Thrown Away cover

Thrown Away

The Stranglers · 1981

6 min · 2 tracks · new wave

A gritty fusion of punk energy and new wave melodies layered with sardonic lyrics that critique society's failures.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Thrown Away — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of disillusionment and societal criticism through its driving rhythm and biting lyrics, making it a standout representation of their style.
  • →
    Top Secret — This track showcases the band's knack for combining catchy hooks with an underlying sense of urgency and paranoia, reflecting the tensions of early 80s Britain.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single blends punk energy with new wave melodies, showcasing strong writing and production.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Thrown Away' features a driving rhythm with a prominent bass line that underpins the melodic guitar riffs.
  • The lyrics employ a sardonic tone, directly addressing societal issues while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single solidified The Stranglers' reputation during their peak period.
Themes
early 80s paranoia· societal disillusionment· gritty urban landscapes
Career context
Released on January 19, 1981, 'Thrown Away' came during The Stranglers' peak period, following their critically acclaimed album 'La Folie'. By this time, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers in the UK punk and new wave scenes, blending aggressive sound with sophisticated lyrical themes.
New to The Stranglers? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Thrown Away 3:31
  • 2 Top Secret 3:28

What to play next

Feline
Listen next

Feline

1983

Continues the blend of punk and new wave with a fresh sonic evolution.
The Gospel According to the Meninblack
Go back to

The Gospel According to the Meninblack

1981

Sets the stage with similar thematic critiques and energy.
Full The Stranglers discography Where to start with The Stranglers Artists like The Stranglers
new wave

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Fear of Music

Fear of Music

Talking Heads

Shares similar urban anxiety and off-kilter rhythms, with sharp social commentary woven through.

Juju

Juju

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Combines post-punk energy with haunting melodies and dark themes reflecting societal disillusionment.

Seventeen Seconds

Seventeen Seconds

The Cure

Explores themes of isolation and paranoia, blending atmospheric production with a new wave sensibility.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata