Pollinator cover

Pollinator

Blondie · 2017

52 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant mix of new wave rhythms and pop melodies layered with punk energy and modern production touches.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Doom or Destiny Start here — The opening track sets the tone with a catchy chorus that encapsulates the album's themes of hope and uncertainty within a vibrant soundscape.
  • →
    Long Time — This track showcases a nostalgic reflection on time and memory, blending upbeat instrumentation with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply.
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    My Monster — With its darker undertones and engaging hooks, this song illustrates the inner struggles we face, making it a standout representation of the album's emotional depth.
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    Fun — This track embodies the playful spirit of the album with infectious energy and clever wordplay, reminding listeners of Blondie's knack for combining joy with introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Pollinator blends new wave and pop with modern production, showcasing Blondie's evolution while maintaining their signature style.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating an engaging dynamic between the lead vocals and backing parts.
  • The album incorporates modern production techniques, with electronic elements and polished arrangements that enhance the overall sound without overshadowing the songwriting.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • dynamic progression through listening
  • danceable tracks for celebration
  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • extended finale for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Blondie's continued vitality and relevance in modern music.
Themes
modern nostalgia· collaborative creativity
Moods
Uplifting· Chill
Career context
Released in 2017, Pollinator is Blondie's first album since Ghosts of Download in 2014, marking their return to a more collaborative songwriting approach. The album features contributions from contemporary artists like Dev Hynes and Johnny Marr, showcasing a blend of their classic sound with fresh influences at a time when the band was celebrating its legacy while seeking new relevance.

Tracklist

  • 1 Doom or Destiny Start here 2:54
  • 2 Long Time 4:35
  • 3 Already Naked 4:06
  • 4 Fun 4:19
  • 5 My Monster 3:29
  • 6 Best Day Ever 3:58
  • 7 Gravity 3:47
  • 8 When I Gave Up on You 4:02
  • 9 Love Level 4:19
  • 10 Too Much 3:08
  • 11 Fragments / Tonight 13:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata