Are You Okay?
Was (Not Was) · 1990
49 min · 12 tracks · dance-pop
A vibrant blend of dance-pop and eclectic funk that invites listeners to both move and reflect.
Top tracks — play these first
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Papa Was a Rollin' Stone — This cover of the classic Motown song reimagines it with a modern twist, showcasing the band's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary flair.
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I Blew Up the United States — The track delivers sharp political commentary wrapped in an infectious groove, illustrating the band's knack for merging fun with serious topics.
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How the Heart Behaves — With its introspective lyrics and catchy melody, this track encapsulates the emotional complexity that defines much of the album's overarching themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends dance-pop and funk effectively, with varied pacing and instrumentation but lacks standout depth in writing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a spoken-word introduction, setting a conversational tone before transitioning into upbeat grooves.
- Several tracks incorporate brass instrumentation, adding a layer of funkiness that complements the dance-pop elements.
- The final track features a fade-out ending, leaving listeners with an unresolved feeling that contrasts with the preceding upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Are You Okay? 4:29
- 2 Papa Was a Rollin' Stone 6:41
- 3 I Feel Better Than James Brown 4:44
- 4 How the Heart Behaves 5:35
- 5 Maria Novarro 3:26
- 6 I Blew Up the United States 3:50
- 7 In K-Mart Wardrobe 4:16
- 8 Elvis' Rolls Royce 3:29
- 9 Dressed to Be Killed 4:12
- 10 Just Another Couple Broken Hearts 4:54
- 11 You! You! You! 3:28
- 12 Look What's Back 0:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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