Metro Music cover

Metro Music

Martha and the Muffins · 1979

39 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of new wave melodies and post-punk rhythms wrapped in infectious pop sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Echo Beach — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy chorus and lyrical nostalgia, making it an anthem of longing and escape.
  • →
    Indecision — The song features a compelling interplay of rhythmic guitar and synth lines, showcasing the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with more complex arrangements.
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    Sinking Land — With its moody atmosphere and introspective lyrics, this track highlights the band's depth and emotional resonance beyond their more upbeat hits.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Metro Music showcases a blend of catchy melodies and post-punk rhythms, establishing a distinct sound for the band.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature prominent synthesizer lines that drive the melodies, while rhythmic guitar patterns provide a post-punk edge.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of urban life and personal experiences, delivered with a conversational vocal style.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • infectious melodies for joyful moments
  • short bursts of catchy energy
  • playful rhythms for carefree afternoons
  • vibrant soundtracks to urban adventures

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective tracks
  • want lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1979, Metro Music was Martha and the Muffins' debut album, emerging as they were gaining traction in the Canadian music scene. The album set the stage for their distinct sound and laid the groundwork for their subsequent success, especially with the hit single 'Echo Beach'.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· Talking Heads· Devo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Echo Beach 3:35
  • 2 Paint by Number Heart 3:28
  • 3 Saigon 4:23
  • 4 Indecision 4:25
  • 5 Terminal Twilight 4:42
  • 6 Hide and Seek 3:59
  • 7 Monotone 2:45
  • 8 Sinking Land 5:30
  • 9 Revenge (Against the World) 3:31
  • 10 Cheesies and Gum 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata