What makes City Nights by Nick Gilder notable?

The album is notable for its chart-topping single 'Hot Child in the City,' which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track not only defined Gilder's career but also became emblematic of the glam rock wave that characterized the era, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. City Nights was Nick Gilder's second studio album, released in 1978 after his breakthrough debut, American Boy. Following the commercial success of his hit single 'Hot Child in the City,' this album aimed to solidify his presence in the glam rock scene while showcasing a more polished sound.

How many songs are on City Nights?

City Nights has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

City Nights

Nick Gilder · 1978

34 min · 10 tracks · rock music

An energetic blend of glam rock and pop hooks, capturing the vibrancy and hedonism of late 1970s urban nightlife.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hot Child in the City — This iconic track blends infectious melodies with a narrative about youthful escapism, capturing the essence of urban nightlife and desire.
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(She's) One of the Boys — The song stands out with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, offering a fresh perspective on gender dynamics within rock music.
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Frustration — With its driving beat and relatable themes of dissatisfaction, this track highlights Gilder's knack for combining rock energy with emotional depth.

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 captures glam rock energy with catchy hooks but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, establishing a high-energy atmosphere.
The fifth track, 'Hot Child in the City,' introduces a prominent synth line that contrasts with the preceding guitar-heavy songs.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the pop appeal.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Got to Get Out 2:47
2 We'll Work It Out 3:38
3 (She's) One of the Boys 3:27
4 All Because of Love 3:19
5 Hot Child in the City 3:33
6 Frustration 3:04
7 Here Comes the Night 3:00
8 21st Century 3:19
9 Fly High 4:50
10 Rockaway 3:25

What to play next

Listen next

Frequency

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You Know Who You Are

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata