What makes Batteries Not Included by After the Fire notable?

Batteries Not Included showcased After the Fire's ability to blend thoughtful lyrics with accessible pop melodies, achieving significant radio play that helped them reach a wider audience. The album is notable for its critical reception, with several tracks charting and contributing to the band's legacy within the UK music scene. Released on March 19, 1982, Batteries Not Included was After the Fire's third studio album, following their breakthrough with the hit single 'Der Kommissar' in 1982. At this stage, the band aimed to solidify their presence in the new wave scene while exploring more complex themes and arrangements.

How many songs are on Batteries Not Included?

Batteries Not Included has 13 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Batteries Not Included

After the Fire · 1982

43 min · 13 tracks · new wave

Synth-driven melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, reflecting the tensions and hopes of early '80s British new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Short Change — This opening track sets a dynamic tone for the album with its catchy chorus and commentary on societal values, encapsulating the band's critique on consumerism.
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Frozen Rivers — This song features poignant lyrics that capture a sense of isolation and longing, paired with a haunting melody that showcases the band's progressive rock influences.
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I Don't Understand Your Love — With its intricate instrumentals and emotional delivery, this track highlights the band's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes of love and misunderstanding.
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Dancing in the Shadows — This upbeat track contrasts its danceable rhythm with deeper existential themes, showcasing After the Fire's knack for marrying sound and substance.

Tracklist

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

1 Short Change 3:19
2 Frozen Rivers 3:36
3 Sometimes 3:08
4 Sailing Ship 3:57
5 I Don't Understand Your Love 2:53
6 The Stranger 2:50
7 Rich Boys 3:02
8 Carry Me Home 4:13
9 Dancing in the Shadows 3:02
10 Space Walking 3:17
11 Gina 4:39
12 Stuck in Paris (Nowhere to Go) 2:45
13 Bright Lights 3:06

What to play next

Listen next

Der Kommissar – The CBS Recordings

2005

Go back to

Der Kommissar

1982

Full After the Fire discography Artists like After the Fire

new wave progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata