Starfish cover

Starfish

The Church · 1988

46 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · new wave

Ethereal melodies and jangly guitars weave through introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Why this album works

'Starfish' reached number 1 on the Australian charts and helped The Church break into the U.S. market, particularly with its iconic single 'Under the Milky Way.' The album is often credited with influencing the sound of alternative rock in the late 1980s and early 1990s, garnering critical acclaim for its atmospheric production and lyrical depth.
Best for
long, immersive listening sessions atmospheric background focus steady, consistent energy levels
Context
Released in 1988, 'Starfish' was The Church's fifth studio album and marked their commercial peak in the United States. Following the success of their hit single 'Under the Milky Way,' the band gained significant international attention, solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Destination Standout 5:51
  • 2 Under the Milky Way Standout 4:57
  • 3 Blood Money Standout 4:23
  • 4 Lost 4:47
  • 5 North, South, East and West 4:59
  • 6 Spark 3:45
  • 7 Antenna 3:51
  • 8 Reptile 4:56
  • 9 A New Season 2:58
  • 10 Hotel Womb 5:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata