Here Come the Aliens cover

Here Come the Aliens

Kim Wilde · 2018

49 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A vibrant mix of synth-pop and rock with catchy hooks and playful lyrics that evoke nostalgia for the late '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    1969 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Pop Don’t Stop — This track exemplifies the album's infectious energy with its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics about embracing life's joys, capturing the essence of Wilde's enduring appeal.
  • →
    Kandy Krush — With its playful melodies and cheeky lyrics, this song stands out as a fun exploration of infatuation, showcasing Wilde's knack for creating catchy pop anthems.
  • →
    Cyber Nation War — Delving into themes of technology and conflict, this track combines heavy synths with thought-provoking lyrics, illustrating Wilde's ability to merge meaningful content with danceable beats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends retro and modern sounds effectively but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo with danceable rhythms, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast.
  • Several tracks feature layered synths and guitar riffs, blending rock elements with pop melodies to create a vibrant sound.
  • The lyrics often reference themes of nostalgia and modernity, with playful wordplay evident in multiple songs.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 progression with resolution
  • playful energy for gatherings
  • nostalgic vibes with modern flair
  • catchy anthems for road trips
  • uplifting tunes for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective sounds
  • seek complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a successful comeback after a long hiatus, showcasing her return to music.
Themes
retro futurism· societal commentary· nostalgic pop anthems
Career context
Released on March 16, 2018, 'Here Come the Aliens' marked Kim Wilde's comeback after a long hiatus since her last studio album in 1995. The album showcases her return to music with a fresh sound while still retaining the pop sensibilities that defined her early career. At this point, Wilde was also transitioning into a new phase of creative expression, inspired by contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Cyndi Lauper· Debbie Gibson· Erasure

Tracklist

  • 1 1969 Start here 4:04
  • 2 Pop Don’t Stop 3:50
  • 3 Kandy Krush 3:15
  • 4 Stereo Shot 3:39
  • 5 Yours ’til the End 4:35
  • 6 Solstice 5:23
  • 7 Addicted to You 3:44
  • 8 Birthday 3:38
  • 9 Cyber Nation War 4:55
  • 10 A Different Story 3:41
  • 11 Rock the Paradiso 3:45
  • 12 Rosetta 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata