Motels
The Motels · 1979
38 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock with sharp, introspective lyrics delivered through sultry vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Total Control — This track showcases the band's signature sound with its driving beat and sharp lyrics about emotional distance, encapsulating the essence of new wave.
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Anticipating — The opening track sets an engaging tone for the album with its catchy melody and lyrics that convey both eagerness and uncertainty.
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Dressing Up — With its intricate arrangement and lyrical themes of identity and performance, this song illustrates the band's introspective style and poetic approach to songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and distinctive vocals, contributing to its place in the new wave movement.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a synth-driven track that sets a mid-tempo pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more varied tempos.
- Martha Davis's vocals are prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions in dynamics, such as 'Total Control', which shifts from subdued verses to a powerful chorus.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- introspective moments for reflection
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- late-night driving soundscape
- playful irreverence in lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy immersive experiences
- prefer straightforward, single-focused tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Motels released their debut album, 'Motels', in 1979, marking the beginning of their career just as new wave was gaining traction in the U.S. The band was led by Martha Davis, whose distinctive voice and songwriting became central to their identity. This album set the stage for their future success and helped establish them within the burgeoning new wave scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Missing Persons· The B-52's· The Cars
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Anticipating 3:50
- 2 Kix 2:15
- 3 Total Control 5:54
- 4 Love Don't Help 1:58
- 5 Closets & Bullets 4:24
- 6 Atomic Cafe 2:48
- 7 Celia 3:06
- 8 Porn Reggae 4:17
- 9 Dressing Up 5:04
- 10 Counting 4:35
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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