Is Howling a good place to start with The Angels?

Yes, Howling is recommended as a starting point for new The Angels listeners. Raw guitar riffs and anthemic choruses define this hard rock album, embodying the restless spirit of mid-80s Australian rock. By 1986, The Angels were solidifying their status in the Australian rock scene with 'Howling', their fourth studio album. Following the success of their previous release, 'Watch the Red', this album aimed to capture their energetic live sound while continuing to evolve their songwriting.

Howling works well if you're into steady mid-tempo anthems, raw energy for road trips and gritty melodies for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Howling?

Howling has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Howling

The Angels · 1986

46 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

Raw guitar riffs and anthemic choruses define this hard rock album, embodying the restless spirit of mid-80s Australian rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Did You Hurt Somebody Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Don't Waste My Time — This track showcases The Angels' signature sound with driving guitars and an infectious chorus that captures the urgency and restlessness prevalent throughout the album.
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We Gotta Get Out of This Place — A cover of The Animals' classic, this version infuses a fresh energy and rebellious spirit that aligns perfectly with The Angels' hard rock ethos.
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Nature of the Beast — The title track stands out for its darker themes and complex lyrics, reflecting a more mature songwriting approach while retaining the band's high-energy instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures mid-80s hard rock energy but lacks some cohesion in its pacing and songwriting depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving guitar riff in 'Did You Hurt Somebody', setting a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
Tracks like 'Can't Take Anymore' and 'Where Do You Run' feature anthemic choruses that invite audience participation, typical of live rock performances.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a contrast to the earlier intensity and allowing for a more reflective mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 mid-tempo anthems
raw energy for road trips
gritty melodies for sing-alongs
consistent vibe throughout listening
invigorating backdrop for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer faster-paced music
need intricate sonic details

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation during a key recognition phase.
Themes: mid-80s Australian rock· rebellious spirit· raw guitar energy
Career context: By 1986, The Angels were solidifying their status in the Australian rock scene with 'Howling', their fourth studio album. Following the success of their previous release, 'Watch the Red', this album aimed to capture their energetic live sound while continuing to evolve their songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: AC/DC· Rose Tattoo· Motörhead

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Nature of the Beast

The bridge shifts to a more introspective tone, weaving imagery of struggle against inner demons that contrasts with the preceding intensity.

This moment reveals a nuanced depth in the songwriting, showcasing vulnerability amidst the hard-hitting sound that characterizes much of the album.