What makes Oh, No! It's Devo by Devo notable?

The album features the hit single Peek-A-Boo!, which became a staple on alternative radio and reached significant chart positions. Its blend of catchy hooks and satirical lyrics helped reinforce Devo's influence on the new wave movement, pushing sonic boundaries that would resonate with future artists in the genre. Released in 1982, Oh, No! It's Devo marks the band's fifth studio album and showcases their continued evolution after the breakthrough success of Freedom of Choice. At this point in their career, Devo was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of art rock and new wave, while also experimenting with themes of absurdity and consumerism.

Who is Oh, No! It's Devo for?

Oh, No! It's Devo works well if you're into playful rhythms for dance parties, dynamic flow with unexpected twists and quirky melodies for upbeat moods.

How many songs are on Oh, No! It's Devo?

Oh, No! It's Devo has 17 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Oh, No! It's Devo

Devo · 1982

61 min · 17 tracks · new wave

A playful collision of quirky synths, off-kilter rhythms, and deadpan vocals that redefine new wave energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Peek-A-Boo! — As one of their most recognizable singles, this track combines infectious melody with incisive commentary on social interaction and voyeurism.
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That's Good — This song juxtaposes upbeat instrumentation with ironic lyrics about American optimism, exemplifying Devo's knack for blending humor and critique.
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Speed Racer — A high-energy tribute to the beloved cartoon character, this track encapsulates Devo's playful spirit while exploring themes of speed and modernity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Devo's unique sound with experimental structures and playful synths, marking their continued evolution in new wave.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and tempos.
Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
The use of quirky synth sounds and off-kilter percussion creates a distinct sonic landscape that is both playful and disorienting.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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

playful rhythms for dance parties
dynamic flow with unexpected twists
quirky melodies for upbeat moods
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek deep introspective experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1982, Oh, No! It's Devo marks the band's fifth studio album and showcases their continued evolution after the breakthrough success of Freedom of Choice. At this point in their career, Devo was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of art rock and new wave, while also experimenting with themes of absurdity and consumerism.
Stylistic neighbors: Talking Heads· Wire· The B-52's