Top tracks — play these first
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Hourglass Start here — Opening with an infectious melody, this track sets the tone for the album with its clever wordplay and exploration of time's passage.
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Tough Love — This track showcases a catchy chorus coupled with poignant lyrics about emotional resilience, highlighting the band's lyrical depth.
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Some Americans — Offering a satirical take on American culture, this song stands out for its sharp commentary and memorable hook that encapsulates the album's wit.
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The Prisoner — This track contrasts upbeat instrumentation with introspective themes, illustrating Squeeze's knack for blending lightheartedness with deeper reflections.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases clever songwriting and varied instrumentation but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
- Several tracks feature intricate vocal harmonies, with multiple voices layering over one another to enhance the lyrical wit.
- The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, incorporating elements like synthesizers and brass to complement the pop hooks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- concise, engaging song lengths
- sharp lyrical storytelling focus
- dynamic emotional shifts
- thoughtful reflections on life
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry with clever songwriting but not widely recognized as a standout album.
- Themes
- American cultural critique· time's relentless passage· modern relationship complexities
- Career context
- Released on September 1, 1987, 'Babylon and On' was Squeeze's sixth studio album, following their commercially successful record 'Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti.' At this point in their career, the band was navigating a transitional phase as they sought to maintain their unique sound while adapting to the evolving music landscape of the late '80s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- XTC· The Buggles· Devo
Tracklist
- 1 Hourglass Start here 3:18
- 2 Footprints 3:49
- 3 Tough Love 3:07
- 4 The Prisoner 4:06
- 5 853-5937 3:17
- 6 In Today’s Room 3:28
- 7 Trust Me to Open My Mouth 3:13
- 8 Striking Matches 3:02
- 9 Cigarette of a Single Man 3:30
- 10 Who Are You? 3:30
- 11 The Waiting Game 3:06
- 12 Some Americans 4:43
- 13 Splitting Into Three 3:35
- 14 Wedding Bells 2:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Cosmic Thing
The B-52's
Shares the same vibrant new wave energy and clever commentary on contemporary life.
Little Creatures
Talking Heads
Explores modern relationships and American culture with a catchy, art-pop sensibility.
King of America
Elvis Costello
Features sharp lyrical wit and diverse styles, reflecting on personal and societal themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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