Blast
Holly Johnson · 1989
42 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of pop and dance music, infused with the exuberance of new wave and catchy hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Americanos — This track combines infectious melodies with pointed lyrics critiquing American consumerism, making it both a dance floor favorite and a commentary on society.
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S.U.C.C.E.S.S. — The song stands out for its celebratory vibe and cheeky lyrics about ambition and success, embodying the album's upbeat spirit while showcasing Johnson's flair for wordplay.
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Love Train — With an uplifting groove and romantic themes, this track exemplifies the album's dance-pop essence and highlights Johnson's vocal charisma.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Blast showcases catchy hooks and vibrant production typical of late '80s new wave but lacks deeper thematic cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent synthesizer hooks, establishing a danceable energy.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their catchiness.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
- upbeat tracks for joyful dancing
- catchy tunes for parties
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- feel-good anthems for celebrations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- want lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Blast is Holly Johnson's debut solo album following his success with Frankie Goes to Hollywood. At this point, he was transitioning from a band member to a solo artist, eager to explore his individual musical identity after the group's disbandment.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erasure· Pet Shop Boys· Depeche Mode
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Atomic City 6:16
- 2 Heaven's Here 4:14
- 3 Americanos 3:36
- 4 Deep in Love 3:58
- 5 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. 3:32
- 6 Love Train 4:01
- 7 Got It Made 3:49
- 8 Love Will Come 4:28
- 9 Perfume 3:33
- 10 Feel Good 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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