What makes Electric by The Cult notable?

Electric achieved commercial success, reaching No. 38 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying The Cult's place in the hard rock landscape of the late 1980s. Its single 'Love Removal Machine' became a staple on radio, further influencing the rock genre and showcasing the band's ability to fuse melodic hooks with gritty instrumentation. The album is often cited as a pivotal moment for both The Cult and the hard rock revival that followed. Released in January 1987, Electric marked The Cult's transition from gothic rock to a more mainstream hard rock sound. This album followed their critically acclaimed release, Love, which had established them as significant players in the rock scene. With Electric, the band sought to embrace a heavier style, collaborating with producer Rick Rubin, which significantly shaped their sonic direction.

Electric works well if you're into steady energy for road trips, cathartic release for frustration and sing-along anthems with friends.

How many songs are on Electric?

Electric has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Electric

The Cult · 1987

38 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A thunderous blend of hard rock riffs and post-punk energy, uniting anthemic choruses with a raw, electrifying edge.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Love Removal Machine — This track exemplifies the album's energetic blend of hard rock and catchy melodies, featuring powerful guitar riffs and an unforgettable chorus that became a defining hit for the band.
→
Lil’ Devil — With its driving beat and infectious hook, this song captures the essence of Electric's raw energy while showcasing Ian Astbury's dynamic vocal delivery.
→
Wild Flower — This track stands out for its atmospheric quality and lyrical depth, contrasting with the album's heavier songs while still maintaining an engaging intensity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Electric showcases solid hard rock craftsmanship but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and high-energy vocals, establishing a consistent hard rock sound.
Several tracks incorporate layered backing vocals that enhance the anthemic quality of the choruses.
The album includes a cover of 'Born to Be Wild', which contrasts with the original by adding a heavier guitar presence.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energy for road trips
cathartic release for frustration
sing-along anthems with friends
late-night driving soundtrack

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, meditative sounds
seek intricate sonic details

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1987, Electric marked The Cult's transition from gothic rock to a more mainstream hard rock sound. This album followed their critically acclaimed release, Love, which had established them as significant players in the rock scene. With Electric, the band sought to embrace a heavier style, collaborating with producer Rick Rubin, which significantly shaped their sonic direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Fields of the Nephilim· The Mission· Bauhaus