Top tracks — play these first
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Electric Blue — This track exemplifies Icehouse's shift towards a more commercially viable sound, combining catchy hooks with atmospheric synths that defined the '80s pop-rock landscape.
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Crazy Start here — With its infectious rhythm and introspective lyrics, Crazy showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with danceable beats, making it a standout track.
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Man of Colours — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of identity and transformation, featuring lush instrumentation that highlights Icehouse's artistic ambition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and polished production typical of late '80s new wave, with notable hits enhancing its appeal.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving synths, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Electric Blue is positioned as the second track, serving as a peak moment early in the album's flow.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional impact of the melodies.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- atmospheric synths for immersion
- vibrant energy for road trips
- catchy choruses for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Icehouse's reputation with major hits and commercial success.
- Themes
- Australian summer nights· synth-driven nostalgia· colorful identity exploration
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Man of Colours was Icehouse's fifth studio album, marking a significant moment as their commercial peak following the success of their previous album, Measure for Measure. The band's evolution into a more polished sound is evident here, solidifying their status in the new wave genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark· Simple Minds· The Human League
Tracklist
- 1 Crazy Start here 4:49
- 2 Electric Blue 4:32
- 3 My Obsession 4:08
- 4 Man of Colours 5:11
- 5 Heartbreak Kid 5:20
- 6 The Kingdom 4:53
- 7 Nothing Too Serious 3:27
- 8 Girl in the Moon 4:01
- 9 Anybody's War 4:08
- 10 Sunrise 5:48
- 11 Crazy (12" mix) 7:21
- 12 Crazy (Midnight mix) 4:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Cosmic Thing
The B-52's
Shares vibrant synth melodies and a playful spirit reflective of late '80s pop culture.
Temple of Low Men
Crowded House
Combines emotive rock with lush arrangements, evoking a similar sense of nostalgia and identity.
Notorious
Duran Duran
Features polished production and catchy hooks, capturing the essence of 80s new wave soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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