What makes Manic Pop Thrill by That Petrol Emotion notable?

Manic Pop Thrill received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise for its energetic sound and lyrical content. The album helped establish That Petrol Emotion as a notable act in the alternative rock movement of the mid-1980s, influencing subsequent bands with its fusion of pop sensibility and political commentary. Released in January 1986, Manic Pop Thrill marked That Petrol Emotion's debut album after the dissolution of their previous band, The Undertones. This album introduced their brand of alternative rock infused with punk energy, setting the stage for their career trajectory as influential figures in the UK music scene.

How many songs are on Manic Pop Thrill?

Manic Pop Thrill has 17 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Manic Pop Thrill

That Petrol Emotion · 1986

53 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of jangly guitars and punchy rhythms channels youthful exuberance with a sharp political edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Can't Stop — This track exemplifies the band's energetic style, marrying catchy hooks with a driving beat that encapsulates the youthful spirit of the album.
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Natural Kind of Joy — Offering a more introspective moment, this song balances the album's frenetic energy with reflective lyrics that hint at deeper themes beneath its upbeat surface.
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Non-Alignment Pact — This politically charged track stands out for its incisive lyrics and complex arrangements, showcasing the band's commitment to blending message with melody.

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 energetic songwriting with political lyrics but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features driving guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a frenetic pace for the first half.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Circusville', which shifts from a fast-paced section to a slower, more contemplative bridge.
Lyrically, the songs often blend personal themes with political commentary, evident in tracks like 'Jesus Says' and 'Non-Alignment Pact'.
The final track ends on an unresolved chord, leaving a sense of tension that contrasts with the energetic nature of the preceding songs.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Fleshprint 2:27
2 Can't Stop 2:52
3 Lifeblood 3:51
4 Natural Kind of Joy 2:45
5 It's a Good Thing 2:34
6 Circusville 4:06
7 Mouth Crazy 3:06
8 Tightlipped 3:06
9 A Million Miles Away 2:20
10 Lettuce 2:26
11 Cheapskate 3:43
12 Blindspot 4:19
13 V2 3:52
14 Jesus Says 2:28
15 The Deadbeat 2:52
16 Mine 3:39
17 Non-Alignment Pact 2:55

What to play next

Listen next

Babble

1987

Full That Petrol Emotion discography Artists like That Petrol Emotion

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata