Is Eye of the Hurricane a good place to start with The Alarm?

Yes, Eye of the Hurricane is recommended as a starting point for new The Alarm listeners. Anthemic melodies and driving rhythms intertwine with urgent lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of alternative rock energy. By the time 'Eye of the Hurricane' was released in January 1987, The Alarm had already established themselves as a prominent act in the UK alternative rock scene following their breakthrough debut album 'Declaration' in 1984. This third studio album marked a pivotal moment, showcasing an evolution in their sound while they navigated the pressures of commercial success and artistic integrity.

Who is Eye of the Hurricane for?

Eye of the Hurricane works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, thoughtful introspection and reflection and mid-tempo driving rhythms.

How many songs are on Eye of the Hurricane?

Eye of the Hurricane has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Eye of the Hurricane

The Alarm · 1987

41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Anthemic melodies and driving rhythms intertwine with urgent lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of alternative rock energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rain in the Summertime Start here — This lead single encapsulates the band's signature anthemic sound and thematic focus on resilience amidst adversity, making it instantly memorable.
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Hallowed Ground — The track combines emotive lyrics with a powerful melody, representing the band's ability to blend personal reflection with broader social commentary.
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Eye of the Hurricane — The title track serves as a poignant metaphor for navigating life's challenges, capturing both urgency and hope through its driving instrumentation.

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

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The instrumentation prominently includes jangly guitars and driving percussion, creating an anthemic sound throughout.

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, consistent energy levels
thoughtful introspection and reflection
mid-tempo driving rhythms
uplifting, anthemic moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified The Alarm's commercial appeal following their initial success.
Themes: resilience in adversity· navigating commercial pressures· social commentary on struggle
Career context: By the time 'Eye of the Hurricane' was released in January 1987, The Alarm had already established themselves as a prominent act in the UK alternative rock scene following their breakthrough debut album 'Declaration' in 1984. This third studio album marked a pivotal moment, showcasing an evolution in their sound while they navigated the pressures of commercial success and artistic integrity.
Stylistic neighbors: U2· The Cult· Simple Minds