What makes The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan notable?

'The Pleasure Principle' features the hit single 'Cars,' which reached number one in several countries and became a defining track of the synth-pop movement. The album received critical acclaim for its groundbreaking production and is often credited with influencing future generations of electronic musicians, cementing Numan's legacy in music history. Released on September 7, 1979, 'The Pleasure Principle' was Gary Numan's third studio album and marked his transition into a more commercial sound following the success of his debut album, 'Tubeway Army'. This album solidified Numan's status as a leading figure in the emerging synth-pop genre during the late 1970s, showcasing his innovative use of synthesizers and distinctive vocal style.

Who is The Pleasure Principle for?

The Pleasure Principle works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, hypnotic rhythmic exploration and thoughtful late-night reflections.

How many songs are on The Pleasure Principle?

The Pleasure Principle has 17 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

The Pleasure Principle

Gary Numan · 1979

69 min · 17 tracks · electronic · new wave · synth-pop

A pioneering blend of mechanized synths and hypnotic rhythms that defined the early electronic soundscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
hypnotic rhythmic exploration
thoughtful late-night reflections
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 7, 1979, 'The Pleasure Principle' was Gary Numan's third studio album and marked his transition into a more commercial sound following the success of his debut album, 'Tubeway Army'. This album solidified Numan's status as a leading figure in the emerging synth-pop genre during the late 1970s, showcasing his innovative use of synthesizers and distinctive vocal style.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Kraftwerk· The Human League

Tracklist

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

1 Airlane 3:18
2 Metal 3:32
3 Complex 3:12
4 Films 4:09
5 M.E. 5:37
6 Tracks 2:51
7 Observer 2:53
8 Conversation 7:36
9 Cars 3:58
10 Engineers 4:01
11 Random 3:49
12 Oceans 3:03
13 Asylum 2:31
14 Me! I Disconnect From You (live) 3:06
15 Bombers (live) 5:46
16 Remember I Was Vapour (live) 4:46
17 On Broadway (live) 4:46

What to play next

Listen next

Telekon

1980

Go back to

Tubeway Army

1978

Full Gary Numan discography Artists like Gary Numan

new wave synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata