Top tracks — play these first
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Paradise Start here — The opening track features lush synthesizers combined with emotive vocals, setting the tone for the album's introspective journey.
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No Promises — This song highlights Icehouse's knack for catchy melodies and poignant lyrics, embodying the album's theme of longing and desire.
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Cross the Border — With its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, this track showcases the band's ability to fuse rock energy with new wave sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing energetic tracks with reflective moments.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and layered synths, establishing a high-energy opening that contrasts with the more introspective fourth track.
- Several songs incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the dynamic between lead vocals and backing harmonies.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on 'Into the Wild', creating a sense of resolution after the varied emotional landscape of the preceding tracks.
- 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
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 melodic journey throughout
- atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
- for evening relaxation
- engaging narratives in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Icehouse's place in the Australian music scene with critical acclaim.
- Themes
- 80s new wave nostalgia· synth-driven introspection
- Career context
- By the time 'Measure for Measure' was released in January 1986, Icehouse had already achieved significant success with their previous album, 'Sidewalk'. This marked their fourth studio album, showcasing a confident evolution in their sound as they embraced more sophisticated production techniques and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark· Simple Minds· The Human League
Tracklist
- 1 Paradise Start here 4:47
- 2 No Promises 4:40
- 3 Mr. Big 3:33
- 4 Angel Street 4:46
- 5 The Flame 5:11
- 6 Regular Boys 3:30
- 7 Cross the Border 4:25
- 8 Spanish Gold 4:17
- 9 Lucky Me 4:38
- 10 Baby You're So Strange 3:59
- 11 Too Late Now 3:11
- 12 Into the Wild 4:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Black Celebration
Depeche Mode
Shares a dark atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics, blending synths with rock elements.
The Head on the Door
The Cure
Features expansive soundscapes and a mix of melancholy and upbeat tracks, akin to 80s new wave aesthetics.
The Colour of Spring
Talk Talk
Combines atmospheric production with lyrical depth, embodying an introspective mood similar to Icehouse's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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