Top tracks — play these first
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Take a Chance — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and intricate layering of sounds that invites listeners into Material's unique sonic world.
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Holding On — Holding On highlights the band's ability to fuse urgent rhythms with reflective lyrics, encapsulating the tension between chaos and desire that permeates the record.
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Busting Out — As the album's longest track, Busting Out showcases extended improvisation and dynamic shifts, exemplifying Material's experimental ethos while pushing musical boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative rhythms and textures typical of no wave, with distinct tracks that challenge conventional song structures.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving bass line in 'Take a Chance' that sets an energetic tone, which is maintained through the first half.
- Tracks often feature abrupt shifts in rhythm and texture, such as the transition from the frenetic pace of 'Come Down' to the more subdued 'Holding On'.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside instrumental experimentation, blurring the lines between song and performance art.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo dance grooves
- gritty sound for late nights
- engaging flow for social settings
- challenging rhythms for attentive listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek light, upbeat vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 19, 1982, One Down marked Material's second album following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their position within the no wave movement, expanding their sound through collaborations with various artists and incorporating elements from punk and jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Chance and the Contortions· Dna· Liquid Liquid
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Take a Chance 4:32
- 2 I’m the One 5:27
- 3 Time Out 4:58
- 4 Let Me Have It All 5:26
- 5 Come Down 4:45
- 6 Holding On 4:46
- 7 Memories 4:03
- 8 Don’t Lose Control 4:21
- 9 Busting Out 8:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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