What makes Never Enough by Patty Smyth notable?

The album features the hit 'Downtown Train', which became a staple on radio waves and showcased Smyth's vocal prowess. It solidified her presence in the late '80s music scene while contributing to the enduring popularity of new wave influences in mainstream pop music during that era. Released in 1987, 'Never Enough' marked Patty Smyth's first solo album following her time with the band Scandal. At this point, she was transitioning from a popular rock frontwoman to establishing her identity as a solo artist, aiming to broaden her musical expression beyond the hard rock sound that defined her early career.

How many songs are on Never Enough?

Never Enough has 9 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Never Enough

Patty Smyth · 1987

42 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of new wave and pop, driven by emotive vocals and lush instrumentation that captures the heart's yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Downtown Train — This track stands out due to its poignant lyrics and captivating melody, reflecting longing and desire while showcasing Smyth’s powerhouse vocals.
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Never Enough — 'Never Enough' serves as the album's title track, capturing the central theme of unfulfilled desires with an infectious chorus and emotional depth.
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Heartache Heard Round the World — This song combines sweeping melodies with heartfelt storytelling, representing Smyth’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong title track that sets a mid-tempo pace, followed by the hit 'Downtown Train', which features a prominent melodic hook.
Several tracks incorporate layered synths and guitar riffs, creating a lush soundscape typical of late '80s new wave.
The vocal delivery is emotive and dynamic, with variations in intensity across tracks like 'Give It Time' and 'River Cried'.
The final track, 'Heartache Heard Round the World', closes the album on a reflective note, contrasting with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Never Enough 4:21
2 Downtown Train 5:13
3 Give It Time 4:22
4 Call to Heaven 5:10
5 River Cried 4:24
6 Isn't It Enough? 4:26
7 Sue Lee 3:52
8 Tough Love 4:53
9 Heartache Heard Round the World 5:33

What to play next

Listen next

Patty Smyth

1992

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new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata