Strange Animal
Lawrence Gowan · 1985
42 min · 9 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant fusion of synth-heavy rock and introspective lyrics, defining the sound of mid-80s Canadian music.
Top tracks — play these first
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(You’re a) Strange Animal — The title track showcases Gowan's unique vocal style and lyrical complexity, encapsulating the album's themes of identity and self-exploration through an engaging melody.
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A Criminal Mind — This track features a compelling narrative about moral ambiguity, highlighted by Gowan's theatrical vocal delivery and intricate keyboard arrangements that elevate its storytelling.
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City of the Angels — With its driving beat and vivid imagery, this song paints a picture of Los Angeles as both alluring and perilous, reflecting Gowan's knack for evocative lyricism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends synth-heavy rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship and distinctiveness for its time.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a synth-driven track that sets a vibrant tone, followed by a series of songs that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent keyboard solos, creating a rich texture throughout the record.
- The title track shifts to a more introspective lyrical theme, contrasting with the upbeat energy of the preceding songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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(You’re a) Strange Animal
The chorus shifts from introspective musings to an empowering declaration of individuality, marking a pivotal emotional peak in the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cosmetics 4:38
- 2 Desperate 4:25
- 3 City of the Angels 4:04
- 4 Walking on Air 4:54
- 5 Burning Torches of Hope 3:56
- 6 Keep the Tension On 3:44
- 7 Guerilla Soldier 4:35
- 8 (You’re a) Strange Animal 4:42
- 9 A Criminal Mind 7:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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