Sold cover

Sold

Boy George · 1987

43 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of dance-pop and soul that pulses with infectious energy and heartfelt emotion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sold Start here — The title track encapsulates Boy George's signature style, fusing dance rhythms with introspective lyrics about personal struggles and resilience.
  • →
    Everything I Own — This poignant cover highlights George’s emotive vocal delivery and has become one of his most recognized songs, showcasing his talent for transforming classic material.
  • →
    Freedom — With its empowering message and upbeat tempo, this track illustrates George's commitment to individuality and self-expression, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of energetic dance-pop and emotional ballads, with varied pacing and strong hooks.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent synthesizers, establishing a danceable energy that persists through the early part of the album.
  • The fourth track, 'Everything I Own,' shifts to a slower tempo and introduces a more emotional vocal delivery, contrasting with the preceding songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered backing vocals that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses.
  • The album closes with 'To Be Reborn,' which features a gradual build-up in instrumentation before tapering off, creating a sense of resolution.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • emotional vocal storytelling
  • reflective late-night listening
  • warm, nostalgic vibes
  • steady rhythmic flow
  • dynamic melodic exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Boy George's solo career post-Culture Club, achieving commercial success.
Career context
Released in 1987, 'Sold' was Boy George's first solo album after the disbandment of Culture Club. Following the band's massive success in the early 1980s, this album marked a pivotal transition as he sought to establish his identity as a solo artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Culture Club· David Bowie· Soft Cell

Tracklist

  • 1 Sold Start here 3:54
  • 2 I Asked for Love 4:43
  • 3 Keep Me in Mind 4:05
  • 4 Everything I Own 3:53
  • 5 Freedom 3:49
  • 6 Just Ain't Enough 4:18
  • 7 Where Are You Now (When I Need You?) 4:16
  • 8 Little Ghost 3:13
  • 9 Next Time 3:28
  • 10 We've Got the Right 3:46
  • 11 To Be Reborn 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata