Is Dark Matters a good place to start with The Stranglers?

Yes, Dark Matters is recommended as a starting point for new The Stranglers listeners. A darkly atmospheric blend of new wave and punk rock, merging melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. Released on September 10, 2021, 'Dark Matters' is The Stranglers' first studio album in nearly a decade, following 2012's 'Giants'. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their legacy while adapting to contemporary sounds and themes, showcasing their enduring relevance in the music landscape.

Who is Dark Matters for?

Dark Matters works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective flow, introspective themes on mortality and thoughtful listening during solitude.

How many songs are on Dark Matters?

Dark Matters has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Dark Matters

The Stranglers · 2021

43 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A darkly atmospheric blend of new wave and punk rock, merging melodic hooks with introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Water Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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If Something’s Gonna Kill Me (It Might as Well Be Love) — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of embracing life’s uncertainties through a catchy melody and poignant lyrics that blend humor with melancholy.
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The Last Men on the Moon — Reflecting on isolation and existential dread, this song stands out for its haunting instrumentation and evocative storytelling that connects personal experience with broader human concerns.
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Breathe — Closing the album, this track combines lush arrangements with powerful vocals, creating an emotional climax that underscores the album’s themes of reflection and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends dark themes with melodic hooks, showcasing a solid but not compositional approach.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.

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: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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 flow
introspective themes on mortality
thoughtful listening during solitude
consistent pacing for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Represents the band's continued vitality with introspective themes after a long gap.
Themes: humor in darkness· post-pandemic reflection
Moods: Introspective· Melancholy
Career context: Released on September 10, 2021, 'Dark Matters' is The Stranglers' first studio album in nearly a decade, following 2012's 'Giants'. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their legacy while adapting to contemporary sounds and themes, showcasing their enduring relevance in the music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Gang of Four