Ismism
Godley & Creme · 1981
44 min · 9 tracks · new wave
A blend of quirky new wave rhythms and experimental pop sensibilities, laced with satirical lyrics and innovative production techniques.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Under Your Thumb — This track encapsulates the duo's knack for merging melodic hooks with sharp social commentary, making it a standout hit that resonated with audiences.
-
→
Snack Attack — With its playful structure and satirical lyrics about consumer culture, this song exemplifies their unique approach to combining humor with musicality.
-
→
The Party — This lengthy track showcases their experimental side, blending various musical elements and creating an engaging sonic journey that reflects the album's overall spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative production and quirky songwriting but may not resonate deeply over time.
What we noticed
- The first track features a rapid-fire rhythm with layered vocal harmonies that set a playful tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
- The lyrics often employ satire, with a focus on societal themes, which is evident in tracks like 'Sale of the Century' and 'The Problem'.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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
- quirky rhythms for playful moods
- satirical tones with sharp wit
- engaging narratives in each track
- varied tempos keep attention engaged
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable sounds
- seek instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Ismism was released in 1981, Godley & Creme had transitioned from their earlier work with 10cc into a more avant-garde territory. This album came after their previous effort, Consequences, which had pushed the boundaries of music technology and narrative songwriting, further establishing their identity as pioneers in the new wave scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- 10cc· The Buggles· Talking Heads
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Snack Attack 7:16
- 2 Under Your Thumb 4:46
- 3 Joey's Camel 5:28
- 4 The Problem 4:06
- 5 Ready for Ralph 2:23
- 6 Wedding Bells 3:25
- 7 Lonnie 4:50
- 8 Sale of the Century 4:27
- 9 The Party 8:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.