Top tracks — play these first
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What’s Shaking on the Hill Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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What's So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love and Understanding? — This track stands out as an enduring classic that showcases Lowe's ability to blend poignant social commentary with catchy melodies. Its legacy as a protest anthem continues to resonate through various generations.
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Cruel to Be Kind — Originally popularized in the late 1970s, this reimagined version highlights Lowe’s knack for combining irony with heartfelt emotion, serving as a testament to his songwriting prowess.
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I Live on a Battlefield — This track captures the essence of personal struggle with vivid storytelling and emotional depth, exemplifying Lowe's unique ability to craft relatable narratives through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the overall mood.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic richness.
- The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and reflective themes, with a notable emphasis on storytelling throughout multiple tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 progression
- witty lyrics for casual listening
- nostalgic vibes for reflection
- background music for social gatherings
- easy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy dance beats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released in 2004, it showcases Lowe's continued songwriting vitality.
- Themes
- social commentary· personal struggle· nostalgic irony
- Career context
- By the time 'Untouched Takeaway' was released in 2004, Nick Lowe had established himself as a seasoned artist, building on his legacy from the late 1970s and 1980s. This album marked his first studio release in nearly six years, following 1998's 'The Convincer', showcasing a return to his signature sound while experimenting with modern influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Costello· Graham Parker· Joe Jackson
Tracklist
- 1 What’s Shaking on the Hill Start here 3:30
- 2 Faithless Lover 3:14
- 3 I Live on a Battlefield 3:36
- 4 You Inspire Me 3:27
- 5 Cruel to Be Kind 3:22
- 6 Indian Queens 3:52
- 7 Let’s Stay In 4:03
- 8 Shting Shtang 3:26
- 9 The Beast in Me 2:40
- 10 What’s So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love and Understanding? 4:03
- 11 12 Step Program 3:17
- 12 Dream Girl 2:40
- 13 Without Love 2:23
- 14 14 Days 3:18
- 15 Tombstone Every Mile 3:46
- 16 Shelley My Love 3:40
- 17 I’ll Be There 2:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Delivery Man
Elvis Costello
Similar blend of reflective lyrics and soulful rock, with a storytelling approach to personal themes.
Cradle to the Grave
Squeeze
Combines clever lyricism and vibrant melodies with a nostalgic yet modern pop-rock sound.
Your Country
Graham Parker
Shares sharp social commentary and personal struggle through an engaging rock and new wave lens.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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