What does Living in the 20th Century sound like?

A vibrant blend of blues rock and psychedelic influences igniting classic grooves with a playful energy throughout. Rooted in psychedelic rock and blues rock. Start with "Nobody but You Baby".

Is Living in the 20th Century a good place to start with Steve Miller Band?

Yes, Living in the 20th Century is recommended as a starting point for new Steve Miller Band listeners. A vibrant blend of blues rock and psychedelic influences igniting classic grooves with a playful energy throughout. Released in 1986, Living in the 20th Century marked the Steve Miller Band's return to recording after a four-year hiatus following their commercially successful album, Abracadabra. This album showcased Miller's continued evolution as an artist while staying true to his distinct sound that melded rock with bluesy overtones.

Who is Living in the 20th Century for?

Living in the 20th Century works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, vibrant energy for social settings and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Living in the 20th Century?

Living in the 20th Century has 11 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Living in the 20th Century

Steve Miller Band · 1986

35 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

A vibrant blend of blues rock and psychedelic influences igniting classic grooves with a playful energy throughout.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Living in the 20th Century — The title track captures the essence of the album with its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics reflecting contemporary society, making it a standout example of Miller’s lyrical wit.
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I Want to Make the World Turn Around — This track features engaging melodies and showcases Miller's knack for blending social commentary with an infectious chorus, embodying the album's spirit of optimism.
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Nobody but You Baby Start here — With a classic blues influence and soulful vocals, this cover serves as a testament to Miller's roots while adding a modern twist that resonates throughout the record.

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 features strong grooves and guitar work but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contrast that alters the album's momentum.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
vibrant energy for social settings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
playful melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

seeking lengthy immersive experiences
prefer complex, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the band's return and achieved significant commercial success.
Themes: contemporary society critique· 1980s optimism
Career context: Released in 1986, Living in the 20th Century marked the Steve Miller Band's return to recording after a four-year hiatus following their commercially successful album, Abracadabra. This album showcased Miller's continued evolution as an artist while staying true to his distinct sound that melded rock with bluesy overtones.
Stylistic neighbors: The Doobie Brothers· Chicago· Creedence Clearwater Revival

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Want to Make the World Turn Around

The bridge shifts from personal desire to collective hope, urging a sense of unity amidst chaos.

This pivot broadens the song's emotional scope, transforming individual longing into a community call for collaboration.