Is About Time a good place to start with The Stranglers?

Yes, About Time is recommended as a starting point for new The Stranglers listeners. A blend of sharp punk energy and melodic new wave sensibilities, layered with introspective lyrics and engaging hooks. By the time 'About Time' was released in 1995, The Stranglers had already established themselves as a significant force in the UK punk scene since their debut in 1977. This album marked their return after a five-year hiatus from studio recordings, following the commercial success of 'Stranglers in the Night' in 1992. It showcases a matured sound while still retaining their signature edge.

Who is About Time for?

About Time works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, melodic hooks with grit and reflective moments of maturity.

How many songs are on About Time?

About Time has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

About Time

The Stranglers · 1995

44 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A blend of sharp punk energy and melodic new wave sensibilities, layered with introspective lyrics and engaging hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Golden Boy Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Money — This track encapsulates the album's themes of greed and societal critique through its driving rhythm and biting lyrics, making it a standout reflection of the band's punk ethos.
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Still Life — With its atmospheric build-up and poignant exploration of nostalgia, this song showcases The Stranglers' ability to merge introspection with their characteristic rock energy.
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Lies and Deception — The track features a catchy chorus that critiques dishonesty in relationships, highlighting the band's knack for blending social commentary with memorable melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with melodic elements but lacks standout tracks that elevate its overall impact.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and arrangements.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic quality.
The lyrics often address social issues directly, with tracks like 'Money' and 'Lies and Deception' using sharp imagery to convey their messages.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 exploration
melodic hooks with grit
reflective moments of maturity
engaging narrative flow
for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that reflects the band's evolution but lacks mainstream recognition.
Themes: societal greed· relationship dishonesty
Moods: Nostalgic· Chill
Career context: By the time 'About Time' was released in 1995, The Stranglers had already established themselves as a significant force in the UK punk scene since their debut in 1977. This album marked their return after a five-year hiatus from studio recordings, following the commercial success of 'Stranglers in the Night' in 1992. It showcases a matured sound while still retaining their signature edge.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Gang of Four