What makes Build by The Housemartins notable?

Build received critical acclaim upon its release, charting at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album's clever critiques of society and consumerism resonated with listeners and influenced the burgeoning Britpop movement that followed. Released in 1987, Build was The Housemartins' debut album, following their formation in 1983. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as a unique voice in British indie rock, blending catchy melodies with insightful lyrics.

How many songs are on Build?

Build has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Build

The Housemartins · 1987

15 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

A fusion of jangly guitars and sharp wit, weaving social commentary into upbeat pop melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Build — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of construction and aspiration, pairing an infectious melody with pointed social commentary.
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Paris in Flares — This track showcases the band's knack for combining humor and melancholy, reflecting on the contrasts of idealism versus reality in a vivid narrative.
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Forwards and Backwards — With its introspective lyrics and catchy chorus, this song highlights the band's ability to balance personal struggles with broader societal observations.

Tracklist

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

1 Build 4:40
2 Paris in Flares 3:09
3 Forwards and Backwards 3:30
4 The Light Is Always Green (Cheap version) 3:48

What to play next

Listen next

The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death

1987

Go back to

London 0 Hull 4

1986

Full The Housemartins discography Artists like The Housemartins

Britpop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata