Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Message to My Girl — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of longing and affection, showcased through its catchy melody and heartfelt delivery.
-
→
Bullet Brain and Cactus Head — With its off-kilter structure and whimsical lyrics, this song encapsulates the band's unique blend of humor and introspection, making it an exemplary piece of their artistry.
-
→
Strait Old Line — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and sharp lyrical commentary, drawing listeners into the album's intricate sound world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and clever lyrics, maintaining a vibrant energy throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Bullet Brain and Cactus Head,' which shifts from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.
- The album closes with 'Bon Voyage,' which features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- quirky storytelling with charm
- engaging narrative flow throughout
- for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy dance vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Conflicting Emotions' was released in November 1983, Split Enz had already established themselves with their previous album, 'True Colours,' which had achieved commercial success. This record marked a continued evolution in their sound as they began to embrace more pop-oriented elements while retaining their progressive roots, showcasing both creative maturity and experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· XTC· The B-52's
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Message to My Girl
The moment shifts from a nostalgic recollection to a direct plea, showcasing vulnerability within a seemingly light-hearted context.
This transition deepens the emotional impact by contrasting the playful musicality with a sincere expression of desire.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Strait Old Line 4:01
- 2 Bullet Brain and Cactus Head 3:58
- 3 Message to My Girl 4:03
- 4 Working Up an Appetite 4:07
- 5 Our Day 4:57
- 6 No Mischief 4:14
- 7 The Devil You Know 3:35
- 8 I Wake Up Every Night 4:46
- 9 Conflicting Emotions 4:29
- 10 Bon Voyage 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.