What makes Once Around the World by It Bites notable?

The album received positive critical reception and is notable for its ambitious songwriting and production quality, which helped solidify It Bites' place within the progressive rock scene of the late '80s. Additionally, the track 'Once Around the World' gained particular acclaim for its length and compositional complexity, showcasing the band's artistic aspirations. Once Around the World is It Bites' second studio album, released in 1988 after their debut, The Big Lad in the Windmill. At this point, the band had established a signature sound characterized by complex arrangements and lyrical depth, seeking to build on their initial success from the previous year.

How many songs are on Once Around the World?

Once Around the World has 9 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Once Around the World

It Bites · 1988

55 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A vibrant mix of new wave and progressive rock that weaves intricate melodies with emotionally charged narratives.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kiss Like Judas — This track exemplifies the band's knack for blending catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrics, illustrating their ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
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Yellow Christian — With its dynamic shifts and emotive storytelling, this song stands out as a highlight of the album, showcasing It Bites' progressive influences.
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Once Around the World — The title track's expansive structure allows for an exploration of themes like existentialism and reflection, making it a centerpiece of their artistic vision.

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 intricate songwriting and production, balancing narrative depth with progressive rock elements.

What we noticed

The album opens with a dynamic track that features layered synths and guitar solos, establishing a vibrant sound immediately.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Hunting the Whale', which shifts from a slow build to an energetic climax.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Midnight 4:05
2 Kiss Like Judas 4:09
3 Yellow Christian 6:29
4 Rose Marie 3:34
5 Black December 3:51
6 Old Man and the Angel 9:21
7 Hunting the Whale 4:47
8 Plastic Dreamer 3:53
9 Once Around the World 14:48

What to play next

Listen next

Eat Me in St. Louis

1989

Go back to

The Big Lad in the Windmill

1986

Full It Bites discography Artists like It Bites

new wave progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata