Is Change the Station a good place to start with A Certain Ratio?

Yes, Change the Station is recommended as a starting point for new A Certain Ratio listeners. A fusion of post-punk grooves and adventurous rhythms, blending eclectic styles into a vibrant tapestry of sound. Released in 1997, Change the Station marked A Certain Ratio's fifth studio album and followed their previous work, Mind Made Up (1995). At this point, the band was transitioning from their early post-punk roots into incorporating more diverse influences, reflecting a maturation in their sound and approach to music production.

Who is Change the Station for?

Change the Station works well if you're into patient grooves that evolve slowly, long tracks for deep engagement and reflective moments with rhythmic undertones.

How many songs are on Change the Station?

Change the Station has 13 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Change the Station

A Certain Ratio · 1997

74 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

A fusion of post-punk grooves and adventurous rhythms, blending eclectic styles into a vibrant tapestry of sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Listen to the Sound Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and layered instrumentation, encapsulating the band's unique style.
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Sister Brother — With its captivating melody and engaging lyrics, this track exemplifies A Certain Ratio's knack for blending emotional depth with rhythmic complexity.
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Desire — This song stands out for its hypnotic groove and lyrical exploration of yearning, showcasing the band's ability to fuse danceable beats with introspective themes.
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Yeah Boy — An embodiment of the album's experimental spirit, this track combines funk-inspired elements with a driving beat that invites movement and engagement.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

patient grooves that evolve slowly
long tracks for deep engagement
reflective moments with rhythmic undertones
vibrant energy for social settings

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, punchy songs
want immediate, fast-paced gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish A Certain Ratio as pioneers in the post-punk movement.
Career context: Released in 1997, Change the Station marked A Certain Ratio's fifth studio album and followed their previous work, Mind Made Up (1995). At this point, the band was transitioning from their early post-punk roots into incorporating more diverse influences, reflecting a maturation in their sound and approach to music production.
Stylistic neighbors: Gang of Four· The Pop Group· Wire

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Desire

The narrative shifts from longing to realization, building tension before resolving into acceptance.

This structural choice highlights an emotional journey within the song, allowing listeners to experience a progression from desire to fulfillment.

Tracklist

1 Listen to the Sound Start here 4:59
2 Someday 6:15
3 Your on Your Own 4:54
4 Waiting for You 6:00
5 Yeah Boy 6:59
6 Sister Brother 5:11
7 Desire 6:06
8 Samba 123 5:28
9 Pole 5:47
10 Do Du Beep 6:07
11 Golden Balls 5:49
12 Funk Off 5:34
13 Groov(E) 5:01

What to play next

Listen next

Mind Made Up

2008

This album continues the sonic exploration with a modern twist.

Go back to

Up in Downsville

1992

It sets the stage for the sound and themes found in Change the Station.

Full A Certain Ratio discography Where to start with A Certain Ratio Artists like A Certain Ratio

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