What makes Cool for Cats by Squeeze notable?

The album features the hit title track, which reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and solidified Squeeze's status in the new wave movement. Its clever lyrics and catchy hooks influenced a generation of British pop bands and showcased the band's ability to mix humor with social commentary. Released on March 9, 1979, 'Cool for Cats' was Squeeze's second album and followed their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves as key players in the UK new wave scene, gaining recognition for their unique blend of pop and rock influences.

How many songs are on Cool for Cats?

Cool for Cats has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Cool for Cats

Squeeze · 1979

6 min · 2 tracks · new wave

Cleverly crafted melodies intertwine with sharp, witty lyrics, embodying the playful essence of late-1970s new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cool for Cats — This title track captures the band's signature style with its infectious melody and satirical lyrics about urban life, encapsulating the playful yet poignant nature of their songwriting.
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Model — With its upbeat tempo and sharp observations on beauty standards, 'Model' exemplifies Squeeze’s knack for blending catchy pop with biting social critique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

Clever melodies and witty lyrics define this single, showcasing Squeeze's early new wave sound.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent, syncopated guitar riff that drives the melody, while the verses employ a conversational vocal style.
Both tracks utilize clever lyrical wordplay, with shifts in tone that reflect the playful essence of new wave.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.