What makes Chemicrazy by That Petrol Emotion notable?

The album received significant critical acclaim upon release, with particular praise from publications like NME and Melody Maker for its inventive songwriting and energetic production. It contributed to the band's growing reputation in the alternative rock scene, influencing many contemporaneous acts with its blend of punk ethos and melodic sensibility. Chemicrazy is That Petrol Emotion's third studio album, released in 1989 following their critically acclaimed album, Babble. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity after lineup changes and experimenting with a more polished sound while maintaining their energetic roots.

How many songs are on Chemicrazy?

Chemicrazy has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Chemicrazy

That Petrol Emotion · 1989

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and sharp lyrics that captures the raw energy of late '80s British alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hey Venus — This opening track showcases the album's signature blend of catchy hooks and lyrical wit, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Scum Surfin' — Featuring frenetic guitar riffs and a driving beat, this track exemplifies the band's signature sound while delivering incisive commentary on societal issues.
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Compulsion — At just over two minutes, this track's urgency and raw energy encapsulate the band's punk influences while highlighting their knack for concise songwriting.
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Sweet Shiver Burn — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this track balances the album’s energetic moments with reflective depth, showcasing versatility in songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic production, balancing upbeat tracks with deeper lyrical content.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a brisk tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective pieces.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar melodies that create a rich, textured sound, particularly evident in 'Mess of Words' and 'Compulsion'.
The lyrics often employ sharp imagery and social commentary, with a notable shift in tone from the upbeat to more reflective as the album progresses.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Hey Venus 3:18
2 Blue to Black 3:47
3 Mess of Words 3:36
4 Sensitize 4:05
5 Another Day 3:51
6 Gnaw Mark 4:13
7 Scum Surfin' 4:31
8 Compulsion 2:22
9 Tingle 3:32
10 Head Staggered 4:01
11 Abandon 4:10
12 Sweet Shiver Burn 3:24

What to play next

Listen next

Fireproof

1993

Go back to

End of the Millennium Psychosis Blues

1988

Full That Petrol Emotion discography Artists like That Petrol Emotion

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata