Bloody Tourists
10cc · 1978
54 min · 13 tracks · rock music
A vibrant fusion of Caribbean rhythms and pop sensibilities wrapped in clever lyrics and sophisticated arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dreadlock Holiday Start here — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and reggae-influenced beat, capturing the essence of the album's playful exploration of cultural themes.
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Anonymous Alcoholic — A poignant narrative about the struggles of addiction, this track highlights the band's ability to infuse serious subject matter with engaging melodies.
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For You and I — This song showcases the band's trademark harmony and lyrical depth, making it a reflective centerpiece that balances the album's more upbeat tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with clever lyrics and varied arrangements, though it has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Dreadlock Holiday,' prominently features a reggae rhythm that sets a distinct tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, particularly in 'For You and I' and 'Shock on the Tube.'
- Lyrically, the songs often employ clever wordplay and storytelling, evident in tracks like 'From Rochdale to Ocho Rios.'
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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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
Significant within its genre. 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
- playful yet introspective vibes
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- steady, consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Features the hit 'Dreadlock Holiday,' which solidified the band's recognition.
- Themes
- Caribbean rhythms· addiction struggles· cultural exploration
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Released on September 1, 1978, Bloody Tourists was 10cc's fifth studio album, arriving after their successful record Deceptive Bends. At this point, the band was navigating a transition with the departure of co-founder Graham Gouldman, which prompted a stylistic shift towards more eclectic influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Supertramp· Electric Light Orchestra· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Dreadlock Holiday Start here 4:30
- 2 For You and I 5:20
- 3 Take These Chains 2:38
- 4 Shock on the Tube (Don’t Want Love) 3:41
- 5 Last Night 3:14
- 6 Anonymous Alcoholic 5:42
- 7 Reds in My Bed 4:12
- 8 Lifeline 3:29
- 9 Tokyo 4:30
- 10 Old Mister Time 4:27
- 11 From Rochdale to Ocho Rios 3:44
- 12 Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About!!! 4:26
- 13 Nothing Can Move Me 4:03
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Zenyatta Mondatta
The Police
Shares Caribbean influences and clever lyrics with a blend of rock and reggae rhythms.
Aja
Steely Dan
Combines sophisticated arrangements and jazz-pop elements with introspective, culturally rich lyrics.
More Songs About Buildings and Food
Talking Heads
Explores cultural themes with eclectic sounds and art rock sensibilities, echoing 10cc's vibrancy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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