React
55 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave melodies and thoughtful lyrics, driven by infectious rhythms and atmospheric synths.
Top tracks — play these first
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Saved by Zero — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics about existential uncertainty, highlighting both their musical and thematic strengths.
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One Thing Leads to Another — As one of the band's most recognized songs, it showcases their ability to blend engaging hooks with reflective storytelling, effectively representing the album's overall vibe.
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Stand or Fall — The song features a driving beat and passionate vocals, addressing themes of choice and confrontation that resonate throughout the album's narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a synth-driven track, 'Red Skies,' that establishes a consistent atmospheric sound throughout.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic hooks.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a danceable beat while others slow down for introspection.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of existentialism and societal issues, with tracks like 'Saved by Zero' presenting a narrative quality.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective reflections on life
- catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
- steady pacing for thoughtful engagement
- vibrant energy for nostalgic vibes
- cathartic release through polished sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike lyrical introspection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- React is The Fixx's fourth studio album, released in 1987 during a period when they were solidifying their presence in the new wave scene following their successful breakthrough with Reach the Beach in 1983. By this time, the band was exploring more sophisticated themes while maintaining their signature sound, as seen in tracks like 'Saved by Zero' and 'One Thing Leads to Another.'
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talk Talk· A Flock of Seagulls· Duran Duran
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Red Skies 4:34
- 2 Big Wall 4:14
- 3 Don't Be Scared 5:00
- 4 Rules and Schemes 3:42
- 5 Deeper and Deeper 4:21
- 6 Stand or Fall 4:17
- 7 Built for the Future 4:03
- 8 Saved by Zero 3:26
- 9 Are We Ourselves? 2:43
- 10 One Thing Leads to Another 4:10
- 11 Less Cities 4:12
- 12 Chase the Fire 5:29
- 13 Secret Separation 4:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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