What makes Desire by Tuxedomoon notable?

Desire received critical acclaim upon release and has been influential within the post-punk genre, often noted for its innovative use of instrumentation and mood. The album's standout track 'Desire' became emblematic of the band's style and helped solidify their reputation, leading to greater visibility in underground music circles. Released in early 1981, Desire was Tuxedomoon's first full-length studio album after their notable EP, No Tears. At this point in their career, the band was exploring a unique sound that blended elements of punk, cabaret, and avant-garde music, positioning themselves as significant figures in the burgeoning post-punk scene.

Desire works well if you're into atmospheric textures for introspection, haunting melodies for late nights and pacing that invites deep thought.

How many songs are on Desire?

Desire has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Desire

Tuxedomoon · 1981

40 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A haunting blend of experimental rock and new wave, imbued with atmospheric textures and introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Desire — This title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, blending seductive melodies with a sense of yearning that defines Tuxedomoon's aesthetic.
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Victims of the Dance — The track features an intricate arrangement that captures the tension between movement and stillness, reflecting the band’s experimental roots.
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Incubus (Blue Suit) — This song showcases a darker tone with its evocative lyrics and haunting instrumentation, highlighting Tuxedomoon's ability to merge narrative depth with musical innovation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Desire showcases innovative arrangements and a unique sound that stands out in the new wave genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds tension before transitioning into more rhythmic pieces.
Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of experimental arrangements.
The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and synthesizers, creates a rich sonic landscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

atmospheric textures for introspection
haunting melodies for late nights
pacing that invites deep thought
immersive soundscapes for focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast tempos
seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 1981, Desire was Tuxedomoon's first full-length studio album after their notable EP, No Tears. At this point in their career, the band was exploring a unique sound that blended elements of punk, cabaret, and avant-garde music, positioning themselves as significant figures in the burgeoning post-punk scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Residents· Swans· Cabaret Voltaire

Tracklist

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

1 East
2 Jinx 5:34
3 • • •
4 Music #1
5 Victims of the Dance 5:48
6 Incubus (Blue Suit) 3:50
7 Desire 7:06
8 Again 6:20
9 In the Name of Talent (Italian Western Two) 6:02
10 Holiday for Plywood 5:38

What to play next

Listen next

Divine

1982

Go back to

Half-Mute

1980

Full Tuxedomoon discography Artists like Tuxedomoon

experimental rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata