What makes Secondhand Daylight by Magazine notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, helping to establish Magazine as a significant player in the burgeoning post-punk movement. Its notable track 'Permafrost' is often cited as a precursor to later developments in alternative music, influencing bands that emerged in the 1980s and beyond. Released in January 1979, Secondhand Daylight is Magazine's second studio album, following their influential debut Real Life. At this stage, the band was solidifying their identity within the post-punk scene, combining a punk rock ethos with artful pop sensibilities that would define their sound.

How many songs are on Secondhand Daylight?

Secondhand Daylight has 9 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Secondhand Daylight

Magazine · 1979

42 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of punk energy and new wave experimentation, pulsing with intricate rhythms and sharp lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Permafrost — This track showcases Magazine's ability to blend angular guitar riffs with introspective lyrics, epitomizing the album's exploration of emotional desolation.
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Back to Nature — With its driving beat and evocative imagery, this track reflects the band's commentary on societal norms and personal freedom, making it a standout moment.
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Rhythm of Cruelty — This song stands out for its stark contrasts and urgent delivery, illustrating the tension between aggression and melody that defines much of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with experimental structures, showcasing strong writing and production.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and angular guitar lines, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks, including 'Back to Nature', utilize spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a distinct vocal texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Wanted Your Heart

The bridge shifts from an outward expression of desire to a stark admission of vulnerability, revealing deeper emotional conflicts.

This transition highlights the complexity of longing without falling into cliché, emphasizing both yearning and self-awareness.

Tracklist

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

1 Feed the Enemy 5:46
2 Rhythm of Cruelty 3:05
3 Cut‐Out Shapes 4:45
4 Talk to the Body 3:36
5 I Wanted Your Heart 5:05
6 The Thin Air 4:08
7 Back to Nature 6:44
8 Believe That I Understand 4:03
9 Permafrost 5:31

What to play next

Listen next

The Correct Use of Soap

1980

Go back to

Real Life

1978

Full Magazine discography Artists like Magazine

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata