What makes Dumb Waiters by The Korgis notable?

'Dumb Waiters' features the iconic track 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime,' which has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films. The album received favorable reviews upon release and solidified The Korgis as a notable act within the new wave movement. Released in 1980, 'Dumb Waiters' is The Korgis' second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band had gained some recognition with their hit single 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime,' which set the stage for further exploration of their distinctive sound blending pop and new wave elements.

How many songs are on Dumb Waiters?

Dumb Waiters has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Dumb Waiters

The Korgis · 1980

34 min · 10 tracks · new wave

Melodic new wave soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics and lush harmonies, creating a bittersweet listening experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Silent Running — Opening the album, this track establishes a dreamy atmosphere with its ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime — This hallmark song transcended its time, becoming a defining classic that resonates deeply through its poignant themes of love and transformation.
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Perfect Hostess — Blending catchy hooks with witty commentary on social dynamics, this track showcases The Korgis' ability to balance lightheartedness with deeper observations.
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If It’s Alright With You Baby — With its infectious rhythm and heartfelt delivery, this track illustrates the band's knack for crafting memorable melodies that linger long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The Korgis blend melodic new wave with introspective lyrics, creating a solid but not album.

What we noticed

The album opens with a synth-driven track that sets a melodic tone, followed by a shift to more rhythmically complex arrangements in the subsequent songs.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, particularly evident in 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime.'
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier, more upbeat songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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 Silent Running 3:05
2 Love Ain’t Too Far Away 3:29
3 Perfect Hostess 3:21
4 Drawn and Quartered 3:20
5 Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime 4:24
6 Intimate 3:08
7 It’s No Good Unless You Love Me 3:24
8 Dumb Waiters 2:42
9 If It’s Alright With You Baby 4:06
10 Rovers Return 3:33

What to play next

Listen next

Sticky George

1981

Go back to

The Korgis

1979

Full The Korgis discography Artists like The Korgis

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata