What makes Sweet Revenge by David Johansen notable?

Sweet Revenge showcased Johansen's ability to blend different genres, which helped him carve out a unique niche in the 1980s rock scene. The album received positive reviews and demonstrated significant commercial viability, peaking on Billboard’s charts and contributing to the revitalization of interest in glam rock. Released in 1984, Sweet Revenge was David Johansen's third solo album after his time with the New York Dolls. Following the band's breakup, this album marked Johansen's evolution into a more polished rock sound while maintaining his punk roots. It came during a phase where he was exploring diverse musical styles and establishing his identity as a solo artist.

How many songs are on Sweet Revenge?

Sweet Revenge has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Sweet Revenge

David Johansen · 1984

36 min · 9 tracks · blues

An eclectic mix of rock, blues, and swing that channels a vibrant New York City nightlife energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heard the News — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and clever lyrics that address themes of urban life and disillusionment.
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King of Babylon — A standout for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track highlights Johansen's ability to meld emotional depth with catchy hooks.
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N.Y. Doll — This song is a poignant reflection on Johansen’s past with the New York Dolls, blending nostalgia with an upbeat tempo that captures the spirit of Manhattan.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres effectively but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy rock track that sets a lively tone, followed by a swing-influenced piece that shifts the energy.
Several tracks feature prominent brass arrangements, adding a layer of complexity and texture to the sound.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Heard the News 4:22
2 Big Trouble 3:53
3 I Ain’t Workin’ Anymore 3:32
4 King of Babylon 4:07
5 Sweet Revenge 4:43
6 Too Many Midnights 4:49
7 In My Own Time 3:28
8 The Stinkin’ Rich 3:53
9 N.Y. Doll 4:03

What to play next

Listen next

Buster Poindexter

1987

Go back to

Live It Up

1982

Full David Johansen discography Artists like David Johansen

blues hard rock swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata