"Barely Legal" is the debut studio album by Swedish rock band The Hives, released in 1997. The album showcases the band's early garage rock and punk influences, which would later earn them international acclaim. The album was a significant success in Sweden and gained recognition elsewhere in Europe, marking the first major milestone for the band in their music career.
The album includes singles like "A.K.A I-D-I-O-T" and "Hail Hail Spit N Drool". It consists of 12 tracks and introduces listeners to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that would become The Hives' signature. However, it leans more towards raw punk sounds rather than the slightly cleaner garage punk style that characterized their later works. The Hives – formed by five adolescents from Fagersta, Sweden - has engaged listeners with their high-octane performances and infectious music.
"Barely Legal" laid the foundation for The Hives' journey and kickstarted their path towards becoming one of the biggest rock bands of the early 21st century. The album, with its uncompromising punk roots and resilient energy, still holds an important place in the band's discography and continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
