Short Back 'n' Sides
Ian Hunter · 1981
105 min · 23 tracks · rock music
A vibrant rock album blending sharp lyrics with exuberant melodies, wrapped in a distinctly British sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Central Park n’ West — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melody and clever commentary on urban life, showcasing Hunter's knack for storytelling.
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Gun Control — The song addresses pressing social issues with pointed lyrics and an infectious hook, demonstrating Hunter's willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on.
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Old Records Never Die — A nostalgic anthem that resonates with music lovers, this track encapsulates the enduring power of music and memory, highlighting Hunter's reflective songwriting.
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I Need Your Love — This track combines heartfelt lyrics with an engaging melody, illustrating Hunter's ability to blend personal emotion with universal themes.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- laid-back yet engaging storytelling
- anecdotal themes for casual listening
- varied tempos for diverse moods
- sing-along choruses with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Short Back 'n' Sides marks Ian Hunter's fourth solo studio album after his tenure with Mott the Hoople. By this point, Hunter was shifting towards a more polished sound while still retaining his signature rock edge, indicating an era of artistic exploration as he continued to establish his solo identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mott the Hoople· David Bowie· Rod Stewart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Central Park n’ West 4:00
- 2 Lisa Likes Rock & Roll 3:56
- 3 I Need Your Love 3:34
- 4 Old Records Never Die 4:18
- 5 Noises 5:51
- 6 Rain 5:54
- 7 Gun Control 3:12
- 8 Theatre of the Absurd 5:49
- 9 Leave Me Alone 3:29
- 10 Keep On Burning 4:46
Disc 2
- 1 Detroit (rough mix – instrumental) 3:42
- 2 Na Na Na 4:13
- 3 I Need Your Love (rough mix) 3:46
- 4 Rain (alternative mix) 5:50
- 5 I Believe in You 4:15
- 6 Listen to the Eight Track 6:08
- 7 You Stepped Into My Dreams 4:41
- 8 Venus in the Bathtub 4:29
- 9 Theatre of the Absurd 6:08
- 10 Detroit (out take 5 – vocal) 4:00
- 11 Na Na Na (extended mix) 4:29
- 12 China (Ronson vocal) 4:36
- 13 Old Records Never Die (version 1) 4:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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