What makes Born to Laugh at Tornadoes by Was (Not Was) notable?

The album features the hit single Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed), which received significant airplay and helped propel the band into mainstream consciousness. Additionally, its innovative mix of genres has been influential among subsequent artists blending pop with funk and new wave elements. Released in 1983, Born to Laugh at Tornadoes was Was (Not Was)'s second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was gaining recognition for their unique sound that combined humor with social commentary, establishing them as a notable act in the burgeoning alternative dance scene.

How many songs are on Born to Laugh at Tornadoes?

Born to Laugh at Tornadoes has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Born to Laugh at Tornadoes

Was (Not Was) · 1983

35 min · 10 tracks · dance-pop

A playful blend of dance-pop and eclectic styles that celebrates the absurdity of life through infectious grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed) — This track encapsulates the band's signature style, merging catchy hooks with quirky lyrics that invite listeners to let loose and enjoy life.
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(Return to the Valley of) Out Come the Freaks — Known for its infectious chorus and playful vibe, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend humor with a danceable groove, making it a standout party anthem.
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Bow Wow Wow Wow — Featuring a funky beat and whimsical lyrics, this track highlights the band's knack for creating engaging tunes that defy conventional pop structures.

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 blends humor and eclectic styles, showcasing varied tempos and playful lyrics.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features a prominent brass section, setting a lively tone for the record.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside sung verses, creating a playful and conversational style.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a steady dance beat while others shift to slower, more reflective moments.
The final track features an abrupt ending that contrasts with the preceding songs, leaving a sense of unresolved tension.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Knocked Down, Made Small (Treated Like a Rubber Ball) 3:07
2 Bow Wow Wow Wow 3:10
3 Betrayal 3:06
4 Shake Your Head (Let’s Go to Bed) 3:55
5 Man vs. the Empire Brain Building 4:02
6 (Return to the Valley of) Out Come the Freaks 4:22
7 Professor Night 4:10
8 The Party Broke Up 2:14
9 Smile 3:15
10 Zaz Turned Blue 4:19

What to play next

Listen next

What Up, Dog?

1988

Go back to

Was (Not Was)

1981

Full Was (Not Was) discography Artists like Was (Not Was)

dance-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata