Is Nothing Sacred?
The Lords of the New Church · 1983
42 min · 11 tracks · new wave
A gritty fusion of punk energy and gothic melodies, underscored by haunting lyrics and anthemic choruses.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dance With Me — This track opens the album with infectious energy, capturing the raw punk spirit that characterizes much of their work while introducing gothic elements through its darkly romantic lyrics.
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The Night Is Calling — A standout track that blends atmospheric instrumentation with urgent vocals, it showcases the band's ability to create a sense of longing and urgency that resonates throughout the album.
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World Without End — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this track embodies the album's exploration of existential themes, making it a poignant highlight in The Lords' discography.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends punk energy with gothic melodies, showcasing strong lyrical imagery and varied tempos.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving beat and layered guitar riffs that establish a gritty, punk-infused atmosphere.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Don't Worry Children,' which shifts from a steady pace to a more frenetic energy.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and narrative storytelling, particularly in tracks like 'Johnny Too Bad' and 'Tale of Two Cities.'
- 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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7/10
- 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
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, consistent energy levels
- mid-tempo reflective moments
- gritty, immersive soundscapes
- contemplative late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Is Nothing Sacred? was the second studio album from The Lords of the New Church, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band had begun to solidify their unique sound, blending elements of punk rock and new wave with a darker aesthetic that would define their legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Damned· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Killing Joke
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Don't Worry Children
The verse features a stark commentary on societal fears and innocence lost, addressing children directly as they face a troubling world.
By shifting perspective to speak directly to children, it emphasizes vulnerability amidst chaos, creating a powerful contrast that deepens the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dance With Me 3:23
- 2 Bad Timing 3:38
- 3 Johnny Too Bad 3:56
- 4 Don't Worry Children 3:44
- 5 The Night Is Calling 4:59
- 6 Black Girl White Girl 3:39
- 7 Goin' Downtown 3:52
- 8 Tale of Two Cities 3:50
- 9 World Without End 5:25
- 10 Partners in Crime 2:40
- 11 Live for Today 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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