Built for Speed
Stray Cats · 1982
35 min · 12 tracks · rockabilly
A vibrant fusion of rockabilly rhythms and punk energy, embodying youthful rebellion and swagger.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rock This Town — This track exemplifies the band's energetic style with its catchy hook and lively instrumentation, becoming an anthem of the rockabilly revival.
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Stray Cat Strut — With its laid-back groove and slick lyrics, this song captures the cool attitude of the band, showcasing their unique blend of punk and rockabilly.
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Rev It Up & Go — A fast-paced track that embodies the spirit of car culture and adventure, it reflects the band's ability to merge storytelling with infectious energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic rockabilly with punk energy, showcasing strong songwriting and vibrant performances.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the energetic 'Rock This Town', immediately establishing a fast-paced rockabilly sound that persists through the first half.
- Tracks often feature prominent upright bass lines and twangy guitar solos, characteristic of classic rockabilly.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the lively and engaging atmosphere.
- The final track, 'Baby Blue Eyes', slows down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the preceding high-energy songs.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- quick, punchy songs
- energetic driving playlists
- upbeat social gatherings
- catchy hooks and melodies
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Stray Cats' mainstream success and solidified their reputation.
- Career context
- Released in January 1982, Built for Speed marked Stray Cats' breakthrough into mainstream success after their debut album. The band was riding the wave of a rockabilly revival, blending classic influences with a modern sensibility that resonated widely, particularly in the US and UK markets.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Brian Setzer Orchestra· The Cramps· Bill Haley & His Comets
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rock This Town 3:27
- 2 Built for Speed 2:55
- 3 Rev It Up & Go 2:29
- 4 Stray Cat Strut 3:16
- 5 Little Miss Prissy 3:01
- 6 Rumble in Brighton 3:13
- 7 Runaway Boys 3:01
- 8 Lonely Summer Nights 3:18
- 9 Double Talkin' Baby 3:04
- 10 You Don't Believe Me 2:56
- 11 Jeanie, Jeanie, Jeanie 2:20
- 12 Baby Blue Eyes 2:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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