Ordinary Alien
Boy George · 2011
106 min · 18 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of dance, pop, and soul with introspective lyrics that echo both nostalgia and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Yes We Can — This upbeat anthem captures the spirit of perseverance and optimism, encouraging listeners to rise above adversity while showcasing Boy George's signature vocal style.
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Turn 2 Dust Start here — Opening the album, this track blends reflective lyrics with a danceable beat, setting the tone for an exploration of transformation and change.
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Here Come the Girls — A lively track that highlights themes of empowerment and celebration, it stands out as a party anthem while demonstrating George's ability to craft catchy hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic dance-pop with introspective lyrics, showcasing Boy George's return but lacking cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong dance track, 'Turn 2 Dust', followed by the upbeat lead single 'Yes We Can', establishing a vibrant energy.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent synth lines, creating a rich, textured sound throughout.
- The sequencing includes both high-energy tracks and more introspective moments, such as 'Don't Wanna See Myself' and 'Psychology of the Dreamer', allowing for dynamic shifts in mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 flow with gradual peaks
- uplifting anthems for celebration
- reflective moments amidst vibrancy
- for late-night drives
- danceable tracks for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek constant high-energy intensity
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- By 2011, Boy George was reestablishing his career after a hiatus marked by personal struggles and legal troubles. 'Ordinary Alien' served as his first studio album since 1999's 'Cheapness and Beauty', showcasing a renewed artistic vision and embrace of contemporary sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Culture Club· David Bowie· Soft Cell
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Turn 2 Dust Start here 5:42
- 2 Yes We Can 6:32
- 3 Brand New 5:31
- 4 Amazing Grace 5:00
- 5 Don't Wanna See Myself 5:41
- 6 If I Were You 5:43
- 7 Go Your Own Way 5:44
- 8 Here Come the Girls 6:45
- 9 Seconds 6:22
- 10 After Dark 6:14
- 11 Kill the A&R 4:55
- 12 Human Racing 5:54
- 13 Look Pon U 4:15
Disc 2
- 1 Out of Fashion 6:41
- 2 Sanitized 7:05
- 3 Time Machine 6:36
- 4 Psychology of the Dreamer 7:02
- 5 Ragga Music 5:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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