What makes Object 47 by Wire notable?

Object 47 was well-received by critics, earning praise for its cohesive sound and lyrical depth. It charted in the UK, signifying Wire's enduring relevance in the post-punk landscape, influencing a generation of indie and alternative musicians who value lyrical and sonic experimentation. Released in 2008, Object 47 is Wire's eleventh studio album and follows the band’s 2003 effort, Send. By this time, Wire had steadily evolved from their punk roots into a more experimental sound, showcasing their ability to innovate while still retaining their core identity. This album comes after a brief hiatus and marks a continued commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

Who is Object 47 for?

Object 47 works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, engaging listening sessions and introspective and reflective moods.

How many songs are on Object 47?

Object 47 has 9 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Object 47

Wire · 2008

34 min · 9 tracks · art punk

A sparse yet intense exploration of sound, blending art punk urgency with contemplative melodies and sharp lyrical observations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Circumspect — This track stands out with its intricate layering of sounds and introspective lyrics, reflecting on themes of observation and self-awareness within a chaotic world.
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Hard Currency — With its driving rhythm and biting commentary on societal values, this song exemplifies Wire's sharp wit and ability to fuse artful critique with engaging melodies.
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Patient Flees — The extended length of this track allows for a more immersive experience, highlighting the band's experimental nature while exploring themes of anxiety and anticipation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Wire's experimental evolution while maintaining a cohesive sound and sharp lyrical focus.

What we noticed

Several songs employ unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid transitions.
Lyrically, the album presents sharp observations that are delivered with a detached vocal style, enhancing the contemplative nature of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
short, engaging listening sessions
introspective and reflective moods
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Wire's catalog, showcasing their evolved sound but not widely recognized.
Career context: Released in 2008, Object 47 is Wire's eleventh studio album and follows the band’s 2003 effort, Send. By this time, Wire had steadily evolved from their punk roots into a more experimental sound, showcasing their ability to innovate while still retaining their core identity. This album comes after a brief hiatus and marks a continued commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Gang of Four· The Fall· Television