Is Cats & Dogs a good place to start with Mental As Anything?

Yes, Cats & Dogs is recommended as a starting point for new Mental As Anything listeners. A vibrant blend of new wave energy and pop sensibility, characterized by catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. Cats & Dogs is Mental As Anything's third studio album, released in 1981 after their successful second album, Fundamental. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that mixed rock with pop elements, further establishing their presence in the Australian music scene.

Who is Cats & Dogs for?

Cats & Dogs works well if you're into quirky lyrics for playful listening, consistent mid-tempo flow and for upbeat gatherings.

How many songs are on Cats & Dogs?

Cats & Dogs has 13 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Cats & Dogs

Mental As Anything · 1981

38 min · 13 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of new wave energy and pop sensibility, characterized by catchy hooks and infectious rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? — This track stands out for its playful lyrics and catchy melody, encapsulating the band's signature blend of humor and heartfelt sentiment.
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Too Many Times Start here — With its driving beat and engaging chorus, this song showcases the band's knack for creating infectious pop-rock that resonates with listeners.
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Berserk Warriors — This track highlights the band's ability to merge upbeat instrumentation with whimsical storytelling, making it a memorable addition to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases catchy hooks and varied instrumentation typical of new wave but lacks deep cohesion and standout compositions.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, with the third track featuring a prominent hook that drives its catchiness.
Several tracks incorporate playful instrumentation, such as horns and synthesizers, which add to the vibrant sound characteristic of new wave.

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: 5/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

quirky lyrics for playful listening
consistent mid-tempo flow
for upbeat gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
catchy melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, immersive albums
seek deep emotional introspection

Where this album fits

Themes: Australian pop culture· whimsical storytelling· playful romance
Career context: Cats & Dogs is Mental As Anything's third studio album, released in 1981 after their successful second album, Fundamental. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that mixed rock with pop elements, further establishing their presence in the Australian music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· Squeeze· Devo

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?

The moment shifts from playful banter to a sincere plea for companionship during moments of uncertainty.

This transition illustrates the balance between lightheartedness and vulnerability, reflecting a deeper emotional complexity within the song.