What makes Keep Your Distance by Curiosity Killed the Cat notable?

The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and earning critical acclaim for its catchy hooks and lyrical depth. Its standout track, 'Misfit,' became a defining anthem of the era, showcasing the band's unique style and contributing to the burgeoning acid jazz movement. Keep Your Distance was Curiosity Killed the Cat's debut album, released in early 1987, following their successful single 'Misfit' which had established them in the UK music scene. This album marked a pivotal moment as they sought to solidify their presence amidst an evolving pop landscape dominated by synth-pop and new wave influences.

How many songs are on Keep Your Distance?

Keep Your Distance has 9 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Keep Your Distance

Curiosity Killed the Cat · 1987

37 min · 9 tracks

A blend of pop and soul, infused with playful melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the spirit of late '80s Britain.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Misfit — This track served as the band's breakout single, encapsulating their quirky sound with its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics about feeling out of place.
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Know What You Know — With its rich instrumentation and catchy chorus, this song exemplifies the fusion of pop and soul that characterizes the album, highlighting the band's musical versatility.
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Ordinary Day — The reflective nature of this track captures everyday life struggles, resonating with listeners through its poignant yet upbeat vibe.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop and soul with playful melodies, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacks deep lyrical exploration.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered vocal harmonies, particularly evident in tracks like 'Misfit' and 'Down to Earth'.
Several tracks employ a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and backing singers, enhancing the playful feel of the music.
The running time is just under 40 minutes, with most tracks averaging around three to four minutes, allowing for a brisk pace throughout.

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: 5/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 Misfit 4:05
2 Down to Earth 4:20
3 Free 4:02
4 Know What You Know 3:52
5 Curiosity Killed the Cat 3:12
6 Ordinary Day 3:53
7 Mile High 4:09
8 Red Lights 5:33
9 Shallow Memory 4:30

What to play next

Listen next

Getahead

1989

Go back to

Down to Earth

1986

Full Curiosity Killed the Cat discography Artists like Curiosity Killed the Cat

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata