10 cover

10

The Stranglers · 1990

64 min · 18 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of new wave and punk rock, showcasing melodic hooks and introspective lyrics amidst driving rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sweet Smell of Success Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melody and sharp lyrics criticizing superficiality in the music industry, embodying the band's signature blend of wit and critique.
  • →
    Always the Sun (Sunny Side Up mix) — A reimagined version of a classic, this track illustrates The Stranglers' knack for creating infectious melodies while tackling themes of hope and resilience against life's challenges.
  • →
    Poisonality — This song stands out due to its punchy instrumentation and biting lyrics about toxic relationships, highlighting the band's continued relevance in addressing personal themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short, punchy song formats
  • varied emotional themes
  • dynamic pacing throughout
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • conversational lyrical storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases their evolving sound but not widely recognized as essential.
Themes
music industry superficiality· toxic relationships· hopeful resilience
Career context
Released in 1990, '10' marked The Stranglers' tenth studio album during a time when they were transitioning into a more polished sound after their earlier raw punk roots. Following the commercial success of their previous album 'Aural Sculpture' in 1984, this release reflects their evolution while still retaining elements of their distinct style.
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Tracklist

  • 1 Sweet Smell of Success Start here 3:22
  • 2 Someone Like You 2:54
  • 3 96 Tears 3:13
  • 4 In This Place 3:35
  • 5 Let’s Celebrate 4:11
  • 6 Man of the Earth 3:22
  • 7 Too Many Teardrops 3:46
  • 8 Where I Live 3:31
  • 9 Out of My Mind 4:08
  • 10 Never to Look Back 4:18
  • 11 Instead of This 3:58
  • 12 Poisonality 3:40
  • 13 Motorbike 3:39
  • 14 Something 4:10
  • 15 You 3:06
  • 16 ¡Viva Vlad! 3:08
  • 17 All Day and All of the Night 2:24
  • 18 Always the Sun (Sunny Side Up mix) 4:03

What to play next

Stranglers in the Night
Listen next

Stranglers in the Night

1992

Continues the vibrant sound with a live energy that enhances the previous album's themes.
Dreamtime
Go back to

Dreamtime

1986

Leads into a similar melodic and introspective style, setting the stage for 10.
Full The Stranglers discography Where to start with The Stranglers Artists like The Stranglers
new wave

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Disintegration

Disintegration

The Cure

Shares a similar introspective lyricism and atmospheric sound, blending gothic elements with new wave.

Peepshow

Peepshow

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Combines melodic hooks with dark, reflective themes, maintaining a vibrant new wave aesthetic.

Forever Now

Forever Now

The Psychedelic Furs

Features driving rhythms and explorative lyrics about relationships, aligning well with emotional resilience.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata