The Fall and Rise of Hugh Cornwell
Hugh Cornwell · 2015
53 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of new wave and rock, infused with witty storytelling and a touch of melancholy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beat of My Heart — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and clever lyrics that explore the theme of love's unpredictability, embodying the album's spirit.
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Hot Cat on a Tin Roof — Utilizing vivid imagery and playful language, this song captures Cornwell's knack for storytelling while maintaining a catchy melody.
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Long Dead Train — This track showcases emotional depth through its reflective lyrics and haunting melody, marking a poignant moment in the album.
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Please Don’t Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge — With its humorous take on mundane experiences, this song exemplifies Cornwell's ability to blend wit with relatable themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and a blend of styles, though it may not have widespread recognition.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower tempos.
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar riffs that are layered with synthesizers, creating a rich texture characteristic of new wave.
- 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
- witty storytelling with charm
- melancholic reflections on life
- engaging narratives for road trips
- steady pacing for thoughtful listening
- vibrant tunes for afternoon chill
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer purely upbeat vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Hugh Cornwell released The Fall and Rise of Hugh Cornwell in 2015, he was well-established as a solo artist after his tenure with The Stranglers. This album came nearly a decade after his previous studio album, showcasing a matured sound that reflects his artistic evolution. It marks a significant point in his career as he revisits themes of personal experiences and observations from his long-standing music journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stranglers· Elvis Costello· Joe Jackson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Break of Dawn
The bridge introduces a shift in perspective where the singer contemplates renewal at a new day’s light.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Leave Me Alone 3:29
- 2 Beat of My Heart 3:40
- 3 Hot Cat on a Tin Roof 4:10
- 4 Break of Dawn 4:28
- 5 Under Her Spell 3:14
- 6 First Bus to Babylon 3:59
- 7 Please Don’t Put Me on a Slow Boat to Trowbridge 3:15
- 8 Lay Back on Me Pal 3:37
- 9 One Burning Desire 4:42
- 10 Cadiz 4:13
- 11 Long Dead Train 5:10
- 12 Getting Involved 5:22
- 13 Live It and Breathe It 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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