Eligible Bachelors cover

Eligible Bachelors

The Monochrome Set · 1982

35 min · 11 tracks · new wave

Quirky melodies intertwine with sardonic lyrics, reflecting the band's distinctive blend of new wave and punk rock influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Jet Set Junta — This opening track sets the tone with its brisk pace and sharp wit, encapsulating the album's social commentary and musical style.
  • →
    Cloud 10 — With its infectious chorus and playful instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's knack for combining humor with catchy pop sensibilities.
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    The Mating Game — This song showcases intricate wordplay and a satirical approach to romance, reflecting the band's ability to blend lightheartedness with deeper themes.
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    Fun for All the Family — Its upbeat rhythm juxtaposed with darker lyrical undertones highlights the band's signature style of using humor to address serious topics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features clever songwriting and quirky melodies, establishing a distinctive sound within new wave.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a prominent, syncopated guitar riff that sets a quirky tone for the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'The Mating Game', which shifts from a laid-back groove to an energetic chorus.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • quirky melodies for light-hearted moments
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • sardonic wit for reflective moods
  • weekend party soundtrack potential

Maybe skip if you

  • lengthy, contemplative listening experiences
  • serious themes and heavy emotions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as The Monochrome Set's third studio album, Eligible Bachelors came after their 1980 album, Love Zombies. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, navigating post-punk landscapes while retaining a sense of humor and irony that characterized their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
Wire· The B-52's· XTC

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Jet Set Junta 2:03
  • 2 I’ll Scry Instead 2:50
  • 3 On the 13th Day 3:06
  • 4 Cloud 10 3:30
  • 5 The Mating Game 3:20
  • 6 March of the Eligible Bachelors 3:01
  • 7 The Devil Rides Out 3:02
  • 8 Fun for All the Family 3:45
  • 9 The Midas Touch 4:53
  • 10 The Ruling Class 2:45
  • 11 The Great Barrier Riff 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata