A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar
by Dashboard Confessional
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Aug 12, 2003
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 57
  3. Negative: 4 out of 57

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  1. coltdogster
    Jan 4, 2020
    10
    This album has something for everyone. The rock version of hands down that would become the definitive dashboard song is just a small piece of this underrated album. The only weak spot to me is "if you can't leave it be might as well make it bleed" but everything else here shines.
  2. Sam
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Every CD Dashboard puts out is amazing! I like his first two bc they are personal, but the high energy of A Mark is also amazing! Definitely the best band and songwriter out there.
  3. Strawberry
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    I caught the last minute of the song "Hands Down" on the radio, and immediately went out and bought the album. I can listen to it over and over again. Songs like "Bend and Break" never get old.
  4. Nick
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    i dont care what age you are... nothing beats dashboards energy that chris puts into very song he records.. best recording artist in the last 10 years by far
  5. daven
    Sep 22, 2006
    6
    Dashboard is a full band now. Its no longer Chris Carrabba and his acoustic guitar. While the new DC is catchier than the old one, it just isn't as good. "Places" and "Swiss Army" were more heartfelt, deep, and emotional then "A Mark". The new sound isn't bad, but DC seems too desperate to establish themselves as the next Good Charlotte.
  6. mattb
    Jan 26, 2006
    10
    Dashboard is awesome.. hands down is good song, its so beautiful....10!!!
  7. ChrisL
    Oct 4, 2005
    9
    Fantastic album. Carrabba is a truly talented singer. His ability to put music and lyrics together in an uncanny inspiring way that reminds me of Dave Matthews lyrics.
  8. GlennM
    Aug 28, 2005
    4
    If You've heard it once youve heard it all, the same layout for every song it gets a bit annoying unlike listening to bright eyes or death cab
  9. kathiep
    Jul 1, 2005
    2
    how is this well recieved? chris is nothing but whiny.. and EMO does not exist. dashboard's music is horrible. want to listen to better music? go listen to deja entendu.
  10. nikkik
    May 25, 2005
    10
    i loved this album, i memorized it in less than a week! and i still listen to it whenever i get the chance...definately worth your money
  11. LukeK
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    Wow! That's all I will say......
  12. MattA
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    best album ever in our times!
  13. BronFromAus
    Oct 7, 2004
    7
    This CD was only just released in Aussie like 2 weeks ago and I only bought it because I'd heard Vindicated by D/C...but after listening to it for 5 min it's really easy to get into
  14. John
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    Chris Carrabba is such a stud! I just love all DC albums
  15. JewelCounts
    Jul 19, 2004
    10
    I will have Chris's babies! I love his words, his voice, everything!
  16. MadMan
    Jun 8, 2004
    9
    If not for this crap below me I could have voted a perfect 10 :D certainly one of the best albums around!
  17. MelvinW
    Jun 2, 2004
    9
    This is a very very good CD. The lyrics are without question, some of the best written in today's music. Thank You, Dashboard Confessional for being true musicians. I can now rest !!!
  18. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 17, 2004
    0
    Chris Carraba needs to get over it! I know I did when I heard this pathetic pansy-whine CD. Garbage.
  19. Eric
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    This is by far his best album yet. It blew me away. His lyrics are so passionate and realistic.
  20. LobTreeZeeTenzin
    Feb 23, 2004
    10
    Best one yet. More to come? Hope so.
  21. YuryS
    Jan 26, 2004
    10
    This is a very good album. Compared to the lyrics of artists like Michelle Branch,etc. his lyrics are definitely not predictable. They're almost as good Aimee Mann's lyrics.
  22. KatieP
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    An amazing CD. Truly great. I love every track.
  23. JulieA
    Oct 15, 2003
    10
    super
  24. JohnD
    Oct 9, 2003
    10
    Emo? I think not! This album goes beyond stereotypical emotional music and possesses a matured sound that is orchestrated to perfection. Chris Carrabba's voice is not the only force on this album; as always, Dashboard has its inventive guitar play and impressive basswork and awe-inspiring percussion. Perhaps the best song on the album is "Bend and Not Break," which flows so Emo? I think not! This album goes beyond stereotypical emotional music and possesses a matured sound that is orchestrated to perfection. Chris Carrabba's voice is not the only force on this album; as always, Dashboard has its inventive guitar play and impressive basswork and awe-inspiring percussion. Perhaps the best song on the album is "Bend and Not Break," which flows so beautifully. The entire album, from the most docile "Carry This Picture" to the energetic "Morning Calls," is the best kind of emotional therapy that there is. On top of that, it's a wonderful album whether you're a screaming preteen girl going ga-ga over Chris Carrabba, a lovesick teenage guy, or an adult looking for some awesome music, this is the most valuable album you can own.Being an alternative singer and guitarist, I find this album to be something I could throw myself onto my bed and listen to fifty times through and then eat lunch and do it again. And for the guys in DC, I'm waiting for the next one already...GET A MOVE ON!… Expand
  25. willssssssss
    Oct 8, 2003
    2
    i honestly have never heard a more boring and plain album in my life. the lyrics are awful and the verse/chorus/verse styling is tiresome halfway through the first track. its incredibly plain guitar rock. very few riffs or anything. don't let this trash get to you.
  26. noelr
    Oct 5, 2003
    10
    i love this cd it is the best dashboard cd yet and they are all freacking awesome they are the best band i love them!!!!!!!!
  27. JulieB
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    amazing!
  28. AmandaK
    Sep 23, 2003
    3
    his lyrics are way too juvenile. "hey did you get some? man, that is so dumb..." does anyone else besides me have to cringe every time they hear that line? granted, i'm a jaded 27-year old (which is still one year younger than carabbas), but even if i were a teenager again i think i'd still have to laugh at his songwriting. if you've already progressed beyond the "young his lyrics are way too juvenile. "hey did you get some? man, that is so dumb..." does anyone else besides me have to cringe every time they hear that line? granted, i'm a jaded 27-year old (which is still one year younger than carabbas), but even if i were a teenager again i think i'd still have to laugh at his songwriting. if you've already progressed beyond the "young adult" carousels at the library, you should disregard this album.… Expand
  29. sarahlk
    Sep 21, 2003
    10
    i love it
  30. alannas.
    Sep 20, 2003
    9
    amazing.. that's all i can say
  31. Dave
    Sep 18, 2003
    4
    Carrabba is maturing as a musician and the instruments add more substance to the songs. Yet his lyrics remain as predictable as a cheap 80's action flick. I'm sorry Carrabba, but it's time to grow up.
  32. GustG
    Sep 17, 2003
    10
    This is probably one of the best cds of this summer, year, decade and millenium. Every song has brilliant lyrics backed up by awesome guitar parts and soild drums.
  33. sarahs
    Sep 17, 2003
    10
    awesome
  34. LauraS
    Sep 17, 2003
    9
    This album is so good, and has a lot of songs on it-so you're getting a lot of quantity and a whole lot of quality for your money.
  35. TanyN
    Sep 9, 2003
    8
    I think this album was really good, I just got it and I listent o it every since day its awesome!
  36. ToriL
    Sep 8, 2003
    10
    Everything about this cd is awesome! Chris is an excellent writer and performer. People can relate to the lyrics so well....it definetly deserves a 10!
  37. PercyH
    Aug 25, 2003
    9
    While the music doesn't always match the lyrics, this new offering from Dashboard will certainly please fans of previous efforts and possibly snare in a few additional ones.
  38. XiomyA
    Aug 24, 2003
    10
    awsome!
  39. ChrisA
    Aug 23, 2003
    9
    Def better than the last cd... It's just really great-- almost every track has that spark of energy. "Hey Did you get some? Man, that is so dumb."
  40. sarahs
    Aug 22, 2003
    10
    awesome

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Q Magazine
    90
    This is the sound of a superstar in the making. [Nov 2003, p.107]
  2. The A.V. Club
    70
    A Mark... dramatically improves on its predecessors, thanks to a much broader array of subject matter and a newfound emphasis on full-band arrangements that strip away--or at least drown out--his penchant for whiny navel-gazing.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    90
    An exceptional album filled with passionate, intense, and highly personal songs.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »