Top tracks — play these first
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Walking Down a Road — Opening with an infectious melody and intricate harmonies, this track encapsulates the band's unique blend of pop sensibility and progressive rock elements.
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Amy (Darling) — This song features poignant lyrics combined with lush instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to deliver emotional depth wrapped in catchy melodies.
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Stranger Than Fiction — With its complex time signatures and rich lyrical content, this track highlights the band's artistic ambitions and sets them apart from contemporaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic songwriting and theatrical elements, establishing a unique sound for Split Enz.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by a series of songs that incorporate varied instrumentation and tempo shifts.
- The use of harmonies is prominent, with multiple vocalists contributing to the layered sound, particularly in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- kaleidoscopic exploration of identity
- dynamic flow with varied pacing
- theatrical vocals for engagement
- reflective moments of introspection
- wave-like shifts in energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, fast tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 31, 1975, 'Mental Notes' was Split Enz's debut album, introducing their innovative sound and theatrical style. At this point, the band was still developing its identity, transitioning from their original lineup and gaining recognition in New Zealand's burgeoning music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· XTC· The B-52's
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walking Down a Road 5:22
- 2 Under the Wheel 7:47
- 3 Amy (Darling) 5:15
- 4 So Long for Now 3:18
- 5 Stranger Than Fiction 6:57
- 6 Time for a Change 3:45
- 7 Maybe 2:56
- 8 Titus 3:02
- 9 Spellbound 4:59
- 10 Mental Notes 0:42
- 11 129 3:03
- 12 Lovey Dovey 3:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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