Top tracks — play these first
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Beautiful World — This track captures Devo's satirical take on optimism in a dystopian society, showcasing their signature blend of catchy melodies and biting lyrics.
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Through Being Cool — Opening the album, this song epitomizes Devo's ethos by critiquing conformity with an infectious beat and clever wordplay.
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Working in the Coal Mine — A cover that highlights Devo's ability to reinterpret classic songs through their avant-garde lens, infusing it with a fresh, mechanized energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Devo's unique sound with innovative structures and sharp wit, making it distinct within the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a brisk tempo and energetic instrumentation, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more contemplative mood.
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected key changes, which challenge traditional pop formats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady pacing with playful irony
- short tracks for quick bursts
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- consistent flow with resolution
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive journeys
- prefer serious, somber tones
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, New Traditionalists was Devo's fourth studio album, following the commercial success of Freedom of Choice. At this point, Devo had solidified their unique sound and aesthetic, becoming icons of the new wave movement. The album marked a continuation of their exploration of themes surrounding technology and societal norms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talking Heads· Wire· The B-52's
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Through Being Cool 3:15
- 2 Jerkin’ Back ’n’ Forth 3:05
- 3 Pity You 2:48
- 4 Soft Things 3:28
- 5 Going Under 3:31
- 6 Race of Doom 3:44
- 7 Love Without Anger 2:37
- 8 The Super Thing 4:21
- 9 Beautiful World 3:35
- 10 Enough Said 3:34
- 11 Working in the Coal Mine 2:53
- 12 Mecha‐Mania Boy 2:48
- 13 Nu‐tra Speaks (New Traditionalist Man) 1:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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