What makes Playing with a Different Sex by Au Pairs notable?

The album is significant for its critical reception, often hailed as a seminal work within the post-punk genre for its direct engagement with themes of gender and sexuality. It helped influence a generation of female musicians and has been recognized by publications like NME and The Guardian as a groundbreaking feminist statement in rock music. Released in 1981, Playing with a Different Sex was Au Pairs' debut album, marking their introduction to the post-punk scene. At this point, the band had already garnered attention for their politically charged lyrics and dynamic live performances, positioning them as key players in the UK punk rock movement.

How many songs are on Playing with a Different Sex?

Playing with a Different Sex has 18 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Playing with a Different Sex

Au Pairs · 1981

71 min · 18 tracks · punk rock

Sharp, angular guitars punctuate urgent vocals, creating a provocative blend of punk energy and feminist commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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We’re So Cool — This track opens the album with a confident declaration that critiques social norms while showcasing the band's tight musicianship and energetic delivery.
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Love Song — Reversing traditional romantic tropes, this song employs sarcasm to explore complex emotions about relationships, highlighting the band's innovative lyrical approach.
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Set‐Up — With its driving beat and sharp lyrics, this track effectively addresses themes of manipulation and societal expectations, encapsulating the band's core message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Treeline

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album combines sharp instrumentation with provocative lyrics, establishing a strong identity within post-punk.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a brisk tempo and sharp guitar riffs, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective pieces.
Vocals often alternate between spoken word and melodic lines, creating a dynamic interplay that emphasizes the lyrical content.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as sudden stops or changes in intensity, which heighten the sense of urgency.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 We’re So Cool 3:29
2 Love Song 2:51
3 Set‐Up 3:21
4 Repetition 3:34
5 Headache (for Michelle) 6:39
6 Come Again 3:54
7 Armagh 3:37
8 Unfinished Business 3:29
9 Dear John 2:57
10 It’s Obvious 6:19
11 You 2:52
12 Domestic Departure 2:22
13 Kerb Crawler 2:47
14 Diet 4:19
15 It’s Obvious (single version) 5:47
16 Inconvenience (12″ version) 2:56
17 Pretty Boys 3:40
18 Headache (for Michelle) (remix) 6:38

What to play next

Listen next

Sense and Sensuality

1982

Full Au Pairs discography Artists like Au Pairs

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata