More Than This cover

More Than This

Roxy Music · 1982

6 min · 2 tracks · new wave

Ethereal melodies intertwine with lush arrangements, creating a dreamy soundscape that blends art rock and new wave aesthetics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    More Than This — This track stands out for its haunting vocals and layered instrumentation, encapsulating the album's exploration of longing and nostalgia.
  • →
    India — At just under two minutes, this brief interlude features exotic instrumentation that contrasts with the rest of the album, highlighting Roxy Music's eclectic influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production, but its brief length limits overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a slow, atmospheric build with layered synths and a prominent vocal line that creates a sense of longing.
  • The second track, 'India', contrasts the first with a more rhythmic and upbeat tempo, incorporating world music influences.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — The title track's commercial success solidified Roxy Music's reputation.
Career context
Released on April 1, 1982, 'More Than This' was Roxy Music's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed record 'Flesh + Blood'. At this point in their career, the band had evolved from their glam rock roots into more sophisticated pop sounds, showcasing a mature approach to songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Brian Eno· Talking Heads

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • More Than This

    The narrative shifts from reflection to yearning for connection evokes deep emotional complexity.

    This shift in tone emphasizes vulnerability, contrasting with the previously established calm, thus enhancing the song's overall emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 More Than This 4:32
  • 2 India 1:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata