Close to the Bone
Thompson Twins · 1987
41 min · 10 tracks · new wave
Ethereal synths and catchy melodies intertwine, capturing the essence of late '80s pop while exploring themes of love and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Follow Your Heart — This track features an upbeat tempo combined with introspective lyrics, effectively encapsulating the album's theme of pursuing authentic connections.
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Long Goodbye — Its haunting melody paired with reflective lyrics marks a poignant moment on the album, highlighting themes of loss and nostalgia.
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Savage Moon — With its atmospheric soundscapes and evocative imagery, this track stands out as a creative exploration of desire set against a surreal backdrop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with polished production, reflecting its era while exploring varied themes.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving synth lines, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Follow Your Heart' and 'Long Goodbye'.
- The album employs a consistent use of synthesizers and drum machines, characteristic of late '80s new wave, but also includes acoustic elements in some songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- catchy melodies for dancing
- longing themes for reflection
- ethereal soundscapes for dreaming
- upbeat tunes for socializing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer heavy, aggressive sounds
- dislike nostalgic vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Close to the Bone' was released in 1987, Thompson Twins were transitioning from their commercial peak following hits like 'Hold Me Now' and 'Doctor! Doctor!'. This album marked a shift as they sought to redefine their sound within the evolving landscape of new wave and synth-pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· a-ha
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Follow Your Heart 3:54
- 2 Bush Baby 4:10
- 3 Get That Love 4:00
- 4 Twentieth Century 4:01
- 5 Long Goodbye 4:20
- 6 Still Waters 3:36
- 7 Savage Moon 4:40
- 8 Gold Fever 4:03
- 9 Dancing in Your Shoes 4:25
- 10 Perfect Day 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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