Deceptive Bends
10cc · 1977
51 min · 12 tracks · rock music
A playful mix of art rock and soft melodies, blending clever lyrical wit with intricate musical arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Things We Do for Love Start here — This track encapsulates the band's knack for catchy hooks and clever lyrics, exploring themes of romantic devotion with a playful twist.
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Good Morning Judge — With its upbeat tempo and humorous narrative about courtroom antics, this song showcases the band’s signature blend of wit and catchy melodies that define much of the album.
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Feel the Benefit, Part 1, 2 & 3 — As an ambitious suite that combines various musical ideas into one cohesive piece, it highlights the band’s progressive tendencies and showcases their unique songwriting style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate arrangements and clever lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to adapt post-lineup change.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the sixth track introduces a shift with a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several tracks feature complex arrangements, including layered harmonies and varied instrumentation that showcase the band's art rock influences.
- The album closes with a three-part suite that combines different musical themes, creating a sense of progression and resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- catchy melodies for casual listening
- playful and witty narratives
- dynamic shifts in mood
- short, engaging song lengths
- light-hearted afternoon vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked a successful commercial return after lineup changes, featuring a hit single.
- Themes
- courtroom antics· romantic devotion· transitional artistry
- Career context
- Released on May 1, 1977, 'Deceptive Bends' was the first album after the departure of founding member Graham Gouldman. At this point, 10cc was navigating a transitional phase while trying to maintain their innovative sound, which had garnered them significant acclaim in the early to mid-1970s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Supertramp· Electric Light Orchestra· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Good Morning Judge 2:56
- 2 The Things We Do for Love Start here 3:29
- 3 Marriage Bureau Rendezvous 4:05
- 4 People in Love 3:48
- 5 Modern Man Blues 5:32
- 6 Honeymoon With B Troop 2:49
- 7 I Bought a Flat Guitar Tutor 1:47
- 8 You’ve Got a Cold 3:37
- 9 Feel the Benefit, Part 1, 2 & 3 11:31
- 10 Hot to Trot 4:29
- 11 Don’t Squeeze Me Like Toothpaste 3:37
- 12 I’m So Laid Back, I’m Laid Out 3:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Shares playful orchestration and clever lyrical storytelling in a lush art rock context.
Even in the Quietest Moments...
Supertramp
Combines intricate arrangements with thoughtful lyrics, reflecting on transitional themes of love and life.
Aja
Steely Dan
Merges sophisticated pop structures with witty lyrics and complex musicality, echoing similar artistic pursuits.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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