Let It Be is the weakest of The Replacements “power trilogy,” despite what its reputation may tell you. Too much of the band’s punk phase still lingers without the induction of power pop that earned them their alternative sound and much of their identity. Paul Westerberg’s vocals are rough and grating, and he carries a tune worse as a result. Bob Stinson’s occasional punk shredding is a little dull, too.

The fact a KISS cover, “Black Diamond,” stands is equal to just about anything on Let It Be suggests The Replacements yet to reach their potential. But they’re getting there. It’s a transition album, not a zenith. “Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out” is a great Ramones-style throwback. “Gary’s Got a Boner” and “Answering Machine” are nearly throwaways when the band’s following two albums would have none. “I Will Dare” and “Sixteen Blue” are the best songs here, bar none.

Tim has the better punk stylings with the genre anthem “Bastards of Young” and the rumbling rockabilly of “A Dose of Thunder,” as well as the catchier pop with the jangling “Hold My Life,” “Left of the Dial”—anything, really. It’s Tim where The Replacements picked up on how to seamlessly meld the energy of punk with a pop gloss. Every song gave the underdogs the star power they only dreamt of on Let It Be. Despite my contesting of its status as the best Replacements album, Let It Be is still very much an album worth hearing.