What makes This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get by Public Image Ltd. notable?

This album includes the hit single 'This Is Not a Love Song,' which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Lydon's status as a provocative artist in post-punk. Its critical reception was mixed but significant for its bold experimentation, influencing countless alternative acts that followed. Released in 1984, 'This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get' marked Public Image Ltd.'s fourth studio album, coming after their commercial peak with 'Second Edition' in 1986. The album showcased a shift towards a more aggressive sound, a response to both the music industry's expectations and the band's tumultuous history, including John Lydon's evolving identity post-Sex Pistols.

Who is This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get for?

This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get works well if you're into turbulent emotional landscapes, thought-provoking lyrical themes and immersive listening experiences.

How many songs are on This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get?

This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get

Public Image Ltd. · 1984

36 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk

A turbulent blend of post-punk experimentation and abrasive soundscapes reflecting disillusionment and social critique.

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Why this album works

This album includes the hit single 'This Is Not a Love Song,' which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Lydon's status as a provocative artist in post-punk. Its critical reception was mixed but significant for its bold experimentation, influencing countless alternative acts that followed.

Best for: turbulent emotional landscapes thought-provoking lyrical themes immersive listening experiences
Context: Released in 1984, 'This Is What You Want… This Is What You Get' marked Public Image Ltd.'s fourth studio album, coming after their commercial peak with 'Second Edition' in 1986. The album showcased a shift towards a more aggressive sound, a response to both the music industry's expectations and the band's tumultuous history, including John Lydon's evolving identity post-Sex Pistols.
Stylistic neighbors: Radiohead· David Bowie· Duran Duran· Muse· Manic Street Preachers· Robbie Williams· Depeche Mode· Bryan Adams

Tracklist

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

1 Bad Life Standout 5:15
2 This Is Not a Love Song Standout 4:12
3 Solitaire 3:59
4 Tie Me to the Length of That 5:18
5 The Pardon 5:18
6 Where Are You? 4:18
7 1981 3:17
8 The Order of Death Standout 4:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

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alternative rock post-punk