La Folie
The Stranglers · 1982
9 min · 2 tracks · new wave
A pulsating blend of new wave energy and punk rock edge, intricately layered with theatrical vocals and dark lyrical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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La Folie — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its hypnotic rhythms and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love and madness.
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Waltzinblack — This track stands out for its innovative use of electronic elements and dark orchestration, creating a haunting atmosphere that defines the album's unique sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and eclectic arrangements but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving tempo in 'Non Stop' and maintains a high energy level through the first half before slowing down significantly with 'Golden Brown'.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'It Only Takes Two to Tango', which features abrupt shifts in rhythm and melody.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — La Folie showcases a departure in sound with its blend of new wave and punk elements.
- Themes
- Parisian madness· hypnotic rhythms· dark orchestration
- Career context
- Released on April 20, 1982, La Folie was The Stranglers' fifth studio album, following their successful record, The Gospel According to the Meninblack. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their role in the post-punk scene while exploring more eclectic sounds and sophisticated production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cure· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Gang of Four
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 La Folie 6:12
- 2 Waltzinblack 3:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Remain in Light
Talking Heads
Shares a complex rhythmic structure and explores existential themes with a new wave edge.
In the Flat Field
Bauhaus
Combines dark theatricality with punk energy, creating a haunting atmosphere similar to La Folie's vibe.
Juju
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Features atmospheric soundscapes and dark lyrical content, echoing the themes of madness and hypnotic rhythms.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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