Adventures of the Smart Patrol cover

Adventures of the Smart Patrol

Devo · 1996

35 min · 11 tracks · new wave · art rock

A playful yet sardonic fusion of new wave and art rock, blending quirky instrumentation with sharp social commentary.

Why this album works

Best for
quirky instrumentation for exploration steady pacing for active listening playful commentary on society
Context
By 1996, Devo was navigating a period of relative obscurity after their initial commercial success in the late '70s and early '80s. "Adventures of the Smart Patrol" marked their return to the music scene following a long hiatus since their last studio album in 1988, showcasing both nostalgia for their earlier sound and experimentation with modern influences.
If you like
new wave, art rock

Adventures of the Smart Patrol is an album by Devo, released in 1996. A playful yet sardonic fusion of new wave and art rock, blending quirky instrumentation with sharp social commentary. This album is significant for its revival of Devo's distinctive sound, receiving critical attention for its satirical take on contemporary culture. It also contributed to the band's ongoing legacy, influencing subsequent artists in the alternative and post-punk scenes while demonstrating Devo's enduring relevance in the music industry. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Adventures of the Smart Patrol sound like?

A playful yet sardonic fusion of new wave and art rock, blending quirky instrumentation with sharp social commentary. Rooted in new wave and art rock.

What makes Adventures of the Smart Patrol by Devo notable?

This album is significant for its revival of Devo's distinctive sound, receiving critical attention for its satirical take on contemporary culture. It also contributed to the band's ongoing legacy, influencing subsequent artists in the alternative and post-punk scenes while demonstrating Devo's enduring relevance in the music industry. By 1996, Devo was navigating a period of relative obscurity after their initial commercial success in the late '70s and early '80s. "Adventures of the Smart Patrol" marked their return to the music scene following a long hiatus since their last studio album in 1988, showcasing both nostalgia for their earlier sound and experimentation with modern influences.

Who is Adventures of the Smart Patrol for?

Adventures of the Smart Patrol works well if you're into quirky instrumentation for exploration, steady pacing for active listening and playful commentary on society.

How many songs are on Adventures of the Smart Patrol?

Adventures of the Smart Patrol has 11 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Tracklist

11 tracks·35:37

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Theme from Adventures of the Smart Patrol 2:29
  • 2 That’s What He Said 3:15
  • 3 Mechanical Man Standout 4:20
  • 4 U Got Me Bugged 2:49
  • 5 34C 3:34
  • 6 The Spirit of JFK 3:18
  • 7 Peek a Boo? 3:02
  • 8 Beautiful World Standout 3:33
  • 9 Whip It Standout 2:39
  • 10 Freedom of Choice 3:28
  • 11 Jocko Homo 3:06

Release Date

January 1, 1996

Genre

art rock, new wave

More albums in art rock

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

35 min 37 sec