What makes Reveal by Fischer-Z notable?

'Reveal' gained attention for its introspective lyrics and catchy hooks, which resonated well in the European charts, particularly in Germany. The album's themes of disillusionment with capitalism and modern life highlighted the band's continued relevance during a politically charged era. By the time 'Reveal' was released in 1987, Fischer-Z was navigating a transitional phase after their earlier successes with albums like 'Word Salad' in 1980. This fifth studio album marked a shift as the band sought to redefine their sound amid changing musical landscapes in the UK.

Reveal works well if you're into sharp rhythms with lyrical depth, reflective moments of societal critique and engaging narratives for thoughtful listening.

How many songs are on Reveal?

Reveal has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Reveal

Fischer-Z · 1987

45 min · 11 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of post-punk energy and new wave melodies, underscored by sharp social commentary.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Perfect Day — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious chorus and commentary on societal norms, making it a standout anthem of the era.
→
Leave It to the Businessmen to Die Young — With its biting critique of corporate culture, this track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of disillusionment while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
→
Fighting Back the Tears — This emotional ballad showcases the band's ability to blend poignant lyrics with melodic instrumentation, highlighting personal struggles within a broader societal context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends post-punk energy with new wave melodies, showcasing strong lyrical themes and varied tempos.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a brisk tempo with driving rhythms, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and social commentary, particularly in tracks like 'Leave It to the Businessmen to Die Young' and 'Fighting Back the Tears'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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

sharp rhythms with lyrical depth
reflective moments of societal critique
engaging narratives for thoughtful listening
dynamic pacing throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer purely upbeat anthems

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Reveal' was released in 1987, Fischer-Z was navigating a transitional phase after their earlier successes with albums like 'Word Salad' in 1980. This fifth studio album marked a shift as the band sought to redefine their sound amid changing musical landscapes in the UK.
Stylistic neighbors: Talking Heads· The B-52's· XTC