Moments of Madness
Hugh Cornwell · 2022
35 min · 10 tracks · new wave
An eclectic blend of rock and new wave, infused with sharp lyrics and playful melodies that capture the essence of everyday life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Coming Out of the Wilderness — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and catchy rhythm, inviting listeners into Cornwell's world after years away from the limelight.
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Moments of Madness — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of navigating life's unpredictability through vibrant storytelling, showcasing Cornwell's lyrical prowess.
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When I Was a Young Man — This track delivers a poignant look back at youth and nostalgia, resonating deeply with listeners who share similar experiences of growing older.
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Beware of the Doll — With its playful yet eerie narrative, this song highlights Cornwell's ability to weave vivid imagery into his music, making it stand out on the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with engaging melodies but lacks standout production elements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat and introspective moods.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the melodic quality of the songs.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with a focus on personal experiences and observations from everyday life.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- playful melodies for lighthearted moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- sharp lyrics that provoke thought
- for casual listening
- nostalgic reflections on everyday life
Maybe skip if you
- seeking deep, immersive experiences
- prefer lengthy, cohesive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Moments of Madness is Hugh Cornwell's first album since his departure from the band The Stranglers in the late 1990s, marking a significant return to solo work. Released in 2022, it showcases his evolution as an artist after decades in the music industry, blending nostalgic themes with contemporary sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stranglers· Elvis Costello· Joe Jackson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Coming Out of the Wilderness 4:35
- 2 Red Rose 3:26
- 3 I Wannahideinsideaya 3:34
- 4 Looking for You 3:25
- 5 When I Was a Young Man 3:13
- 6 Moments of Madness 3:52
- 7 Beware of the Doll 3:55
- 8 Too Much Trash 2:57
- 9 Lasagna 3:07
- 10 Heartbreak at Seven 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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