Riptide
Robert Palmer · 1985
35 min · 9 tracks · rock music
A vibrant fusion of rock, pop, and funk, infused with catchy hooks and infectious energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Riptide Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Addicted to Love — This track became Palmer's signature song, characterized by its iconic guitar riff and captivating music video featuring model-like backing musicians. It perfectly encapsulates the album's blend of rock and pop while highlighting Palmer's charismatic vocal delivery.
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Hyperactive — Fast-paced and energetic, this song combines funky bass lines with synth-driven melodies, exemplifying the lively spirit of the album and showcasing Palmer's versatility as an artist.
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Discipline of Love (Why Did You Do It) — With its introspective lyrics and compelling arrangement, this track offers a deeper look into personal relationships while maintaining a danceable groove that marks much of Riptide.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Riptide showcases strong hooks and energetic performances but lacks deep cohesion across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with the title track, which features a steady groove and layered instrumentation that sets a vibrant tone.
- The sequencing includes a reprise of the title track at the end, creating a cyclical feel to the album's structure.
- 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
- catchy hooks and melodies
- short, engaging listening experience
- upbeat and lively vibes
- dynamic emotional shifts
- varied song lengths
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Palmer's status as a major pop star with hit singles.
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Riptide was Robert Palmer's seventh studio album, following the commercial success of his breakthrough record, Addicted to Love. By this point, Palmer had established himself as a prominent figure in the music scene, blending different genres and styles that would define his career. The album continued his trend of creating hits that combined rock sensibilities with danceable rhythms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Duran Duran· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Riptide Start here 2:27
- 2 Hyperactive 5:10
- 3 Addicted to Love 6:03
- 4 Trick Bag 3:03
- 5 Get It Through Your Heart 2:51
- 6 I Didn't Mean to Turn You On 3:44
- 7 Flesh Wound 3:45
- 8 Discipline of Love (Why Did You Do It) 6:08
- 9 Riptide (Reprise) 2:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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