Top tracks — play these first
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Talk to Ya Later — The opening track establishes the album's catchy hooks and sardonic wit, epitomizing the band's theatrical style while engaging listeners right from the start.
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Matter of Pride — This song blends an infectious chorus with sharp commentary on self-identity and societal expectations, showcasing the band's knack for combining entertainment with thought-provoking themes.
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Sushi Girl — With its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo, this track exemplifies The Tubes' ability to weave humor into their music, offering a lighthearted contrast to some of the more serious themes present in the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends polished hard rock with theatrical elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature theatrical vocal delivery, often alternating between spoken word and singing, enhancing the satirical lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- consistent mid-tempo engagement
- theatrical storytelling elements
- playful irreverence throughout tracks
- sing-along energy with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative music
- want instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, The Completion Backward Principle marked a significant moment for The Tubes as their fifth studio album. Following the experimental sound of their previous releases, this album showcased a more polished production and mainstream appeal, reflecting their transition towards a broader audience after achieving cult status.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Zappa· David Bowie· The B-52's
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Matter of Pride
The verses shift between personal reflection and broader societal critique, directly addressing themes of individuality versus conformity.
This back-and-forth structure enhances the song's exploration of identity, contrasting personal experience with collective pressures.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Talk to Ya Later 4:43
- 2 Let’s Make Some Noise 3:26
- 3 Matter of Pride 3:14
- 4 Mr. Hate 3:53
- 5 Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman 4:31
- 6 Think About Me 3:18
- 7 Sushi Girl 3:31
- 8 Don’t Want to Wait Anymore 4:18
- 9 Power Tools 4:03
- 10 Amnesia 4:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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