What makes The Romantics by The Romantics notable?

This album features the hit single What I Like About You, which became an enduring anthem for the band and has been covered by various artists over the years. The Romantics received positive critical reception upon release and solidified their place in the power pop genre during the early '80s. The Romantics marked The Romantics' self-titled debut album, released in 1980 after their formation in 1977. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves within the burgeoning new wave scene, following a series of local performances and a growing fanbase.

How many songs are on The Romantics?

The Romantics has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The Romantics

The Romantics · 1980

37 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of power pop and new wave, filled with infectious hooks and catchy melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What I Like About You — This track is emblematic of the band's sound, showcasing infectious energy with its catchy refrain that helped it become their signature song.
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Tell It to Carrie — Featuring a driving beat and relatable lyrics, this track highlights the band's knack for storytelling while maintaining a lively tempo.
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Keep in Touch — With its infectious melody and upbeat rhythm, this song captures the essence of youthful romance and longing that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The Romantics delivers energetic hooks and catchy melodies typical of its era but lacks strong cohesion in sequencing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy guitar riff in 'When I Look in Your Eyes' that sets a high-energy tone for the first half.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a noticeable shift in energy and mood towards the end of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 When I Look in Your Eyes 3:02
2 Tell It to Carrie 3:24
3 First in Line 2:38
4 Keep in Touch 3:42
5 Girl Next Door 4:43
6 What I Like About You 2:56
7 She's Got Everything 2:36
8 Till I See You Again 3:49
9 Hung on You 3:26
10 Little White Lies 2:40
11 Gimme One More Chance 4:25

What to play next

Listen next

Strictly Personal

1981

Go back to

National Breakout

1980

Full The Romantics discography Artists like The Romantics

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata