Top tracks — play these first
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Post Post-Modern Man — This track stands out as a sharp critique of cultural disillusionment, encapsulating Devo's signature blend of humor and social commentary.
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Stuck in a Loop — The repetitive structure mirrors the song's theme of monotony in modern life, effectively using Devo's trademark mechanical rhythms.
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Devo Has Feelings Too — This track cleverly subverts expectations by expressing vulnerability through irony, challenging notions of masculinity and emotional expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's quirky sound and offbeat lyrics reflect Devo's unique style but may not resonate deeply over time.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent tempo with tracks that maintain a synth-driven sound, while the second half introduces more experimental elements and varied pacing.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected key changes, which challenge traditional pop formats.
- The lyrics often blend humor with social commentary, using irony and absurdity to critique modern life, particularly evident in tracks like 'Post Post-Modern Man.'
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- quirky rhythms for curious minds
- satirical undertones for playful listeners
- wave-like pacing for dynamic engagement
- short tracks for quick bursts
- experimental soundscapes for adventurous ears
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Smooth Noodle Maps was Devo's sixth studio album, coming after their 1988 album Total Devo. By this time, Devo had transitioned from their early punk roots into a more eclectic sound, reflecting the band's ongoing experimentation with technology and identity amidst changing musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talking Heads· Wire· The B-52's
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Stuck in a Loop 3:50
- 2 Post Post-Modern Man 2:54
- 3 When We Do It 2:56
- 4 Spin the Wheel 3:45
- 5 Morning Dew 3:01
- 6 A Change Is Gonna Cum 3:08
- 7 The Big Picture 2:43
- 8 Pink Jazz Trancers 3:12
- 9 Jimmy 2:50
- 10 Devo Has Feelings Too 2:41
- 11 Dawghaus 3:22
- 12 Post Post-Modern Man (Macro Post Modern mix) 3:21
- 13 Post Post-Modern Man (Neo Post Modern mix) 6:43
- 14 Post Post-Modern Man (Ultra Post Modern dub) 6:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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