Flesh and Blood cover

Flesh and Blood

Roxy Music · 1980

42 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of art rock and new wave, pulsing with romantic longing and lush instrumental arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In the Midnight Hour Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Same Old Scene — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of disillusionment with modern relationships, propelled by a catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation.
  • →
    Flesh and Blood — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on love and intimacy, showcasing Bryan Ferry's signature lyrical style intertwined with lush musical textures.
  • →
    Oh Yeah — With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's ability to combine sophisticated pop influences with an artful sensibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends art rock and new wave with polished production, showcasing strong songwriting and varied instrumentation.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement the synth and guitar work, creating a rich sonic texture.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 5/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • romantic introspection throughout
  • for reflective evenings
  • immersive in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Roxy Music's mainstream success and commercial viability.
Career context
By the time 'Flesh and Blood' was released in June 1980, Roxy Music was transitioning into a more mainstream sound following their creative peak with 'Manifesto'. This album marked their return after a three-year hiatus and showcased a refined style that still retained their glam rock roots while embracing new wave influences.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Brian Eno· Talking Heads

Tracklist

  • 1 In the Midnight Hour Start here 3:12
  • 2 Oh Yeah 4:52
  • 3 Same Old Scene 3:58
  • 4 Flesh and Blood 3:13
  • 5 My Only Love 5:20
  • 6 Over You 3:28
  • 7 Eight Miles High 4:54
  • 8 Rain Rain Rain 3:21
  • 9 No Strange Delight 4:46
  • 10 Running Wild 5:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata