Released 40 years ago
Criminal Tango
Manfred Mann's Earth Band · 1986
37 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant mix of progressive rock and pop sensibilities, weaving intricate melodies with socially conscious themes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Killer on the Loose — This track stands out with its gritty narrative addressing societal violence, making it a compelling fusion of rock and political commentary.
-
→
Going Underground — 'Going Underground' features an infectious melody paired with lyrics that probe themes of identity and societal expectations, capturing the album's essence.
-
→
Do Anything You Wanna Do — With its upbeat tempo and encouraging message of freedom and self-expression, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend pop hooks with rock energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends progressive rock with pop elements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build-up of energy, with the fourth track, 'Killer on the Loose', introducing a more aggressive tempo and lyrical content.
- Several tracks incorporate layered synthesizers and guitar solos, creating a rich texture that supports the vocal melodies.
- The album closes with 'Crossfire', which features a slower tempo and a reflective tone, contrasting with the earlier upbeat tracks.
- 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
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
- intricate melodies with urgency
- socially conscious lyrical themes
- short bursts of energy
- engaging narratives throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking extended soundscapes
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 13, 1986, Criminal Tango marked Manfred Mann's Earth Band's ninth studio album, following their successful 1983 release, Somewhere in Afrika. At this stage in their career, the band was exploring more commercial sounds while maintaining their progressive roots, as they sought to adapt to the shifting musical landscape of the mid-1980s.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Going Underground 5:19
- 2 Who Are the Mystery Kids? 3:44
- 3 Banquet 5:17
- 4 Killer on the Loose 3:59
- 5 Do Anything You Wanna Do 4:14
- 6 Rescue 3:00
- 7 You Got Me Right Through the Heart 3:53
- 8 Bulldog 4:24
- 9 Crossfire 3:44
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.