Objects of Desire
Michael Franks · 1982
39 min · 9 tracks · pop music
Smooth jazz-pop melodies intertwine with playful lyrics and sophisticated arrangements, creating a dreamy atmosphere throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jealousy — This track encapsulates Franks' playful yet introspective songwriting style, featuring clever wordplay that reflects on the complexities of love and jealousy.
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Tahitian Moon — With its lush instrumentation and evocative imagery, this song transports listeners to exotic locales, showcasing Franks' signature blend of romance and escapism.
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Ladies’ Nite — A vibrant celebration of nightlife, this track combines catchy melodies with insightful observations about relationships and social dynamics, making it a standout piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and playful lyrics, though it may not deeply resonate over time.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth jazz-pop melodies, with each track incorporating intricate arrangements that highlight the instrumentation.
- Lyrical themes often revolve around romantic and whimsical subjects, with playful wordplay evident in multiple songs.
- The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more reflective tracks that create a contrasting dynamic.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- laid-back romantic atmosphere
- steady mid-tempo flow
- smooth, melodic listening experience
- playful and whimsical moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1982, Objects of Desire was Michael Franks' fifth studio album, following his successful 1979 release, Sleeping Gypsy. At this point, Franks had established himself as a notable figure in the soft rock and jazz-pop genres, known for his witty and romantic songwriting style that blended seamlessly with smooth musical textures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kenny Loggins· James Taylor· Paul Simon
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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No One but You
The bridge shifts to a reflective tone, expressing deep commitment and longing without directly naming the beloved, creating emotional intimacy.
This moment employs a shift in perspective that enhances the sense of devotion while maintaining an air of mystery about the relationship.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jealousy 3:35
- 2 Ladies’ Nite 4:08
- 3 No‐Deposit Love 5:10
- 4 Laughing Gas 3:22
- 5 Wonderland 5:00
- 6 Tahitian Moon 4:34
- 7 Flirtation 3:42
- 8 Love Duet 4:56
- 9 No One but You 4:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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