What makes It's All in the Game by Nena notable?

The album features the enduring single 'Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime,' which became a notable duet with Austrian singer Kim Wilde and received significant radio play. Its blend of Neue Deutsche Welle and mainstream pop helped solidify Nena's influence on 1980s music, particularly in Europe. By the time 'It's All in the Game' was released in November 1985, Nena had already achieved international fame with their hit '99 Red Balloons.' This album marked a transitional phase for the band as they sought to maintain their relevance in the evolving pop landscape while experimenting with new sounds and themes.

Who is It's All in the Game for?

It's All in the Game works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on It's All in the Game?

It's All in the Game has 14 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

It's All in the Game

Nena · 1985

68 min · 14 tracks · pop music

Synth-driven pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an atmosphere of both nostalgia and hope.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime — This track stands out due to its memorable melody and collaborative performance between Nena and Kim Wilde, showcasing a cross-border pop synergy that resonated widely.
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It's All in the Game — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and chance through its reflective lyrics and catchy chorus, making it a quintessential Nena song.
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Utopia — Opening the album, this track sets a hopeful tone with its lush synth arrangements and optimistic lyrics about envisioning a better future.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'It's All in the Game' was released in November 1985, Nena had already achieved international fame with their hit '99 Red Balloons.' This album marked a transitional phase for the band as they sought to maintain their relevance in the evolving pop landscape while experimenting with new sounds and themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Falco· Kraftwerk· Alphaville

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

It's All in the Game

The bridge introduces a sudden shift in perspective, revealing deeper emotional stakes tied to relationships and uncertainty.

This pivot in narrative voice deepens the song's exploration of vulnerability, contrasting earlier sections that maintain a more detached tone.

Tracklist

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

1 Utopia 3:43
2 It's All in the Game 4:49
3 Young as You 5:10
4 Auf Wiedersehen 3:40
5 Warning Signs 5:19
6 Woman on Fire 3:32
7 Let's Humanize 4:28
8 You Don't Know What Love Is 4:15
9 Are You Awake? 4:54
10 Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime 7:19
11 At the Movies (Kino) 3:01
12 Just a Dream (Mega Dream mix) 6:44
13 99 Red Balloons (club mix) 4:46
14 It's All in the Game (12" remix) 6:34

What to play next

Listen next

Feuer und Flamme

1985

Go back to

99 Luftballons

1984

Full Nena discography Artists like Nena

Neue Deutsche Welle

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata