What makes It's a Condition by Romeo Void notable?

The album features the hit single 'Never Say Never,' which reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Romeo Void's place in the new wave genre. Its bold exploration of sexuality and identity also contributed to conversations around female empowerment in music during the early 80s. It's a Condition is Romeo Void's second studio album, coming after their debut, Benefactor (1980). Released in 1981, this album marked a significant step in their evolution as they began to refine their sound and lyrical themes, gaining recognition in the burgeoning new wave scene.

How many songs are on It's a Condition?

It's a Condition has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

It's a Condition

Romeo Void · 1981

37 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A gritty blend of post-punk rhythms and synth-driven melodies wrapped in introspective and often confrontational lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Talk Dirty (To Me) — This track exemplifies the band's stylistic fusion of punk energy with new wave aesthetics, showcasing both catchy hooks and provocative lyrics.
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Love Is an Illness — With its haunting melody and sharp lyricism, this song distinctly captures the emotional turmoil surrounding romantic relationships, making it a standout on the album.
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Nothing for Me — In this track, the driving beat combined with disaffected vocals encapsulates the feeling of alienation that permeates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends gritty post-punk rhythms with introspective lyrics, creating a distinct sound within the new wave genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy bassline and driving drums, establishing a consistent post-punk rhythm that persists through the first half.
Lyrically, the tracks often feature confrontational themes, with verses that alternate between introspective reflections and bold declarations.
Several songs incorporate synth melodies that create a contrast with the gritty instrumentation, particularly in tracks like 'Talk Dirty (To Me)' and 'Love Is an Illness.'
The final track, 'I Mean It,' features a gradual build-up leading to a climactic finish, providing a sense of resolution to the album's themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Fear to Fear

The shift from first-person reflections to addressing an external entity emphasizes a moment of confrontation and self-awareness.

Tracklist

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

1 Myself to Myself 3:41
2 Nothing for Me 3:36
3 Talk Dirty (To Me) 4:46
4 Love Is an Illness 3:41
5 White Sweater 4:43
6 Charred Remains 3:02
7 Confrontation 2:40
8 Drop Your Eyes 3:33
9 Fear to Fear 2:37
10 I Mean It 5:37

What to play next

Listen next

Benefactor

1982

Full Romeo Void discography Artists like Romeo Void

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata