| Unwritten Law | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 2, 1998 | |||
| Recorded | July–August 1997 at London Bridge Studios, Seattle September 1997 at Studio West, San Diego | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 44:37 | |||
| Label | Interscope | |||
| Producer | Rick Parashar | |||
| Unwritten Law chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
Unwritten Law is the third album by the San Diego-based punk rock band Unwritten Law, released in 1998 by Interscope Records. It was their first album to chart, reaching No. 16 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart.[2] Music videos were filmed for the songs "Teenage Suicide", "California Sky", "Holiday", "Cailin", and "Lonesome".[3][4][5][6] "Cailin" and "Lonesome" were released as singles, the former being Unwritten Law's first song to chart, reaching No. 28 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.[7]
Production
Micah Albao performed as a session bassist on the album, as the band's bassist John Bell had left prior to them going into the studio. Following the recording sessions, Pat "PK" Kim of Sprung Monkey joined Unwritten Law as their new permanent bass player. The album includes guest appearances by Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger of Incubus on the hidden track "418".
While the band was in the studio, they were dropped by Epic, and were signed by Interscope Records after Tom Whalley heard the album,[8] as the band recalled:
When we were in Seattle making the record, Epic Records decided to drop us while we were in the studio. They never even heard the new record. After that, we didn't know if we wanted to go back to an independent label or just try to find another major. Interscope Records came in right away and genuinely showed a love for the record. It made sense to go with them.[9]
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Scott Russo except where noted; all music is composed by Unwritten Law (Scott Russo, Steve Morris, Rob Brewer, and Wade Youman)
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Harmonic" (Russo, Brewer) | 3:42 |
| 2. | "Teenage Suicide" | 2:50 |
| 3. | "Sorry" | 2:58 |
| 4. | "California Sky" (Russo, Youman) | 3:00 |
| 5. | "Cailin" | 3:56 |
| 6. | "Lonesome" | 3:24 |
| 7. | "Coffin Text" | 2:59 |
| 8. | "Holiday" | 2:56 |
| 9. | "Underground" (Russo, Youman, Brewer) | 3:10 |
| 10. | "Close Your Eyes" | 2:41 |
| 11. | "Before I Go" (Russo, Youman, Morris) | 4:25 |
| 12. | "Genocide" "418" (Russo, Brandon Boyd; hidden track) | 9:11 |
| Total length: | 44:37 | |
Personnel
Band
- Scott Russo – lead vocals
- Steve Morris – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Rob Brewer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Wade Youman – drums, percussion
Additional musicians
- Micah Albao – bass guitar
- Rick Parashar – piano, keyboards, tambura, percussion
- Geoff Turner – DJ
- Erik Aho – additional guitar on "Cailin"
- Brandon Boyd – spoken vocals and didgeridoo on "418"
- Mike Einziger – additional guitar on "418"
- Craig Yarnold – additional backing vocals on "Holiday"
Production
Artwork
- Lorna Turner – graphic design
- Craig Tomkinson and Dave Morris – photography
Charts
| Chart (2000) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[10] | 62 |
References
- 1 2 Allmusic review
- ↑ "Unwritten Law: Charts & Awards". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Video". unwrittenlaw.com. Unwritten Law. Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law - 'California Sky'". Universal Music Group. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law - 'Holiday'". Universal Music Group. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law - 'Lonesome'". Universal Music Group. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law Album & Song Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard charts. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law". www.rebelnoise.com. January 3, 2005. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- ↑ "Unwritten Law Interview". www.inmusicwetrust.com. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 289.