What makes Non Fiction by The Blasters notable?

Non Fiction is notable for its strong critical reception, particularly for tracks like Long White Cadillac, which showcases the band's signature style blending rockabilly with elements of country and blues. The album contributed to the resurgence of interest in American roots music during the early '80s and influenced subsequent artists within the rockabilly revival movement. Released in 1983, Non Fiction is The Blasters' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed self-titled debut and the more commercially focused album, Trouble Bound. By this point, the band had established themselves as a key player in the revival of rockabilly, navigating their sound into a more eclectic mix while maintaining their roots.

How many songs are on Non Fiction?

Non Fiction has 11 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Non Fiction

The Blasters · 1983

31 min · 11 tracks · rockabilly

A spirited blend of rockabilly rhythms and heartfelt storytelling, encapsulating the essence of American roots music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Long White Cadillac — This track stands out with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about love and loss, showcasing the band's lyrical depth alongside musical craftsmanship.
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Bus Station — Featuring a driving rhythm and vivid storytelling, this song captures themes of longing and transition that resonate throughout the album.
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It Must Be Love — This track combines upbeat instrumentation with a whimsical take on love's complexities, representing the playful side of The Blasters' musical identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, though its pacing and thematic shifts affect cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Red Rose' that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that intertwine with vocal lines, creating a dynamic interplay between instruments and lyrics.
The pacing shifts noticeably after 'Long White Cadillac', where the tempo slows down, allowing for more reflective storytelling in subsequent songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Long White Cadillac

The moment shifts from nostalgia to resignation as the narrator reflects on lost love while driving down an endless road.

This structural pivot deepens emotional weight by contrasting past memories with present solitude, enhancing the song's narrative arc.

Tracklist

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

1 Red Rose 2:31
2 Barefoot Rock 2:29
3 Bus Station 2:31
4 One More Dance 2:26
5 It Must Be Love 2:54
6 Jubilee Train 3:00
7 Long White Cadillac 2:54
8 Fool's Paradise 2:44
9 Boomtown 3:34
10 Leaving 3:26
11 Tag Along 2:53

What to play next

Listen next

Hard Line

1985

Go back to

Non Fiction

1983

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata