What makes Positive Touch by The Undertones notable?

Positive Touch is notable for its shift towards a slightly more polished production style while maintaining the band’s signature punk energy. It received positive reviews and helped keep The Undertones relevant in the post-punk landscape of the early '80s, though it did not achieve the same commercial success as their earlier work. Released in January 1981, Positive Touch was The Undertones' third studio album, following their acclaimed second album, Hypnotised. By this point, the band had solidified their sound while beginning to explore more diverse lyrical themes beyond teenage angst.

Who is Positive Touch for?

Positive Touch works well if you're into youthful exuberance and vibrancy, short bursts of energy and sing-along participation with friends.

How many songs are on Positive Touch?

Positive Touch has 18 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Positive Touch

The Undertones · 1981

48 min · 18 tracks · punk rock

Catchy melodies collide with raw punk energy, capturing youthful exuberance and existential musings in tight, punchy tracks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Julie Ocean — This track encapsulates the band's knack for infectious hooks and youthful storytelling, showcasing their ability to blend memorable melodies with punk sensibilities.
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Crisis of Mine — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, this song highlights the band's evolution as they tackle personal themes alongside their characteristic upbeat sound.
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The Positive Touch — The title track exemplifies the album's exploration of optimism amidst uncertainty, featuring catchy choruses that resonate with listeners seeking both joy and meaning.
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When Saturday Comes — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and relatable themes about mundane life, reflecting a more mature approach to songwriting while retaining high-energy instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

youthful exuberance and vibrancy
short bursts of energy
sing-along participation with friends
playful irreverence throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
avoid upbeat, energetic vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1981, Positive Touch was The Undertones' third studio album, following their acclaimed second album, Hypnotised. By this point, the band had solidified their sound while beginning to explore more diverse lyrical themes beyond teenage angst.
Stylistic neighbors: Buzzcocks· The Clash· The Dickies

New to The Undertones? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

1 Fascination 2:22
2 Julie Ocean 1:46
3 Life’s Too Easy 2:31
4 Crisis of Mine 2:26
5 You’re Welcome 2:47
6 His Good Looking Girlfriend 3:08
7 The Positive Touch 2:21
8 When Saturday Comes 2:56
9 It’s Going to Happen! 3:39
10 Sigh and Explode 2:45
11 I Don’t Know 2:45
12 Hannah Doot 2:50
13 Boy Wonder 2:08
14 Forever Paradise 3:10
15 Kiss in the Dark 2:32
16 Beautiful Friend 3:24
17 Life’s Too Easy 2:40
18 Fairly in the Money Now 2:33

What to play next

Listen next

The Sin of Pride

1983

Go back to

Hypnotised

1980

Full The Undertones discography Where to start with The Undertones Artists like The Undertones

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata