What makes No Stranger to Danger by Payolas notable?

The album produced the hit single 'Eyes of a Stranger', which received significant radio airplay and peaked at number 4 on the Canadian charts. It solidified Payolas' standing in the burgeoning alternative rock movement of the early '80s and contributed to their recognition at the Juno Awards. Released as Payolas' second album in 1982, No Stranger to Danger followed their debut, which had established them as a notable presence in the Canadian music scene. By this time, the band was refining their sound, transitioning from raw punk influences to a more polished alternative rock aesthetic.

How many songs are on No Stranger to Danger?

No Stranger to Danger has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

No Stranger to Danger

Payolas · 1982

40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of rock and new wave, punctuated by catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that capture the zeitgeist of early '80s Canada.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Eyes of a Stranger — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics, becoming one of their most enduring hits.
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Romance — With its infectious groove and lyrical exploration of relationships, this song showcases the band's ability to merge pop sensibilities with rock energy.
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Hastings Street — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and social commentary, reflecting the urban experience in Canada during this era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and new wave effectively but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
The song 'Eyes of a Stranger' employs a prominent synthesizer hook that recurs throughout, anchoring the track's structure.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their melodic appeal.

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: 6/10
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 Romance 3:33
2 Eyes of a Stranger 4:54
3 Some Old Song 3:37
4 Rose 3:59
5 Hastings Street 4:59
6 Youth 4:17
7 Lights to Change 2:27
8 Mystery to Me 3:04
9 Pennies into Gold 3:06
10 Screaming 4:09
11 Rockers 2:46

What to play next

Listen next

Hammer on a Drum

1983

Go back to

In a Place Like This

1981

Full Payolas discography Artists like Payolas

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata