The Stars We Are
Marc Almond · 1988
62 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A lush tapestry of synths and orchestration intertwines with Almond's theatrical vocal delivery, offering both melancholy and romance.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Stars We Are Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, merging grandiose instrumentation with a reflective narrative about love and aspiration.
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Tears Run Rings — A standout for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this song illustrates Almond's skill in crafting emotionally resonant ballads that linger long after listening.
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Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart — This duet features a captivating interplay between Almond and Gene Pitney, showcasing an unforgettable blend of pop sensibility with dramatic lyricism.
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 lush production, making it a notable entry in the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered synths and strings, establishing a lush soundscape that persists throughout.
- Each song typically features Almond's vocals prominently, often accompanied by dramatic orchestration that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate contrasting dynamics, such as 'Tears Run Rings', which shifts from soft verses to a powerful chorus, creating tension and release.
- 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
- wave-like emotional dynamics
- dramatic peaks and valleys
- late-night introspective moments
- poignant storytelling through sound
- sweeping orchestral arrangements
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Almond's solo career post-Soft Cell with significant acclaim.
- Themes
- theatrical romance· 1980s yearning· personal transformation
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1988, The Stars We Are marked Marc Almond's transition into a solo artist after his successful tenure with Soft Cell. This album followed his previous work, the critically acclaimed 'The Stars We Are' EP, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the new wave and dark cabaret scenes. Almond was exploring more personal themes and expanding his musical palette beyond mainstream pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 The Stars We Are Start here 3:44
- 2 These My Dreams Are Yours 5:28
- 3 Bitter Sweet 3:20
- 4 Only the Moment 4:41
- 5 Your Kisses Burn 4:43
- 6 The Very Last Pearl 4:45
- 7 Tears Run Rings 4:21
- 8 Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart 4:39
- 9 The Sensualist 5:28
- 10 She Took My Soul in Istanbul 6:21
- 11 The Frost Comes Tomorrow 4:18
- 12 Kept Boy 6:13
- 13 Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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