Blow Your Cool! cover

Blow Your Cool!

Hoodoo Gurus · 1987

45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and catchy melodies that encapsulate the exuberance of late '80s Australian rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What’s My Scene — This track perfectly captures the band's infectious energy and sharp songwriting, becoming an anthem for a generation of Australian youth.
  • →
    Good Times — A cover of the classic song, it showcases the band's ability to reinterpret and invigorate familiar material with their unique sound.
  • →
    In the Middle of the Land — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and driving rhythm, reflecting both personal and broader societal themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases catchy melodies and vibrant energy typical of late '80s Australian rock.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitar riffs, establishing a lively energy that characterizes the album.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their catchiness.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 mid-tempo groove
  • energetic sing-along moments
  • for social gatherings
  • catchy hooks that linger
  • nostalgic vibes of the '80s

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer slow, introspective music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1987, Blow Your Cool! was Hoodoo Gurus' third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort, Mars Needs Guitars!. By this time, the band had firmly established their presence in the Australian rock scene, showcasing a refined sound that continued to build on their earlier garage rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors
The Church· The B-52's· Midnight Oil

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What’s My Scene

    The moment shifts from playful questioning to an assertive declaration of identity amidst social observations.

    This transition enhances the sense of urgency and self-awareness that defines much of the song's appeal.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Out That Door 4:14
  • 2 What’s My Scene 3:50
  • 3 Good Times 3:03
  • 4 I Was the One 4:11
  • 5 Hell for Leather 3:28
  • 6 Where Nowhere Is 4:02
  • 7 In the Middle of the Land 4:34
  • 8 Come On 2:43
  • 9 Heart of Darkness 3:04
  • 10 My Caravan 4:19
  • 11 On My Street 3:16
  • 12 Party Machine 5:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata