I Wanna Go Backwards cover

I Wanna Go Backwards

Robyn Hitchcock · 2007

336 min · 102 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of surreal storytelling and melodic pop, characterized by Hitchcock's distinctive lyrical wit and eclectic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Man Who Invented Himself — This opening track encapsulates Hitchcock's signature blend of humor and introspection, setting the tone for the album with its playful yet profound exploration of identity.
  • →
    Acid Bird — With vivid imagery and a catchy melody, this song exemplifies Hitchcock's knack for combining surreal storytelling with accessible pop sensibilities, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    All I Wanna Do Is Fall in Love — This track features a poignant yet whimsical take on love, showcasing Hitchcock's lyrical dexterity while blending melancholy with a light-hearted musical arrangement.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling with depth
  • playful introspection throughout tracks
  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • for curious listeners
  • exploratory vibe for long drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, radio-friendly songs
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'I Wanna Go Backwards' was released in November 2007, Robyn Hitchcock was navigating a prolific phase, having just come off a series of celebrated albums during the 1990s and 2000s. This album marked his return to a more personal and introspective style after the experimental ventures of previous releases, reinforcing his status as an influential figure in alternative rock.
Stylistic neighbors
The Soft Boys· They Might Be Giants· Squeeze

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 The Man Who Invented Himself 2:59
  • 2 Brenda’s Iron Sledge 2:56
  • 3 Do Policemen Sing? 3:37
  • 4 The Lizard 5:03
  • 5 Meat 3:04
  • 6 Acid Bird 4:42
  • 7 I Watch the Cars 2:26
  • 8 Out of the Picture 3:41
  • 9 City of Shame 3:23
  • 10 Love 4:45
  • 11 All I Wanna Do Is Fall in Love 3:48
  • 12 A Skull, a Suitcase, and a Long Red Bottle of Wine 4:59
  • 13 It Was the Night 3:36
  • 14 I Watch the Cars No. 2 4:26
  • 15 Give Me a Spanner Ralph 2:38
  • 16 It’s a Mystic Trip 2:58
  • 17 Grooving on a Inner Plane 4:12
  • 18 Happy the Golden Prince 6:40

Disc 2

  • 1 Nocturne (Prelude) 1:39
  • 2 Sometimes I Wish I Was a Pretty Girl 1:58
  • 3 Cathedral 3:43
  • 4 Uncorrected Personality Traits 1:45
  • 5 Sounds Great When You’re Dead 3:23
  • 6 Flavour of Night 2:59
  • 7 Ye Sleeping Knights of Jesus 4:01
  • 8 This Could Be the Day 2:46
  • 9 Trams of Old London 3:29
  • 10 Furry Green Atom Bowl 3:16
  • 11 Heart Full of Leaves 2:30
  • 12 Autumn Is Your Last Chance 3:31
  • 13 I Often Dream of Trains 2:23
  • 14 Nocturne (Demise) 2:06
  • 15 Winter Love 2:39
  • 16 The Bones in the Ground 3:08
  • 17 My Favourite Buildings 2:48
  • 18 I Used to Say I Love You 4:32
  • 19 Chant / Aether 5:25
  • 20 Heart Full of Leaves (alternate version) 2:28
  • 21 I Often Dream of Trains (demo) 2:41
  • 22 Not Even a Nurse 2:31
  • 23 Slow Chant / That’s Fantastic Mother Church 2:15
  • 24 Traveller’s Fare 1:48

Disc 3

  • 1 Cynthia Mask 4:38
  • 2 Certainly Cliquot 2:15
  • 3 Queen Elvis 4:23
  • 4 Flesh Cartoons 4:22
  • 5 Chinese Water Python 2:12
  • 6 Executioner 3:45
  • 7 Linctus House 5:15
  • 8 Sweet Ghost of Light 3:09
  • 9 Transparent Lover 3:35
  • 10 Beautiful Girl 2:13
  • 11 Clean Steve 3:52
  • 12 Raining Twilight Coast 4:38
  • 13 Agony of Pleasure 2:25
  • 14 Glass Hotel 3:28
  • 15 Satellite 1:45
  • 16 Aquarium 4:20
  • 17 Queen Elvis II 4:37
  • 18 Century 2:18
  • 19 Shimmering Distant Love 3:20
  • 20 Lovers Turn to Skulls 1:40
  • 21 The Beauty of Earl’s Court 3:59

Disc 4

  • 1 She Reached for a Light 2:38
  • 2 August Hair 3:56
  • 3 Take Your Knife out of My Back 3:03
  • 4 Fiend Before the Shrine 2:03
  • 5 Raymond Chandler Evening 1:56
  • 6 Birdshead 2:52
  • 7 Victorian Squid 2:29
  • 8 You’ve Got 4:06
  • 9 Captain Dry 2:50
  • 10 Raining Twilight Coast 4:36
  • 11 Point It at Gran 2:00
  • 12 Vegetable Friend 2:13
  • 13 Flesh Number 1 2:42
  • 14 Surgery 2:40
  • 15 I Got a Message for You 3:06
  • 16 If I Could Look 1:12
  • 17 Parachutes & Jellyfish 3:05
  • 18 Queen Elvis 4:39
  • 19 Nothing 2:47
  • 20 Stranded in the Future 3:22
  • 21 Melting Arthur 3:13
  • 22 The Abandoned Brain 3:30
  • 23 You’re So Repulsive 3:32
  • 24 Opiatrescence 3:54

Disc 5

  • 1 September Cones 5:22
  • 2 Lovely Golden Villains 3:03
  • 3 Dr Sticky (live) 3:11
  • 4 Toadboy 3:50
  • 5 Trash 2:51
  • 6 Pit of Souls (country version) 5:58
  • 7 Mr Deadly 4:13
  • 8 Let There Be More Darkness 2:56
  • 9 Listening to the Higsons 2:45
  • 10 College of Ice 3:42
  • 11 My Favourite Buildings 3:13
  • 12 Lightplug 1:43
  • 13 Sleeping Knights of Jesus 4:14
  • 14 Insect Mother 1:44
  • 15 I Wanna Go Backwards 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata