Another Nail in My Heart cover

Another Nail in My Heart

Squeeze · 1980

5 min · 2 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of catchy melodies and witty lyrics that encapsulate the essence of British new wave in the early '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Another Nail in My Heart — This track stands out with its infectious hook and clever lyrical commentary on heartache, exemplifying Squeeze's knack for combining upbeat sounds with poignant themes.
  • →
    Pretty Thing — With its playful rhythm and lighthearted lyrics, this song showcases the band's ability to merge humor with musical sophistication, making it a delightful addition to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and clever lyrics, characteristic of early '80s new wave.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a prominent guitar riff that drives the melody, while the verses employ a syncopated rhythm that contrasts with the chorus.
  • The second track introduces a more laid-back tempo and a softer vocal delivery, creating a distinct shift in mood from the opener.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Squeeze's reputation in the new wave scene after their debut.
Themes
sharp lyrical wit· early '80s new wave· playful heartbreak
Career context
Released as Squeeze's second studio album, Another Nail in My Heart arrives after their successful debut, Cool for Cats, which established them as key figures in the new wave scene. The band was solidifying its unique sound characterized by sharp lyrical observations and pop sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
XTC· The Buggles· Devo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Another Nail in My Heart 2:55
  • 2 Pretty Thing 2:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata