What makes Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev by Suicide notable?

This album is notable for influencing the post-punk and electronic music scenes, paving the way for later artists like The Stooges and Joy Division. It received positive critical reception for its innovative sound, though it also faced some controversy due to its abrasive style and provocative themes. By 1980, Suicide was at the forefront of the burgeoning no wave movement, having gained critical attention with their self-titled debut in 1970. This album, 'Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev', marks a significant return for the duo, showcasing their evolution into more structured compositions while maintaining their raw, experimental edge.

How many songs are on Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev?

Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev has 27 tracks, running approximately 102 minutes.

Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin Rev

Suicide · 1980

102 min · 27 tracks · electronic music

A chaotic blend of industrial noise and minimalist melodies that challenge conventional song structures and evoke unsettling emotions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dream Baby Dream — This track stands out as an anthem of longing with its hypnotic repetition and ethereal quality, encapsulating the essence of Vega and Rev's artistic vision.
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Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne — Opening with stark contrasts between lush imagery and the gritty undertones of urban life, this track exemplifies Suicide's ability to fuse elegance with rawness.
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Harlem — The extended length allows for a deep dive into layered soundscapes that reflect the duo's unique blend of tension and release, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative sound and structure mark it as a significant entry in the no wave movement.

What we noticed

Tracks often blend spoken word elements with sparse instrumentation, challenging traditional song structures.
Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs that evolve gradually, inviting listeners to engage with the music over time.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.