Hooverdam
Hugh Cornwell · 2008
38 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of new wave and rock, infused with sharp lyrical wit and catchy melodies that invite both introspection and dance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Please Don’t Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hook and playful yet poignant lyrics about longing and identity.
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Going to the City — The song captures a sense of urban adventure while juxtaposing personal aspirations against societal expectations, showcasing Cornwell's storytelling prowess.
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Delightful Nightmare — This track reflects a melodic complexity and emotional depth, illustrating Cornwell's knack for blending dark themes with engaging music.
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Rain on the River — With its evocative imagery and rhythmic flow, this song demonstrates Cornwell's ability to create vivid landscapes through his lyrics.
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Banging on the Same Old Beat — Closing the album with a sense of reflection, this track combines infectious rhythms with musings on routine, resonating deeply with listeners seeking authenticity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with sharp lyrics but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent guitar riffs, while the fourth track shifts to a more contemplative tone with slower instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected key changes, particularly in the choruses, which adds an element of surprise to the melodies.
- The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and social commentary, creating a dual layer of meaning that invites deeper listening.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- catchy melodies for dancing
- sharp lyrical wit throughout
- vibrant energy for social settings
- introspective moments with humor
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, immersive experiences
- skip if seeking lengthy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Hooverdam was Hugh Cornwell's fifth solo album, showcasing his continued evolution after the breakup of The Stranglers in 1990. At this point in his career, Cornwell was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while experimenting with diverse sounds and themes reflective of his life experiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stranglers· Elvis Costello· Joe Jackson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Going to the City
The narrative shifts from personal reflections to broader societal commentary as it builds towards a hopeful climax.
This progression amplifies the song's themes of ambition and escape, effectively contrasting personal desire with external pressures.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Please Don’t Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge 3:15
- 2 Going to the City 3:29
- 3 Delightful Nightmare 4:41
- 4 Within You Without You 5:15
- 5 Rain on the River 3:41
- 6 Beat of My Heart 3:39
- 7 Philip K. Ridiculous 3:26
- 8 The Pleasure of Your Company 4:00
- 9 Wrong Side of the Tracks 3:35
- 10 Banging on the Same Old Beat 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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