Is Dark Room a good place to start with The Angels?

Yes, Dark Room is recommended as a starting point for new The Angels listeners. A gritty blend of hard rock infused with anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics that capture the raw essence of late 70s Australia. Released on June 1, 1980, Dark Room marked The Angels' third studio album, following their breakthrough album Face to Face in 1978. By this point, the band had established themselves as a prominent force in the Australian rock scene, with a growing fanbase and increasing radio play.

Who is Dark Room for?

Dark Room works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and contemplative late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Dark Room?

Dark Room has 9 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Dark Room

The Angels · 1980

42 min · 9 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock infused with anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics that capture the raw essence of late 70s Australia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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No Secrets Start here — This track features catchy hooks and an infectious energy that exemplifies the band's hard rock style while showcasing their lyrical prowess.
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Wasted Sleepless Nights / Darkroom — The dual nature of this track combines introspective lyrics with a dynamic arrangement, reflecting both vulnerability and strength within the band's sound.
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Face the Day — With its uplifting message and driving guitar riffs, this song encapsulates the band's ability to balance hard rock with melodic elements, making it a standout anthem.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong anthem in 'No Secrets', establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
Tracks often feature dual guitar harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the lead vocals.
The tempo varies significantly, with several tracks like 'Wasted Sleepless Nights' shifting from mid-tempo to more intense sections.
The final track, 'Devil's Gate', closes the album with a slower pace, providing a contrast to the preceding 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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Dark Room is well-regarded among fans for its gritty sound and notable singles.
Themes: late 70s Australia· gritty nightlife· vulnerability in strength
Career context: Released on June 1, 1980, Dark Room marked The Angels' third studio album, following their breakthrough album Face to Face in 1978. By this point, the band had established themselves as a prominent force in the Australian rock scene, with a growing fanbase and increasing radio play.
Stylistic neighbors: AC/DC· Rose Tattoo· Motörhead