New Values
Iggy Pop · 1979
45 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of punk energy and introspective lyrics, capturing a restless spirit in a shifting musical landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tell Me a Story Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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New Values — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of change and disillusionment, showcasing Iggy's biting lyrics against an upbeat rhythm that contrasts the seriousness of its content.
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I’m Bored — The song's catchy hook belies a deeper commentary on ennui and societal apathy, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners looking for authenticity.
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The Endless Sea — With its expansive soundscape and contemplative lyrics, this track illustrates Iggy's ability to blend punk sensibilities with introspection, highlighting his growth as a songwriter.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends punk energy with reflective lyrics, showcasing Iggy's evolving style but lacks tight cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent punk energy, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tempos.
- Iggy Pop's vocal delivery alternates between spoken word and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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, consistent energy levels
- short, engaging listening sessions
- introspective and reflective moods
- melodic hooks throughout
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a shift in Iggy's sound and is influential in post-punk.
- Themes
- post-punk disillusionment· societal ennui· personal reinvention
- Career context
- Released on April 1, 1979, 'New Values' marked Iggy Pop's transition into a more reflective phase after his work with The Stooges. This album followed the commercial success of 'Lust for Life' and showcased Pop's continued evolution as a solo artist while grappling with personal and artistic reinvention during a post-punk era.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· The Stooges· Lou Reed
Tracklist
- 1 Tell Me a Story Start here 2:50
- 2 New Values 2:39
- 3 Girls 2:59
- 4 I’m Bored 2:47
- 5 Don’t Look Down 3:39
- 6 The Endless Sea 4:50
- 7 Five Foot One 4:29
- 8 How Do Ya Fix a Broken Part 2:55
- 9 Angel 3:44
- 10 Curiosity 2:29
- 11 African Man 3:35
- 12 Billy Is a Runaway 2:31
- 13 Chains 2:40
- 14 Pretty Flamingo 2:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lodger
David Bowie
Explores personal reinvention with a mix of punk energy and introspective lyrics against a unique sound palette.
London Calling
The Clash
Shares themes of societal ennui and disillusionment, blending punk with diverse musical influences.
Fear of Music
Talking Heads
Captures post-punk disillusionment through innovative soundscapes and reflective lyrical content.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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