What makes Like This by The dB's notable?

Like This received positive critical reception and showcased The dB's unique blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics. It has since been recognized as an important release in the power pop scene, influencing later bands in the genre and beyond, particularly in its melodic sensibilities. Released in January 1984, Like This was The dB's third studio album and followed their critically acclaimed album, Repercussion. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and growing their influence within the power pop genre, moving further into a polished production approach while maintaining their clever songwriting.

Who is Like This for?

Like This works well if you're into short bursts of catchy energy, bright melodies for sunny days and playful irreverence in sharp lyrics.

How many songs are on Like This?

Like This has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Like This

The dB's · 1984

38 min · 11 tracks · power pop

Bright melodies and jangly guitars intertwine with sharp lyrics, encapsulating the essence of mid-80s power pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Spy in the House of Love — This track highlights the band's knack for blending infectious melodies with thoughtful storytelling, making it a standout example of their lyrical depth.
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She Got Soul — The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus exemplify the quintessential power pop sound, showcasing The dB's ability to craft memorable hooks.
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Love Is for Lovers — Opening the album with an engaging rhythm and playful lyrics, this track sets the tone for the rest of the record's exploration of love.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and lyrical depth, though its pacing and cohesion vary across tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with bright melodies, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Each song typically features jangly guitars layered with harmonized vocals, creating a distinct power pop sound.
Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the dynamic interplay between band members.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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

short bursts of catchy energy
bright melodies for sunny days
playful irreverence in sharp lyrics
sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
want heavy emotional weight

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1984, Like This was The dB's third studio album and followed their critically acclaimed album, Repercussion. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and growing their influence within the power pop genre, moving further into a polished production approach while maintaining their clever songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Big Star· The Posies· Matthew Sweet

Tracklist

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

1 Love Is for Lovers 3:19
2 She Got Soul 2:41
3 Spitting in the Wind 3:28
4 Lonely Is (as Lonely Does) 4:06
5 Not Cool 2:55
6 Amplifier 3:12
7 A Spy in the House of Love 4:54
8 Rendezvous 3:09
9 New Gun in Town 3:56
10 On the Battlefront 3:33
11 White Train 3:22

What to play next

Listen next

The Sound of Music

1987

Go back to

Repercussion

1982

Full The dB's discography Artists like The dB's

power pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata