Very Proud of Ya

Released in 1996 on Nitro Records, Very Proud of Ya represents the pinnacle of AFI's early hardcore punk phase. It is the first time the band worked with an outside producer, though the experience was reportedly so negative it deterred them from doing so again for several years. The album is notable for its massive tracklist, though many songs were re-recordings of earlier 7-inch material intended to capitalize on the band's growing West Coast popularity. Sonically, it is a departure from the more melodic 'The Art of Drowning' or the dark 'Sing the Sorrow,' instead adhering to the skate-punk traditions of the era. The record features guest appearances from members of The Offspring and Pennywise, cementing its place in the 90s punk canon. It remains a fan favorite for its raw energy and the technical proficiency of bassist Hunter Burgan and drummer Adam Carson, who provide a surprisingly complex foundation for such high-speed music.