What makes Ricochet Days by Modern English notable?

The album is notable for its critical reception, often lauded for its melodic sophistication and lyrical depth. It contributed to the band's continued presence in the post-punk landscape, even as they faced evolving musical trends during the mid-1980s. Released in January 1984, Ricochet Days marked Modern English's third studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'After the Snow'. At this point in their career, the band sought to solidify their place within the burgeoning new wave scene while navigating the challenges of maintaining commercial appeal after their initial hit singles.

How many songs are on Ricochet Days?

Ricochet Days has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Ricochet Days

Modern English · 1984

54 min · 12 tracks · new wave

Ethereal synths and jangly guitars intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape of the new wave era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rainbow's End — The opening track sets a haunting tone with a blend of airy synths and poignant vocals, effectively introducing the album's reflective themes.
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Machines — This track showcases a driving beat and lyrical commentary on technology's impact on human experience, encapsulating the band's post-punk ethos.
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Spinning Me Round — With its catchy hooks and upbeat tempo, this song exemplifies Modern English's ability to balance pop sensibility with deeper emotional undercurrents.
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Ricochet Days — The title track features an introspective narrative that encapsulates the album's exploration of fleeting moments and reflections on life.

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 combines introspective lyrics with layered synths, creating a reflective new wave sound that holds up well over time.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize layered synths that create an ethereal atmosphere, particularly in 'Rainbow's End' and 'Blue Waves'.
The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal experiences and emotions, enhancing the overall mood of the music.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Rainbow's End 3:07
2 Machines 5:49
3 Spinning Me Round 4:51
4 Ricochet Days 5:13
5 Hands Across The Sea 4:54
6 Blue Waves 4:00
7 Heart 6:58
8 Chapter 12 3:57
9 Chapter 12 (single mix) 4:37
10 Ringing In The Change 4:09
11 Reflection 4:19
12 Breaking Away (demo) 2:52

What to play next

Listen next

Stop Start

1986

Go back to

After the Snow

1982

Full Modern English discography Artists like Modern English

new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata