A Little Respect cover

A Little Respect

Erasure · 1988

31 min · 5 tracks · new wave

Synth-driven anthems merge infectious melodies with emotional depth, encapsulating the essence of late '80s pop culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Little Respect (12” vocal) Start here — This version features soaring vocals and a catchy chorus that highlights the song's central message of yearning for acceptance and dignity.
  • →
    A Little Respect (12” house mix) — The house mix transforms the original into a dancefloor anthem, showcasing Erasure's ability to blend pop sensibilities with club culture.
  • →
    Like Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor — This track offers a playful yet poignant commentary on celebrity culture, further diversifying the themes explored in the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and varied mixes but lacks cohesion due to multiple versions of one song.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a prominent synth melody that is layered with harmonized vocals, creating a rich texture.
  • The final track introduces a more playful and upbeat tempo, contrasting with the emotional tone of the title track.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • infectious dance floor energy
  • steady rhythmic exploration
  • heartfelt emotional resonance
  • group sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single solidified Erasure's reputation in the synth-pop scene after Wonderland.
Themes
1980s queer culture· synth-driven longing
Career context
Released on September 19, 1988, A Little Respect marked Erasure's rise in the synth-pop scene following their breakthrough album Wonderland. This single became a pivotal moment for the duo, establishing them as a prominent act in the new wave genre and leading to increased commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Pet Shop Boys· New Order

Tracklist

  • 1 A Little Respect (12” vocal) Start here 6:27
  • 2 A Little Respect (12” house mix) 6:42
  • 3 A Little Respect (12” remix) 6:35
  • 4 A Little Respect (Big Train mix) 6:07
  • 5 Like Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor 6:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata