Missing In Action
Missing Persons · 2014
44 min · 12 tracks · new wave
Vibrant synth textures and catchy hooks blend with introspective lyrics, showcasing a modern take on classic new wave aesthetics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Do or Die — The opening track sets a vibrant tone with its infectious chorus and synth-heavy arrangement, embodying the album's overall energy and thematic urgency.
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The More We Love — This track highlights the band's ability to blend emotional depth with pop sensibility, featuring soaring melodies that capture the essence of longing.
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Crisis in Overdrive — With its driving rhythm and pointed lyrics, this song critiques societal pressures, showcasing the band's knack for commentary wrapped in catchy hooks.
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Walking in L.A. (acoustic version) — This reinterpretation of their classic hit strips down the original's production, allowing for an intimate exploration of the song's themes of dislocation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends modern production with classic new wave elements, creating a familiar yet fresh sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving synth lines, while the second half introduces more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The production employs modern electronic elements alongside classic new wave sounds, blending retro and contemporary styles.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- reflective lyrics for introspection
- vibrant energy for daytime drives
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- synth-driven melodies for nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- slow-paced, drawn-out compositions
- long-form pieces with minimal change
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Missing In Action is Missing Persons' first studio album in over two decades, marking their return after a long hiatus since 1990's Color In Your Life. The band sought to reinvent their sound while staying true to their new wave roots, emerging in a music landscape that had changed significantly since their initial popularity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Devo· Talking Heads
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Do or Die 3:34
- 2 Hello, Hello 3:09
- 3 Walk Into the Sun 4:12
- 4 Covert Operation 3:51
- 5 The More We Love 3:42
- 6 The Speed of Light 4:20
- 7 All the Way 3:37
- 8 If I Gave You My Mind 4:11
- 9 Siren Song 3:37
- 10 Crisis in Overdrive 3:24
- 11 Walking in L.A. (acoustic version) 3:59
- 12 Hello, Hello (radio remix) 3:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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