Top tracks — play these first
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Motor City Connection — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and driving rhythm, exemplifying Dragon's knack for creating engaging hooks.
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Counting Sheep — The song showcases a blend of catchy choruses and thoughtful lyrics, highlighting Dragon's ability to weave storytelling into their pop rock sound.
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Crying Shame — With its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery, this track stands out as a reflective moment on the album, balancing the upbeat energy with depth.
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Time of the Year — 'Time of the Year' highlights Dragon's melodic strength and features a memorable chorus that resonates with listeners, solidifying its place in their live performances.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout depth or cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent upbeat tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that contrasts with the preceding energy.
- Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, creating a dynamic interaction between the lead singer and backing vocals.
- The album's closing track features an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 energy for road trips
- lyrical storytelling for reflection
- upbeat tunes for social gatherings
- short tracks for quick listens
- nostalgic vibes of late seventies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- seek heavy emotional intensity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1979, Power Play was Dragon's fourth studio album, following their successful 1977 album, Unicorn. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in Australia’s music scene, transitioning from local fame to broader recognition with a more polished production style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Electric Light Orchestra· 10cc· Supertramp
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Crying Shame
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader societal observations within the verses.
This transition enhances the emotional weight of the song by connecting individual feelings to larger themes of disillusionment.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Motor City Connection 3:50
- 2 Counting Sheep 3:30
- 3 Crying Shame 3:12
- 4 Bus Stop 2:32
- 5 Time of the Year 4:09
- 6 Gans En Farben 3:09
- 7 Crooked Highway 4:31
- 8 For Free 4:19
- 9 3:33 3:00
- 10 Same Old Lies 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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