Voices of Babylon cover

Voices of Babylon

The Outfield · 1989

35 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of catchy melodies and polished production, embodying the upbeat spirit of late '80s pop rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My Paradise — This track stands out for its infectious chorus and bright instrumentation, showcasing The Outfield's knack for crafting radio-friendly hits.
  • →
    Voices of Babylon — The title track captures the essence of the album with its engaging melody and reflective lyrics about personal struggles against a lively backdrop.
  • →
    Shelter Me — With its anthemic quality and emotive themes of seeking refuge, this song highlights the band's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with upbeat arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features catchy melodies and polished production but lacks standout depth or innovation.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a driving beat, setting an upbeat tone.
  • The production is characterized by bright synths and polished guitar riffs, creating a vibrant sound typical of late '80s pop rock.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo slightly, providing a contrast to the more energetic earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
  • nostalgic vibes of youth
  • catchy melodies for road trips
  • uplifting background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • seek heavy emotional depth

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Voices of Babylon' was released in January 1989, The Outfield had already achieved commercial success with their debut album, 'Play Deep,' which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200. This album served as a follow-up to that breakthrough, featuring a maturation in sound while retaining their signature power pop style, demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing musical trends.
Stylistic neighbors
Big Country· The Go-Go's· Tears for Fears

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Voices of Babylon 3:33
  • 2 My Paradise 3:40
  • 3 Part of Your Life 3:59
  • 4 Shelter Me 3:53
  • 5 The Night Ain't Over 4:06
  • 6 No Point 3:04
  • 7 Taken by Surprise 3:11
  • 8 Reach Out 3:32
  • 9 Makin' Up 2:49
  • 10 Inside Your Skin 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata