Top tracks — play these first
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Temperamental Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's blend of emotional depth and energetic instrumentation, showcasing Amphlett's dynamic vocal range alongside infectious melodies.
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Back To The Wall — With its driving beat and introspective lyrics, this track highlights the band's ability to combine personal struggles with catchy hooks, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Hey Little Boy — This song features provocative lyrics that challenge societal norms about masculinity, representing the band's knack for tackling controversial themes through engaging pop-rock sounds.
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Dirty Love — 'Dirty Love' blends sultry lyrics with a raw sound, illustrating Divinyls' signature style while solidifying their reputation for boldness in both sound and content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends new wave energy with rock elements, showcasing strong lyrical content and varied vocal styles.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a driving beat and layered synths, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Dance Of Love', which transitions from a slow groove to an upbeat chorus.
- The lyrics often employ sharp wit and social commentary, with vocal delivery that varies from sultry to aggressive, particularly in 'I Touch Myself'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo flow
- sultry atmospheric vibes
- engaging lyrical themes
- consistent listening experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a significant commercial success and wider recognition for the band.
- Themes
- Australian rock grit· societal norms challenge· personal struggles· emotional depth
- Career context
- By 1988, Divinyls were solidifying their place in the Australian music scene with 'Temperamental', their third studio album. This release followed their successful self-titled album and featured a more mature sound, reflecting both personal growth and artistic exploration. The band was transitioning from the underground success of their earlier work to broader recognition on international stages.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pretenders· Lene Lovich· Siouxsie and the Banshees
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hey Little Boy
The narrator addresses a younger male figure directly, questioning societal expectations placed upon him.
This direct address serves to dismantle assumptions about gender roles, marking a pivotal shift in tone that contrasts sharply with the album's more conventional pop elements.
Tracklist
- 1 Temperamental Start here 4:29
- 2 Back To The Wall 4:42
- 3 Hey Little Boy 3:01
- 4 Punxsie 4:15
- 5 Dance Of Love 4:06
- 6 Better Days 4:02
- 7 Dirty Love 4:37
- 8 Because 4:06
- 9 Fighting 3:45
- 10 Run-Away Train 4:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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