Red Tape cover

Released 50 years ago

Red Tape

Atlanta Rhythm Section · 1976

31 min · 8 tracks · Southern rock

A blend of Southern rock grooves and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's signature melodic craftsmanship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Police! Police! — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and social commentary, reflecting the band's ability to merge engaging melodies with relevant lyrical themes.
  • →
    Another Man's Woman — At nearly ten minutes long, this epic showcases the band's musicianship and storytelling prowess, providing a deep emotional narrative that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Beautiful Dreamer — With a softer approach, this song highlights the band's versatility and skill in crafting heartfelt ballads amidst their rock-driven repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track, 'Police! Police!', introduces a more urgent rhythm and lyrical intensity.
  • Several tracks feature layered harmonies and guitar solos that build on the melodic themes introduced in the verses.
  • The album closes with 'Another Man's Woman', which shifts to a slower tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with earlier tracks.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove enjoyment
  • sing-along moments with friends
  • short bursts of reflective emotion
  • afternoon road trip soundtrack

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1976, Red Tape was the Atlanta Rhythm Section's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their previous release, Dog Days. This album marked a continued evolution in their sound as they sought to refine their blend of rock, pop, and country influences.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Jukin 3:43
  • 2 Mixed Emotions 3:20
  • 3 Shanghied 2:14
  • 4 Police! Police! 3:11
  • 5 Beautiful Dreamer 3:26
  • 6 Oh What A Feeling 2:39
  • 7 Free Spirit 3:35
  • 8 Another Man's Woman 9:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata