What makes Trash the Planet by Spy vs Spy notable?

The album marked a significant moment in the Australian ska scene, receiving positive reviews for its lively sound and insightful lyrics. It has since been noted for influencing subsequent generations of ska bands within Australia and abroad. Released in 1989, Trash the Planet was Spy vs Spy's third studio album, following the successful release of their previous album, From the Ground Up. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the Australian music scene, known for their fusion of ska and punk elements while gaining significant radio play.

How many songs are on Trash the Planet?

Trash the Planet has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Trash the Planet

Spy vs Spy · 1989

39 min · 11 tracks · ska

Energetic ska rhythms collide with punk influences, creating a vibrant and rebellious soundscape that captures the spirit of late '80s Australia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hardtimes — Opening with a punchy brass section, this track sets an urgent tone that reflects societal struggles and personal resilience, making it a quintessential anthem for the disillusioned.
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What the Future Holds — This song combines reflective lyrics with an infectious melody, showcasing the band's ability to blend introspection with danceable beats, resonating with both fans and newcomers.
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Trash the Planet — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of environmental awareness and social critique, delivered through an upbeat tempo that invites listeners to engage with its message actively.

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 combines energetic ska with punk elements, showcasing strong brass arrangements and socially aware lyrics.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks incorporate brass instrumentation that punctuates the rhythm section, enhancing the ska influence.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Hardtimes 2:51
2 What the Future Holds 4:21
3 Take It or Leave It 4:06
4 Our House 3:24
5 Have No Fear 3:25
6 Clear Skies 3:56
7 Trash the Planet 4:02
8 Hooligans 3:12
9 Don't Fall Asleep at the Wheel 4:17
10 A New Start 2:42
11 Oceania 2:48

What to play next

Listen next

Spy File

1991

Go back to

Xenophobia [Why?]

1988

Full Spy vs Spy discography Artists like Spy vs Spy

ska

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata