What makes Buster Poindexter by David Johansen notable?

The album features the hit single 'Hot Hot Hot', which became an anthem at parties and gained significant airplay, impacting dance music trends of the era. Johansen's adoption of a cabaret-style persona helped to revitalize interest in swing music, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to a broader cultural resurgence of retro styles in popular music. By the time David Johansen released 'Buster Poindexter' in 1987, he was transitioning from his punk roots with the New York Dolls to a more mainstream sound. This album marked his artistic reinvention as Buster Poindexter, showcasing his ability to merge genres while capitalizing on the popularity of swing music during the late '80s.

How many songs are on Buster Poindexter?

Buster Poindexter has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Buster Poindexter

David Johansen · 1987

40 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of swing, rock, and blues that celebrates party culture with infectious energy and playful lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hot Hot Hot — As the standout track, it embodies the album's celebratory spirit and became a ubiquitous party anthem, resonating with audiences across various demographics.
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Smack Dab in the Middle — This track showcases Johansen's unique vocal style and merges rock with a jazzy swing rhythm, illustrating his eclectic musical influences.
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Are You Lonely for Me Baby — A soulful rendition that highlights Johansen's emotional vocal delivery, this cover adds depth to the album's otherwise upbeat atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends swing and blues with playful energy, showcasing a strong compositional voice and vibrant performances.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively swing track and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half, before introducing slower ballads in the latter part.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, enhancing the party atmosphere and encouraging listener participation.
The instrumentation prominently includes brass and woodwinds, giving a distinct cabaret feel that contrasts with Johansen's punk background.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Hot Hot Hot

The chorus invites everyone to join in a festive mood, creating an inclusive atmosphere with its catchy repetition.

The repeated call invites participation, transforming the song into an instant crowd-pleaser that encourages communal celebration.

Tracklist

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

1 Smack Dab in the Middle 3:52
2 Bad Boy 3:07
3 Hot Hot Hot 4:09
4 Are You Lonely for Me Baby 3:38
5 Screwy Music 3:17
6 Good Morning Judge 3:37
7 Oh Me Oh My (I’m a Fool for You Baby) 3:52
8 Whadaya Want? 2:44
9 House of the Rising Sun 3:40
10 Cannibal 4:45
11 Heart of Gold 3:40

What to play next

Listen next

Buster Goes Berserk

1989

Go back to

Sweet Revenge

1984

Full David Johansen discography Artists like David Johansen

blues hard rock swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata