What makes Keep Smiling by Laid Back notable?

This album contains the hit single 'White Horse', which achieved international success and became emblematic of the band's sound. The song's infectious groove and catchy hook contributed to the rise of the electro genre during the early '80s, influencing subsequent artists and securing Laid Back's place in music history. Released in January 1983, Keep Smiling was Laid Back's second studio album following their self-titled debut in 1981. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound, blending reggae influences with electronic music elements, which would become a hallmark of their style.

Who is Keep Smiling for?

Keep Smiling works well if you're into carefree summer day vibes, easygoing melodies for relaxation and playful tunes for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Keep Smiling?

Keep Smiling has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Keep Smiling

Laid Back · 1983

40 min · 8 tracks · electro

A vibrant fusion of reggae rhythms and airy synths that encapsulate the carefree spirit of early '80s electro-pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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White Horse — The lead single that propelled Laid Back into the spotlight, featuring a memorable melody and laid-back vibes that epitomize the album's carefree aesthetic.
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Sunshine Reggae — This track showcases a seamless blend of reggae and pop elements, further establishing Laid Back's distinctive sound while becoming a summer anthem across Europe.
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Elevator Boy — With its quirky lyrics and upbeat tempo, this song exemplifies the playful nature of the album, highlighting Laid Back's ability to merge humor with infectious melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends reggae and electro-pop but lacks depth in songwriting to elevate it further.

What we noticed

The first track, 'White Horse', opens with a prominent synth line that sets a laid-back yet upbeat tone for the album.
The album's final track combines two songs into one, creating an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of euphoria.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

carefree summer day vibes
easygoing melodies for relaxation
playful tunes for social gatherings
sun-soaked rhythms with warmth

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional depth
prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1983, Keep Smiling was Laid Back's second studio album following their self-titled debut in 1981. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound, blending reggae influences with electronic music elements, which would become a hallmark of their style.
Stylistic neighbors: Kano· Chic· Air

Tracklist

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

1 White Horse 5:42
2 Elevator Boy 4:55
3 Slowmotion Girl 5:51
4 So Wie So 4:32
5 Sunshine Reggae 4:15
6 High Society Girl 3:41
7 Don't Be Mean 3:22
8 Fly Away / Walking in the Sunshine 8:35

What to play next

Listen next

Sunshine Reggae

1983

Go back to

Laid Back

1981

Full Laid Back discography Artists like Laid Back

electro

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata