Is IV a good place to start with The Stranglers?

Yes, IV is recommended as a starting point for new The Stranglers listeners. A fusion of punk energy and new wave experimentation, marked by dark humor and complex arrangements. Released in January 1980, IV was The Stranglers' fourth studio album, coming after their commercial success with Black and White. The band was establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the UK music scene, blending punk rock with more sophisticated influences, which would define their sound moving forward.

IV works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, darkly melodic undertones and intricate arrangements to explore.

How many songs are on IV?

IV has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

IV

The Stranglers · 1980

51 min · 14 tracks · new wave

A fusion of punk energy and new wave experimentation, marked by dark humor and complex arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Raven Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Duchess — This song combines catchy melodies with sharp lyrics about societal norms, showcasing the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with punk ethos.
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Nuclear Device — The track's commentary on nuclear proliferation is wrapped in a driving rhythm and sardonic tone, making it both a protest song and an infectious anthem.
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Five Minutes — With its punchy beat and lyrical narrative about fleeting time, this track exemplifies the band's knack for emotional storytelling within a short format.
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Vietnamerica — Addressing themes of war and cultural identity, this song stands out for its poignant lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, reflecting the band's political engagement.

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 showcases complex arrangements and strong production but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a driving bassline and layered synthesizers, establishing a dark, energetic tone.
Several tracks employ abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Nuclear Device', which shifts from a steady beat to frenetic sections.
The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with songs like 'Duchess' featuring multiple distinct sections rather than traditional verse-chorus forms.

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: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo progression
darkly melodic undertones
intricate arrangements to explore
thought-provoking lyrical themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening
seek straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — IV solidified The Stranglers' status in the post-punk landscape after earlier successes.
Themes: nuclear proliferation· cultural identity· societal norms· war commentary
Moods: Dark· Introspective
Career context: Released in January 1980, IV was The Stranglers' fourth studio album, coming after their commercial success with Black and White. The band was establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the UK music scene, blending punk rock with more sophisticated influences, which would define their sound moving forward.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Gang of Four