Crank
Hoodoo Gurus · 1994
46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and hooks, infused with a playful punk energy that defines the Hoodoo Gurus' signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Right Time — This track features an infectious chorus and catchy guitar riffs, perfectly encapsulating the upbeat energy that defines the album.
-
→
Fading Slow — With its reflective lyrics and melodic structure, this song showcases the band's ability to blend introspection with their characteristic rock sound.
-
→
Gospel Train — This track stands out for its unique blend of rock with gospel influences, demonstrating the band's willingness to experiment with different styles.
-
→
Hypocrite Blues — Featuring sharp lyrical commentary wrapped in catchy melodies, this song highlights the band's knack for blending social critique with engaging hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and energetic performances but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic appeal.
- The last three tracks slow down the pace significantly, introducing a more reflective tone that contrasts with the earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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 energy
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- vibrant guitar riffs throughout
- for road trips
- consistent flow for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek exclusively slow ballads
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 1, 1994, 'Crank' marked Hoodoo Gurus' fifth studio album at a time when they were solidifying their place in the Australian rock scene. Following the critical success of their previous album, 'Kinky', this record showcased their ability to evolve while maintaining a distinctive style. The band was navigating the shift from the alternative rock boom of the late 80s into a more varied musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Church· The B-52's· Midnight Oil
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Fading Slow
In one verse, a moment of vulnerability emerges as the lyrics shift from a nostalgic reflection to a stark confrontation with reality.
This transition reveals a deeper layer to the songwriting, contrasting moments of longing with an abrupt acknowledgment of life's harsher truths.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Right Time 3:54
- 2 Crossed Wires 3:06
- 3 Quo Vadis 4:08
- 4 Nobody 4:24
- 5 Form a Circle 3:40
- 6 Fading Slow 4:18
- 7 Gospel Train 2:58
- 8 Less Than a Feeling 3:34
- 9 You Open My Eyes 3:17
- 10 Hypocrite Blues 3:02
- 11 I See You 1:59
- 12 Judgement Day 3:12
- 13 The Mountain 4:38
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.