Manifesto
Roxy Music · 1979
42 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A lush blend of art rock and glam aesthetics, infused with playful experimentation and emotive melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Manifesto Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Dance Away — This track encapsulates the album's blend of catchy pop sensibility and sophisticated arrangement, becoming a defining hit for the band.
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Angel Eyes — With its lush instrumentation and romantic lyrics, this song highlights Roxy Music's ability to merge glamour with emotional depth.
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Trash — A punchy and bold opening track that sets a playful tone for the album while showcasing the band's punk influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases varied tempos and rich arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks open with a strong rhythmic drive, while the fourth track shifts to a slower, more contemplative mood.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and lush instrumental arrangements that create a rich sonic texture.
- The album includes abrupt tempo changes, particularly in 'Ain’t That So', which contrasts sharply with the preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
- contemplative late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing continued creativity and pop appeal.
- Career context
- Released in January 1979, 'Manifesto' marked Roxy Music's return after a five-year hiatus, following the commercially successful but critically mixed album 'Siren'. This album found the band balancing their established glam rock roots with emerging new wave influences, showcasing a more polished sound while still retaining their signature flair.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Brian Eno· Talking Heads
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Still Falls the Rain
The shift from reflective verses to a chorus filled with yearning expresses a deep sense of melancholy.
This contrast between introspection and emotional release illustrates the complexity of longing that permeates the album.
Tracklist
- 1 Manifesto Start here 5:30
- 2 Trash 2:14
- 3 Angel Eyes 3:07
- 4 Still Falls the Rain 4:14
- 5 Stronger Through the Years 6:14
- 6 Ain’t That So 5:40
- 7 My Little Girl 3:15
- 8 Dance Away 3:46
- 9 Cry, Cry, Cry 2:56
- 10 Spin Me Round 5:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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