Divine
Tuxedomoon · 1982
40 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A haunting blend of experimental rock and new wave, layered with cinematic atmospheres and evocative narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mata Hari — This track encapsulates the album's theatricality with its lush instrumentation and dramatic vocal delivery, reflecting Tuxedomoon's penchant for storytelling.
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Ninotchka — A standout for its pulsating rhythm and captivating mood shifts, this track exemplifies the band’s fusion of electronic elements with traditional rock sensibilities.
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Queen Christina — Drawing on cinematic inspiration, this lengthy piece demonstrates the band's experimental edge, combining spoken word and intricate melodies that challenge conventional song structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends narrative and experimental elements effectively, showcasing Tuxedomoon's unique sound within the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental track, 'Entracte', setting a cinematic tone before transitioning into more structured songs.
- Several tracks feature spoken word elements interspersed with sung vocals, creating a narrative flow that enhances the thematic depth.
- The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with tracks like 'Ninotchka' incorporating abrupt shifts in tempo and mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- steady, consistent pacing
- immersive cinematic atmosphere
- theatrical narrative journeys
- haunting soundscape explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1982, 'Divine' was Tuxedomoon's second studio album, following their debut 'Half-Mute'. At this point, they were solidifying their unique sound, influenced by the post-punk landscape while exploring avant-garde themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Residents· Swans· Cabaret Voltaire
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Entracte 1:21
- 2 Mata Hari 4:42
- 3 Anna Christie 3:05
- 4 Grand Hotel 3:46
- 5 Entracte II 1:34
- 6 Ninotchka 4:41
- 7 Conquest 3:54
- 8 Queen Christina 7:16
- 9 Camille 5:42
- 10 Freudlose Gasse 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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