Generator is the sixth studio album by the punk rock band Bad Religion. Although the album was completed in the spring of 1991, it was not released until 1992; the band was not happy with the artwork and packaging, and went through several ideas that were eventually scrapped. Generator was the band's first release with drummer Bobby Schayer, who replaced Pete Finestone during the Against the Grain tour.

Generator includes some fan favorites and concert staples, such as, "Generator", "No Direction", "Heaven Is Falling", "Atomic Garden", and "The Answer". The album was promoted with Bad Religion's first music video, which was filmed for the song "Atomic Garden".

Background and production

Following the release of Bad Religion's fifth studio album Against the Grain (1990), drummer Pete Finestone left to focus on his other band the Fishermen. His position was filled by fan Bobby Schayer.

Writing sessions for Generator began around late 1990/early 1991. After Schayer joined in April 1991, the band immediately started work on their follow-up to Against the Grain. With an intended release date of mid-to-late 1991, they recorded it at Westbeach Recorders in Hollywood, California in May of that year.

Generator was recorded almost live in the studio,

| rev2 = Alternative Rock

| rev2Score = 8/10

| rev3 = Christgau's Consumer Guide

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| rev4 = The Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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| rev5 = Spin Alternative Record Guide

| rev5score = 8/10

| noprose = yes

Author Dave Thompson, in his book Alternative Rock (2000), wrote that the band "offer up complexity and experiment while the slower tempos actually let you hear what the band are singing about — a valid consideration for a band with so much to say."

In October 2011, the album was ranked number three on Guitar World magazine's top ten list of guitar albums of 1992.

Track listing

2004 CD reissue bonus tracks

  • Prior to the recording of the album, these tracks were part of the 7-inch split with Noam Chomsky, issued by Maximum Rock 'N' Roll in 1991 as part of an anti-Gulf War benefit.

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes, except where noted.

;Bad Religion

  • Greg Graffin – lead vocals, backing vocals, additional guitar on track 12
  • Greg Hetson – guitar
  • Brett Gurewitz – guitar, backing vocals, piano on track 7