What makes Deception by The Colourfield notable?

Deception received critical acclaim upon release, with particular praise for its melodic sophistication and lyrical depth. It helped solidify The Colourfield's presence in the UK music scene during the late '80s, contributing to the evolving sound of new wave music. Released in 1987, Deception was The Colourfield's sophomore album, following their debut, Virgins and Philistines. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their initial success into a search for broader artistic expression within the new wave genre.

How many songs are on Deception?

Deception has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Deception

The Colourfield · 1987

43 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and catchy melodies, echoing the optimism and introspection of late '80s new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Badlands — The album opener sets a dynamic tone with its infectious rhythm and vivid storytelling, establishing the thematic landscape of the record.
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Running Away — This track showcases a memorable chorus that combines urgency with introspective lyrics, reflecting the duality present in much of the album.
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Miss Texas 1967 — With its nostalgic imagery and engaging melody, this song represents a unique blend of personal narrative and cultural commentary, embodying the band's lyrical strengths.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and varied tempos but lacks a fully cohesive flow across its runtime.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitar riffs, establishing a lively opening that contrasts with the more introspective tone of the later songs.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the melodic richness of the album.
The final track ends on a sustained chord that creates a sense of unresolved tension, leaving the listener with an open-ended feeling.

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

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Badlands 4:43
2 Running Away 3:54
3 From Dawn to Distraction 3:40
4 Confession 4:34
5 Miss Texas 1967 4:10
6 She 3:17
7 Heart of America 5:00
8 Digging It Deep 3:51
9 Monkey in Winter 5:15
10 Goodbye Sun Valley 4:36

What to play next

Go back to

Virgins and Philistines

1985

Full The Colourfield discography Artists like The Colourfield

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata