Automatic
The Jesus and Mary Chain · 1989
43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A swirling mix of feedback-laden guitars and melodic hooks that define the Jesus and Mary Chain’s signature noise pop sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Head On — The driving rhythm and layered guitars create an infectious energy, making it one of the album's most memorable tracks and a fan favorite. Its blend of catchy melodies with noise rock elements exemplifies the band's signature style.
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Blues From a Gun — This track stands out for its haunting lyrics about emotional turmoil set against a backdrop of jangly guitars, showcasing the band's ability to merge melancholy with catchy hooks.
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Gimme Hell — With its raw vocal delivery and gritty instrumentation, this track encapsulates the darker themes of the album while still maintaining an accessible vibe, highlighting the band's duality.
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Between Planets — The song features an ethereal quality with its swirling guitar effects and dreamy vocals that transport listeners, representing a more introspective side of the band.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends noise pop with polished production, showcasing dynamic contrasts and layered instrumentation.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace with layered guitar feedback, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, atmospheric sound.
- Several songs incorporate contrasting dynamics, such as 'Head On', which shifts from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on 'Sunray', creating a sense of resolution after the preceding intensity.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with brief interludes
- dreamy soundscapes for reflection
- melodic hooks for casual listening
- engaging flow for focused sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a shift to polished production, differing from earlier raw sound.
- Career context
- Released in January 1989, Automatic was the band's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed Darklands. The album marked a shift towards a more polished production style, as well as a continued exploration of themes like disillusionment and desire. At this stage, the Jesus and Mary Chain were solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene after gaining significant traction with previous releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Spiritualized
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here Comes Alice 3:53
- 2 Coast to Coast 4:13
- 3 Blues From a Gun 4:44
- 4 Between Planets 3:27
- 5 UV Ray 4:07
- 6 Her Way of Praying 3:46
- 7 Head On 4:11
- 8 Take It 4:34
- 9 Halfway to Crazy 3:41
- 10 Gimme Hell 3:20
- 11 Drop 1:57
- 12 Sunray 1:34
What to play next
Honey's Dead
1992
Continues the noise pop sound with more polished production and expanded themes.
Darklands
1987
Sets the stage with a similar sonic atmosphere before diving into Automatic.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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