What makes Hotwired by The Soup Dragons notable?

Hotwired features the hit single Divine Thing, which reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, marking a significant commercial success for the band. The album received positive reviews for its infectious melodies and lyrical themes, contributing to the zeitgeist of British indie music in the early '90s. Released in January 1992, Hotwired was The Soup Dragons' third studio album, following their breakthrough with Lovegod. The band aimed to solidify their place in the indie rock scene while experimenting with a more polished sound, reflecting their growth from their earlier work.

How many songs are on Hotwired?

Hotwired has 12 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Hotwired

The Soup Dragons · 1992

50 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and catchy hooks that captures the effervescent spirit of early '90s indie rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Divine Thing — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, exemplifying the band's ability to create infectious pop-rock anthems. Its commercial success helped propel the album into mainstream recognition.
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Pleasure — Opening the album, Pleasure sets a lively tone with its jangly guitar riffs and energetic vocals, showcasing the band's signature style right from the start.
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Forever Yesterday — This song presents a more introspective side of the band, combining reflective lyrics with melodic instrumentation that adds depth to the album's overall vibe.
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Getting Down — With its danceable groove and playful lyrics, Getting Down captures the carefree energy of early '90s indie culture, making it a memorable highlight on the album.

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 features catchy melodies and varied tempos but lacks deep cohesion and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitar riffs, establishing a lively opening.
The album includes several tracks that incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic appeal.
Midway through, the tempo slows down with 'Forever Yesterday', creating a noticeable shift in energy.
The final track, 'Mindless', ends with a fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.

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: 5/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Pleasure 3:54
2 Divine Thing 3:51
3 Running Wild 4:02
4 Getting Down 4:11
5 Forever Yesterday 4:50
6 No More Understanding 4:59
7 Dream-on (Solid Gone) 4:00
8 Everlasting 3:47
9 Absolute Heaven 3:21
10 Everything 3:57
11 Sweet Layabout 3:45
12 Mindless 6:14

What to play next

Listen next

Hydrophonic

1994

Go back to

Lovegod

1990

Full The Soup Dragons discography Artists like The Soup Dragons

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata