What makes Play by Magazine notable?

Play received significant acclaim upon its release, often cited as a pivotal album that helped shape the post-punk genre and influenced countless artists in the years to come. It also features the hit single A Song From Under the Floorboards, which became a defining track for the band and showcased their unique blend of punk energy and sophisticated songwriting. Released in 1980, Play was Magazine's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed work Real Life and Secondhand Daylight. At this point, the band was solidifying their influence on the post-punk landscape, experimenting with a more melodic approach while retaining their sharp, angular sound.

How many songs are on Play?

Play has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Play

Magazine

42 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of jagged guitars and artful lyricism that captures the restlessness of late '70s British punk and new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Song From Under the Floorboards — This track exemplifies Magazine's ability to fuse catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, making it one of their most recognizable songs.
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The Light Pours Out of Me — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this song captures the essence of Magazine's innovative sound and lyrical depth.
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Definitive Gaze — This track showcases the band's unique blend of punk and art rock, highlighting their complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic instrumentation with artful lyrics, showcasing distinctiveness in sound and structure.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm and jagged guitar riffs that set an energetic tone, particularly in the first two tracks.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Model Worker' which shifts from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.
The lyrics often employ abstract imagery and conversational tones, creating a sense of restlessness that complements the music's urgency.

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: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Give Me Everything 4:27
2 A Song From Under the Floorboards 4:15
3 Permafrost 4:59
4 The Light Pours Out of Me 4:46
5 Model Worker 2:57
6 Parade 6:05
7 Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) 3:49
8 Because You’re Frightened 3:53
9 Twenty Years Ago 4:00
10 Definitive Gaze 3:48

What to play next

Listen next

Real Life / Secondhand Daylight

Full Magazine discography Artists like Magazine

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata