Tubeway Army
Gary Numan · 1978
78 min · 25 tracks · electronic · new wave · synth-pop
A pioneering fusion of cold, mechanical beats and haunting vocals creates a dystopian soundscape.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic live performance energy wave-like pacing with contrasts haunting vocals for introspection
- Context
- Released in January 1978, 'Tubeway Army' was Gary Numan's debut album, introducing the world to his unique electronic sound. At this point in his career, Numan was beginning to establish himself as a prominent figure in the burgeoning synth-pop movement, drawing influences from punk and electronic music.
- If you like
- electronic, new wave, synth-pop
Tubeway Army is an album by Gary Numan, released in 1978. A pioneering fusion of cold, mechanical beats and haunting vocals creates a dystopian soundscape. 'Tubeway Army' is significant for its role in popularizing synth-driven music and its influence on the new wave genre. The album spawned the hit single 'Are Friends Electric?', which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Numan's status as a pioneering artist in electronic music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tubeway Army sound like?
A pioneering fusion of cold, mechanical beats and haunting vocals creates a dystopian soundscape. Rooted in electronic and new wave.
What makes Tubeway Army by Gary Numan notable?
'Tubeway Army' is significant for its role in popularizing synth-driven music and its influence on the new wave genre. The album spawned the hit single 'Are Friends Electric?', which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Numan's status as a pioneering artist in electronic music. Released in January 1978, 'Tubeway Army' was Gary Numan's debut album, introducing the world to his unique electronic sound. At this point in his career, Numan was beginning to establish himself as a prominent figure in the burgeoning synth-pop movement, drawing influences from punk and electronic music.
Who is Tubeway Army for?
Tubeway Army works well if you're into dynamic live performance energy, wave-like pacing with contrasts and haunting vocals for introspection.
How many songs are on Tubeway Army?
Tubeway Army has 25 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Listen to the Sirens 3:05
- 2 My Shadow in Vain Standout 2:59
- 3 The Life Machine Standout 2:45
- 4 Friends 2:30
- 5 Something’s in the House 4:14
- 6 Everyday I Die 2:24
- 7 Steel and You 4:44
- 8 My Love Is a Liquid 3:33
- 9 Are You Real? Standout 3:25
- 10 The Dream Police 3:38
- 11 Jo the Waiter 2:41
- 12 Zero Bars (Mr Smith) 3:12
- 13 Positive Thinking (live) 2:56
- 14 Boys (live) 2:13
- 15 Blue Eyes (live) 2:03
- 16 You Don’t Know Me (live) 2:28
- 17 My Shadow in Vain (live) 4:13
- 18 Me My Head (live) 4:10
- 19 That’s Too Bad (live) 3:26
- 20 Basic J (live) 3:03
- 21 Do Your Best (live) 2:40
- 22 Oh! Didn’t I Say (live) 2:31
- 23 I’m a Poseur (live) 2:30
- 24 White Light/White Heat (live) 2:49
- 25 Kill St. Joy (live) 3:46
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