Toyah! Toyah! Toyah! cover

Toyah! Toyah! Toyah!

Toyah Willcox

42 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A vibrant collision of art pop and synth-driven melodies that showcases Toyah's theatrical vocal style and eclectic sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ieya — The closing track stands out for its ambitious length and experimental structure, combining a catchy chorus with theatrical flair that encapsulates Toyah's unique style.
  • →
    Victims of the Riddle — The opening track sets the tone with its driving synth rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics, effectively blending pop hooks with deeper themes of confusion and identity.
  • →
    Danced — This track showcases an infectious energy and danceable beat, highlighting Toyah's ability to merge pop sensibility with an avant-garde edge, making it a fan favorite.

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 album features vibrant synths and theatrical vocals, showcasing Toyah's eclectic style while maintaining a cohesive energy.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong synth line in 'Victims of the Riddle' that sets a vibrant tone, followed by tracks that maintain a similar energy.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Danced,' which shifts from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.
  • The vocal delivery is often theatrical, with Toyah employing varied dynamics and inflections across different songs, particularly in 'Ieya.'
  • The final track, 'Ieya,' serves as a climactic conclusion, incorporating layered harmonies and an anthemic chorus that contrasts with the more experimental nature of earlier tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical energy for parties
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • playful experimentation and exploration
  • short bursts of vibrant fun

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • avoid theatrical performance styles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1981, Toyah! Toyah! Toyah! marked Toyah Willcox's third studio album, following her breakthrough with the critically acclaimed Anthem. At this point, she was solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the UK music scene known for her bold aesthetic and innovative sound.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Victims of the Riddle 3:32
  • 2 Indecision 2:45
  • 3 Love Me 3:16
  • 4 Visions 4:23
  • 5 Tribal Look 3:44
  • 6 Bird in Flight 3:57
  • 7 Danced 5:40
  • 8 Insects 2:54
  • 9 Race Through Space 3:12
  • 10 Ieya 8:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata