What makes Living in the Background by Baltimora notable?

The album features the hit single 'Tarzan Boy,' which reached top charts across Europe, becoming synonymous with the Italo disco movement. Its infectious hooks and danceable beats influenced a generation of electronic music and are still celebrated in contemporary dance culture. Released in 1985, Living in the Background marked Baltimora's debut album, following their successful single 'Tarzan Boy.' The album positioned them firmly within the Italo disco scene, expanding their popularity beyond Italy and into international markets.

Who is Living in the Background for?

Living in the Background works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and catchy melodies for focus.

How many songs are on Living in the Background?

Living in the Background has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Living in the Background

Baltimora · 1985

41 min · 8 tracks · new wave

An exuberant blend of catchy melodies and pulsating rhythms that epitomize the Italo disco sound of the mid-1980s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Tarzan Boy (12″ Summer version) — This track became a defining anthem of the Italo disco genre, showcasing catchy choruses and an unforgettable melody that propelled it to international success.
→
Living in the Background — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of escapism and dance culture, blending vibrant synthesizers with rhythmic grooves.
→
Woody Boogie (12″ Jump mix) — With its upbeat tempo and playful energy, this track highlights Baltimora's signature sound, making it a staple in disco playlists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album captures the Italo disco sound well but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with the extended version of 'Tarzan Boy', setting a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
Tracks feature repetitive hooks and synth-driven melodies, characteristic of Italo disco, with a consistent use of drum machines.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the danceable quality of the music.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
catchy melodies for focus
wave-like pacing experience

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1985, Living in the Background marked Baltimora's debut album, following their successful single 'Tarzan Boy.' The album positioned them firmly within the Italo disco scene, expanding their popularity beyond Italy and into international markets.
Stylistic neighbors: KOTO· Sandy Marton· Fun Fun

Tracklist

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

1 Tarzan Boy (12″ Summer version) 6:41
2 Pull the Wires 4:46
3 Living in the Background 6:06
4 Tarzan Boy (7″ Summer version) 3:27
5 Woody Boogie (12″ Jump mix) 5:50
6 Chinese Restaurant 5:14
7 Running for Your Love 5:50
8 Woody Boogie 3:37

What to play next

Listen next

World Re-Mix

1986

Go back to

Woody Boogie

1985

Full Baltimora discography Artists like Baltimora

Italo disco new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata