Emotional cover

Released 40 years ago

Emotional

Falco · 1986

48 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of pop and rock, layered with theatrical energy and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of the mid-80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Emotional Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Coming Home (Jeanny Part 2, one year later) — This track serves as a haunting sequel to Falco's earlier hit 'Jeanny', delving into complex themes of obsession and guilt through its evocative storytelling.
  • →
    Kamikaze Cappa — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this song showcases Falco's ability to blend humor and social commentary, reflecting the carefree spirit of the era.
  • →
    The Kiss of Kathleen Turner — A playful tribute to the Hollywood actress, this track encapsulates Falco's flair for theatricality and clever lyrical wordplay, making it memorable within the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic pop with introspective lyrics, showcasing Falco's theatrical style but lacks deep compositional complexity.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy title track that features layered synths and driving percussion, setting a vibrant tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate theatrical elements, such as spoken word sections and dramatic vocal delivery, particularly in 'Coming Home (Jeanny Part 2)'.
  • The sequencing alternates between upbeat tracks and more introspective pieces, with the penultimate track slowing down significantly before the final song.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo engagement
  • theatrical flair for drama
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • vibrant energy for social settings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Falco's status post 'Rock Me Amadeus' with significant chart success.
Themes
Hollywood romance· post-breakup vulnerability· societal commentary
Career context
Released in January 1986, Emotional was Falco's third studio album, following his major breakthrough with 'Rock Me Amadeus'. At this point, Falco had solidified his status as a leading figure in European pop music, blending genres and showcasing his unique style. The album marked a continuation of his commercial success while exploring deeper emotional themes.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Prince· Duran Duran

Tracklist

  • 1 Emotional Start here 4:56
  • 2 Kamikaze Cappa 5:09
  • 3 Crime Time 4:25
  • 4 Cowboyz and Indianz 5:49
  • 5 Coming Home (Jeanny Part 2, one year later) 5:35
  • 6 The Star of Moon and Sun 5:21
  • 7 Les Nouveaux Riches 4:32
  • 8 The Sound of Music 5:00
  • 9 The Kiss of Kathleen Turner 7:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata