Album Review: Don’t Vote by Ted Nguyen – A Raw Emo Rock Gem from 2014
Ted Nguyen’s Don’t Vote isn’t your typical rock album. Released in 2014 under the Ranch label, this US-born project dives deep into emo territory with a mix of raw emotion, clever lyrics, and unpolished charm. If you’re into music that feels like it was made for late-night drives or moments of chaotic introspection, this one might just hit the spot.
The album kicks off with ten tracks, each carrying its own vibe, but two really stuck with me: “There Goes My Hero” and “Beach Anarchy.” Let’s break ‘em down.
“There Goes My Hero” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s not necessarily about superheroes or saving the day—it’s more about losing someone who felt larger than life. The guitar riffs are punchy without being overdone, and Nguyen’s vocals have this raspy sincerity that makes you feel every word. There’s no sugarcoating here; it’s messy, real, and kinda beautiful. You can almost picture yourself standing on some empty street corner, yelling these lyrics into the void. It’s relatable in a way that punches you in the gut.
Then there’s “Beach Anarchy,” which flips the script entirely. This track is wild—like sand-in-your-shorts-and-a-bonfire-raging kind of wild. The energy is infectious, blending punk-inspired chaos with an underlying sense of fun. It’s the type of song that could soundtrack a rebellious summer night, full of bad decisions and unforgettable memories. Honestly, I found myself humming this one days later, even though I’m not usually into beach-themed jams.
Other standouts include “The PPA Took My Baby Away” (a quirky take on love lost to bureaucracy) and “¿Adonde Vas?” which adds a dash of mystery with its Spanish title and moody undertones. But what ties everything together is Nguyen’s ability to balance humor, heartbreak, and social commentary without taking himself too seriously.
One thing worth noting is how lo-fi the production feels. Some listeners might call it rough around the edges, but honestly? That’s part of the charm. It gives the whole album this DIY aesthetic, like Nguyen didn’t care about perfection—he just wanted to tell his stories.
Reflecting on Don’t Vote, it’s clear this album doesn’t aim to change the world. Instead, it captures snapshots of life through a lens of emo-rock grittiness. And maybe that’s why it works so well—it’s authentic, flawed, and refreshingly human.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: If this album were a person, it’d probably wear ripped jeans, argue passionately about obscure topics, and still manage to make you laugh at the end of the day. Isn’t that something we could all use more of?
