Released 42 years ago this October
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions · 1984
48 min · 14 tracks · rock music
A blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing a wistful yet sharp perspective on love and urban life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Perfect Skin — Opening with a catchy guitar riff, this track exemplifies the album's blend of sharp lyrics and pop sensibility, addressing themes of attraction with wit and honesty.
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Rattlesnakes — The title track encapsulates the band's sound with its melancholic melody and vivid storytelling about emotional vulnerability, showcasing Cole's distinctive lyrical style.
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Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken? — This song combines infectious hooks with bittersweet lyrics, reflecting on romantic uncertainty while embodying the album's exploration of relationships in an urban setting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting with a distinct sound that balances upbeat and introspective moments.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature jangly guitars and upbeat tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic vocals, creating a conversational tone.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and literary references, enhancing the introspective quality of the songwriting.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo urban reflections
- introspective lyrics for quiet moments
- melodic backdrop for thoughtful conversations
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1984, Rattlesnakes was Lloyd Cole and the Commotions' debut album, marking their emergence onto the UK music scene. The band quickly gained attention for their literate songwriting and catchy melodies, establishing a distinct sound that blended pop and rock influences. This album set the stage for their subsequent success, including performances at major festivals and radio play.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Smiths· Aztec Camera· Prefab Sprout
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Charlotte Street
The narrative shifts from nostalgic reflection to a pointed observation about fleeting connections in city life.
This transition highlights the contrast between yearning for intimacy and acknowledging its impermanence, emphasizing the emotional depth present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Perfect Skin 3:19
- 2 Speedboat 4:41
- 3 Rattlesnakes 3:31
- 4 Down on Mission Street 3:48
- 5 Forest Fire (extended version) 5:14
- 6 Charlotte Street 3:52
- 7 2CV 2:54
- 8 Four Flights Up 2:38
- 9 Patience 3:38
- 10 Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken? 3:07
- 11 Sweetness 2:54
- 12 Andy’s Babies 2:56
- 13 The Sea and the Sand 3:06
- 14 You Will Never Be No Good 2:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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