Records
Reviewed October 7, 2021
Top tracks (based on community voting)
We Begged 2 Explode (67%), Festival Song (38%), Staring Out the Window at Your Old Apartment (38%)
Jeff Rosenstock is one of this generation’s most genius songwriters. Whether it’s his work with Bomb the Music Industry, the countless collaborative efforts he has been involved in, or his solo releases, Rosenstock never fails to be emotionally and politically poignant. His third release after BtMI’s breakup, WORRY., is possibly his most definitive work in this regard. Fittingly, WORRY. is deeply rooted in feelings of anxiety and fear. Covering all forms of an emotion that can be devastating in and of itself, this album plays with a number of different sounds. Upbeat and jittery ska-punk cuts, strangely sobering and tender power-pop anthems, and more straightforward punk rock moments allow Rosenstock to flesh out the concept of worrying in a way that captures both the highs and lows it can take shape in. Similarly, his lyrics are impressively diverse. Tackling both the political and the personal, as well as the intersectionality of the two, Rosenstock is both deeply empathetic and charismatic as he delves into issues of corporatization, economic and social inequality, gentrification, and fears of aging. Right as America dove headfirst into an even more concerning, confusing, and complicated political climate, Jeff Rosenstock released a masterpiece that now feels oddly prophetic. – Dominick (10/10)
Jeff Rosenstock’s WORRY. remains his best work, filled to the brim with relatable struggles of anxiety in a society that seems to never ease up. Rosenstock brings together elements of ska, punk, and power pop to create a landscape that is rather upbeat and interesting, but lying underneath the facade is a brilliant look at the woes many of us face daily. Social anxiety, fears regarding our political landscape, economic decay, mortality, etc. are all touched upon here and Rosenstock brings a personal touch that makes it all hit that much harder. Five years later, WORRY. remains an amazing look at the chaotic duality of being alive. – Jared (8.5/10)
WORRY., Jeff Rosenstock's second studio album, captures the essence of pop punk's energetic bliss with catchy hooks and forthright musicianship. Set at a blistering pace, it is a leave-no-prisoners affair—forgivingly unforgiving. Reveling in atomic bursts of power pop, WORRY. seamlessly plays through front to back, rollercoaster-like in an array of thrusts and cooldowns. Short ascensions and sharp descents provide the feeling of fervent motion, hysterical in near-restless jitterbugs––feel-good being an understatement when it comes to flair. Strong attitudes towards outward emotion forces the listener to invest their attention fully on WORRY. It’s nothing short of captivating, attracting ears with relative ease. – Peter (7.5/10)
Dominick: 10/10 | Hadley: 9.5/10 | Jared: 8.5/10
Cam: 8/10 | Peter: 7.5/10 | DeVán: 7/10
