40
Stray Cats · 2019
35 min · 12 tracks · rockabilly
A lively celebration of rockabilly that blends vintage charm with modern energy and catchy melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rock It Off — This track exemplifies the album's vibrant energy with its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, making it a standout anthem for celebration.
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I Attract Trouble — With its playful lyrics and classic rockabilly sound, this song embodies the charm and wit that defined the band's early work.
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Cry Danger — The mix of heartfelt lyrics and a driving beat makes this track a compelling listen, showcasing the band's maturation while retaining their roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, though it has moments that feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals between the lead singer and backing harmonies, enhancing the lively rockabilly feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo danceability
- playful energy for gatherings
- short bursts of joy
- sing-along friendly choruses
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective sounds
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Strong release after a long hiatus, showcasing the band's continued relevance.
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2019, '40' marks the Stray Cats' first studio album in over 26 years, following a lengthy hiatus after their last album 'Original Album Classics' in 1993. This album came as the band celebrated their 40th anniversary, showcasing their enduring legacy in the rockabilly genre and their ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Brian Setzer Orchestra· The Cramps· Bill Haley & His Comets
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me) 2:14
- 2 Rock It Off 2:59
- 3 I’ve Got Love If You Want It 3:04
- 4 Cry Danger 3:09
- 5 I Attract Trouble 3:42
- 6 Three Time’s a Charm 2:07
- 7 That’s Messed Up 3:56
- 8 When Nothing’s Going Right 3:01
- 9 Desperado 2:55
- 10 Mean Pickin’ Mama 2:39
- 11 I’ll Be Looking Out for You 2:35
- 12 Devil Train 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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