What makes Lips Like Sugar by Echo & the Bunnymen notable?

'Lips Like Sugar' marked a significant commercial success for the band, reaching number 18 on the UK Albums Chart. Its title track became one of their most recognized songs, showcasing their ability to blend catchy pop sensibilities with an atmospheric depth that influenced the alternative rock scene in the late 1980s. Released on August 1, 1987, 'Lips Like Sugar' arrived as Echo & the Bunnymen's fourth studio album during a period of resurgence following their earlier successes. The band had experienced lineup changes and was redefining its sound with a more polished production style, aiming to reach wider audiences while retaining their post-punk roots.

How many songs are on Lips Like Sugar?

Lips Like Sugar has 4 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Lips Like Sugar

Echo & the Bunnymen · 1987

21 min · 4 tracks · post-punk

Ethereal melodies intertwine with rhythmic post-punk grooves, creating an atmospheric soundscape rich in longing and lush instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lips Like Sugar (12″ mix) — This track exemplifies the album's lush production and melodic hooks, making it a quintessential representation of the Bunnymen's signature sound.
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Rollercoaster — With its driving beat and infectious energy, this song captures the essence of the band's ability to merge introspective lyrics with upbeat instrumentation.
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Lips Like Sugar (single mix) — The single mix showcases a more radio-friendly approach while retaining the atmospheric qualities that define the band's work, contributing to its lasting appeal.

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 single blends catchy melodies with atmospheric instrumentation, showcasing strong production but limited cohesion due to its mix of versions.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent, swirling guitar riff that is layered with atmospheric synths, creating a lush soundscape.
Both versions of 'Lips Like Sugar' showcase different mixes, with the dub version emphasizing bass and percussion, altering the feel of the original.

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Lips Like Sugar' marked a significant commercial success, enhancing the band's recognition.
Themes: romantic longing· ethereal soundscapes· post-punk resurgence
Career context: Released on August 1, 1987, 'Lips Like Sugar' arrived as Echo & the Bunnymen's fourth studio album during a period of resurgence following their earlier successes. The band had experienced lineup changes and was redefining its sound with a more polished production style, aiming to reach wider audiences while retaining their post-punk roots.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Siouxsie and the Banshees

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Rollercoaster

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to an evocative description of fleeting moments of joy and chaos.

This transition underscores the contrast between introspection and external experiences, highlighting the theme of navigating life's ups and downs.