Paint and Paint
Haircut One Hundred · 1984
44 min · 11 tracks · new wave
Bright, jangly guitars intertwine with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, embodying the essence of 1980s new wave.
Top tracks — play these first
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Immaterial — This track captures the band's signature blend of upbeat rhythms and introspective themes, making it a standout example of their sound.
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So Tired — With its infectious melody and relatable lyrics about exhaustion, this song highlights the band's knack for crafting catchy yet meaningful pop tunes.
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Hidden Years — This track showcases a more reflective side of the band, combining intricate instrumentation with poignant lyrics that delve into nostalgia.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases polished production and clever songwriting typical of its era, with some standout tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a bright, jangly guitar riff in 'Fish in a Bowl' that sets a consistent tone for the first half.
- Tracks like 'Immaterial' and 'So Tired' feature layered harmonies and intertwining melodies, creating a rich soundscape.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics and a reflective mood.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- introspective reflections on life
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- bright guitars for uplifting vibes
- for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced tracks
- prefer single standout hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1984, Paint and Paint is Haircut One Hundred's second album, following their successful debut Pelican West. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation in the new wave scene after achieving chart success with their earlier hits.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Squeeze· Duran Duran
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Immaterial
The bridge shifts to a more contemplative tone, questioning perceptions of reality amidst vibrant musical backing.
This transition not only alters the emotional landscape but also deepens the lyrical exploration of self-awareness within a buoyant sound.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fish in a Bowl 3:30
- 2 Immaterial 4:09
- 3 So Tired 4:14
- 4 Hidden Years 3:28
- 5 40-40 Home 4:03
- 6 High Noon 3:41
- 7 Too Up Too Down 3:32
- 8 Benefit of the Doubt 4:40
- 9 Prime Time 3:53
- 10 Where Do You Run to Now 4:19
- 11 Infatuation 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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