Turn Back the Clock
Johnny Hates Jazz · 1988
56 min · 13 tracks · new wave
Melodic pop rock intertwines with new wave influences, crafting anthemic hooks and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of late '80s romance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shattered Dreams — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its infectious chorus and poignant exploration of lost love, becoming their most recognizable hit.
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Turn Back the Clock — The title track encapsulates the nostalgic yearning present throughout the album, combining evocative lyrics with a compelling melody that resonates deeply.
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I Don’t Want to Be a Hero — This song stands out for its introspective tone and commentary on personal struggles, offering a more vulnerable perspective amidst the album's pop sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong hooks and polished production but follows familiar new wave templates.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the subsequent tracks gradually introduce slower ballads.
- Several songs employ layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The album's production includes prominent synthesizers and drum machines typical of late '80s new wave, which contribute to its anthemic sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- introspective late-night reflections
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Johnny Hates Jazz's debut album in 1988, Turn Back the Clock positioned the band at the forefront of the new wave movement. The success of hits like Shattered Dreams established them as prominent figures in the UK pop scene, showcasing their ability to blend catchy melodies with deeper emotional themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- ABC· Spandau Ballet· Duran Duran
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Shattered Dreams
The moment shifts from hopeful aspirations to stark realizations about unfulfilled dreams.
This transition emphasizes the contrast between idealism and reality, deepening the emotional impact of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shattered Dreams 3:26
- 2 Heart of Gold 3:20
- 3 Turn Back the Clock 4:30
- 4 Don’t Say It’s Love 3:43
- 5 What Other Reason 3:20
- 6 I Don’t Want to Be a Hero 3:37
- 7 Listen 3:44
- 8 Different Seasons 3:31
- 9 Don’t Let It End This Way 3:40
- 10 Foolish Heart 3:33
- 11 Heart of Gold (J. Mendelsohn mix) 6:41
- 12 Turn Back the Clock (J. Mendelsohn mix) 7:03
- 13 I Don’t Want to Be a Hero (extended mix) 6:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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