The Raven cover

The Raven

The Stranglers · 1979

44 min · 12 tracks · new wave · punk

A darkly atmospheric blend of punk energy and new wave experimentation, rich with haunting melodies.

Why this album works

'The Raven' reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing The Stranglers' commercial appeal. It is notable for its innovative sound that influenced many post-punk bands and for its exploration of darker lyrical themes, setting it apart from contemporaries.
Best for
darkly atmospheric listening experience dynamic progression with peaks intriguing storytelling through sound
Context
Released in January 1979, 'The Raven' was The Stranglers' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Rattus Norvegicus'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as pioneers within the punk and new wave scenes, exploring more complex themes and sounds that diverged from their earlier work.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Longships 1:10
  • 2 The Raven Standout 5:13
  • 3 Dead Loss Angeles 2:24
  • 4 Ice 3:26
  • 5 Baroque Bordello 3:50
  • 6 Nuclear Device Standout 3:32
  • 7 Shah Shah a Go Go 4:50
  • 8 Don’t Bring Harry 4:09
  • 9 Duchess Standout 2:30
  • 10 Meninblack 4:48
  • 11 Genetix 5:16
  • 12 Bear Cage 2:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata