What makes Tracks on Wax 4 by Dave Edmunds notable?

Tracks on Wax 4 received positive critical acclaim and featured the single 'Heart of the City,' which became a staple in Edmunds' repertoire. The album solidified Edmunds' status as a significant player in the power pop revival, influencing subsequent bands and artists within the genre during that era. When Tracks on Wax 4 was released in September 1978, Dave Edmunds was riding the wave of his successful solo career following his 1977 hit album, Get It. This album marked his fourth studio effort and continued to establish him as a prominent figure in the British rock scene of the late 1970s, showcasing his ability to blend various musical influences.

Who is Tracks on Wax 4 for?

Tracks on Wax 4 works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, playful energy for gatherings and short tracks for quick listens.

How many songs are on Tracks on Wax 4?

Tracks on Wax 4 has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Tracks on Wax 4

Dave Edmunds · 1978

34 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A rich blend of rock and pop melodies layered with sharp lyrical storytelling and energetic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heart of the City — This track captures the essence of Edmunds' jangly guitar sound while delivering an infectious chorus that reflects urban life. Its energy and catchy hook have made it a signature song for Edmunds.
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Trouble Boys — Opening the album, this track sets a high-energy tone with its driving rhythm and clever lyrics about youthful rebellion, making it a quintessential example of Edmunds' style.
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Readers Wives — With its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo, this track showcases Edmunds' knack for combining humor with catchy melodies, providing a fun listening experience that stands out on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, marking a solid entry in the power pop genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rock track, 'Trouble Boys', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Each song features layered guitar work, often with harmonized vocals that create a rich texture.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Readers Wives' which shifts from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
playful energy for gatherings
short tracks for quick listens
catchy melodies for road trips
nostalgic vibes with upbeat rhythms

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive experiences
seek heavy emotional depth

Where this album fits

Career context: When Tracks on Wax 4 was released in September 1978, Dave Edmunds was riding the wave of his successful solo career following his 1977 hit album, Get It. This album marked his fourth studio effort and continued to establish him as a prominent figure in the British rock scene of the late 1970s, showcasing his ability to blend various musical influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Lowe· Elvis Costello· Graham Parker