Unsafe Building 1990 by The Alarm: A Raw, Unfiltered Punch to the Gut
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—The Alarm’s Unsafe Building 1990 isn’t your typical shiny, polished rock album. It’s gritty, raw, and unapologetically real. Released in—you guessed it—1990, this sucker dives headfirst into alternative rock with a pop-rock twist that feels like a punchy mixtape from another era. And honestly? That’s what makes it unforgettable.
First off, we gotta talk about “Up For Murder.” Man, this track hits hard. From the opening riff, you can tell it’s not here to mess around. The guitar work is tight but messy in all the right ways, like someone pouring their heart out without caring how it looks on paper. The lyrics? Dark, brooding, almost haunting—they stick with you long after the song ends. I mean, who doesn’t love a tune that sounds like rebellion bottled up in three minutes? There’s something so raw and untamed about it, like hearing an old friend spill their guts over beers at 2 a.m. You don’t just listen to this track; you feel it.
Then there’s the title track, “Unsafe Building.” If “Up For Murder” is a fistfight, this one’s more like staring out of a rain-soaked window while thinking about every bad decision you’ve ever made. But hey, don’t let that fool ya—it’s still got teeth. The melody builds slowly, layering tension until it explodes into this massive chorus that feels cathartic as hell. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna scream along even if you’re alone in your car. Honestly, it’s weird how a song about crumbling foundations (literal or metaphorical?) can make you feel kinda hopeful. Like yeah, things are falling apart, but damn, they sound beautiful doing it.
What really gets me is how Unsafe Building 1990 refuses to play nice. This wasn’t some big-budget EMI Electrola production meant to dominate the charts—it was released under Not On Label too, which gives it this underground, rebellious vibe. It’s like The Alarm didn’t care about fitting in; they were making music for themselves and anyone else who happened to stumble upon it. And sure, maybe it didn’t blow up in the UK or Germany back then, but that’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to be perfect—it’s trying to be honest.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album now feels kinda like finding an old Polaroid in the attic. It’s faded around the edges, sure, but it reminds you of a time when life felt simpler yet infinitely more complicated all at once. Maybe that’s why tracks like “Up For Murder” and “Unsafe Building” still resonate today. They weren’t chasing trends—they were carving out their own space in a world that often feels… well, unsafe.
So yeah, if you’re looking for polished perfection, this ain’t it. But if you want an album that feels alive, flawed, and achingly human, give Unsafe Building 1990 a spin. Just don’t blame me if it leaves you feeling wrecked—and weirdly grateful for it.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: isn’t it wild how buildings aren’t the only unsafe things? Sometimes albums can rattle your foundation too.
