The Raven
The Stranglers · 1979
44 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A darkly atmospheric blend of punk energy and eclectic instrumentation creating a hauntingly compelling soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Raven Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of existential dread and isolation through its haunting melody and intricate arrangements, making it a standout piece.
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Nuclear Device — This track combines biting social commentary with an infectious rhythm, reflecting the political anxieties of the late '70s while showcasing the band's unique sound.
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Duchess — A poignant exploration of loss and longing, Duchess features a memorable chorus that highlights the band's ability to weave emotional narratives into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The Raven combines experimental structures and eclectic instrumentation, making it a standout in the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, with abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics that challenge traditional verse-chorus forms.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and brass, adds layers to the sound, creating a rich auditory texture.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- darkly atmospheric listening experience
- dynamic progression with peaks
- intriguing storytelling through sound
- cathartic release in waves
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The Raven is regarded as one of their most ambitious works, showcasing artistic growth.
- Career context
- Released in January 1979, The Raven marked The Stranglers' fourth studio album, following their commercially successful offering, Black and White. At this point in their career, the band was embracing a more experimental sound, moving away from straightforward punk rock towards a more complex musical palette that incorporated elements of new wave and art rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cure· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Gang of Four
Tracklist
- 1 Longships 1:10
- 2 The Raven Start here 5:13
- 3 Dead Loss Angeles 2:24
- 4 Ice 3:26
- 5 Baroque Bordello 3:50
- 6 Nuclear Device 3:32
- 7 Shah Shah a Go Go 4:50
- 8 Don’t Bring Harry 4:09
- 9 Duchess 2:30
- 10 Meninblack 4:48
- 11 Genetix 5:16
- 12 Bear Cage 2:50
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Juju
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Shares a dark atmosphere and experimental edge, blending post-punk with haunting melodies.
What's THIS For...!
Killing Joke
Explores political themes with a similar intensity and eclectic instrumentation, creating a menacing soundscape.
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Combines moody atmospheres and introspective lyrics, leaning into new wave's darker emotional registers.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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