Is Warriors a good place to start with Gary Numan?

Yes, Warriors is recommended as a starting point for new Gary Numan listeners. A dark, atmospheric fusion of synthesizers and haunting vocals that captures the tension of a dystopian vision. By the time 'Warriors' was released in September 1983, Gary Numan was transitioning from his early commercial success with 'Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?' to exploring darker themes. This album marked his fifth studio release, following the commercially successful 'Dance', and showcased his evolution towards a more complex sound, incorporating elements of new wave and electronic rock.

Warriors works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, haunting melodies for introspection and dynamic exploration of themes.

How many songs are on Warriors?

Warriors has 15 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Warriors

Gary Numan · 1983

76 min · 15 tracks · electronic music

A dark, atmospheric fusion of synthesizers and haunting vocals that captures the tension of a dystopian vision.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Warriors Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of conflict and survival, combining driving rhythms with an eerie atmosphere that sets the tone for the record.
→
I Am Render — This track features a compelling blend of mechanical beats and introspective lyrics, highlighting Numan's ability to merge personal narrative with broader societal commentary.
→
The Iceman Comes — With its cold synth tones and haunting vocal delivery, this song exemplifies the chilling aesthetic that permeates the album, making it a standout piece.
→
My Centurion — This track showcases Numan’s lyrical prowess, as it intertwines themes of loyalty and betrayal against a backdrop of pulsating synths.

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's dark synth textures and varied pacing create an engaging yet uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build tension with layered synthesizers and rhythmic pulses, while the second half shifts to more atmospheric soundscapes.
Several tracks utilize a consistent tempo, but the pacing varies significantly, with some songs transitioning abruptly from driving beats to slower, more ambient sections.
Vocals are often processed with effects that enhance the haunting quality, creating a sense of distance and detachment in the delivery.

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 4/10

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

wave-like pacing with peaks
haunting melodies for introspection
dynamic exploration of themes
late-night reflective sessions
dystopian soundscapes for focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, instant gratification
seek straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album reaffirmed Numan's place in synth-pop after earlier successes.
Career context: By the time 'Warriors' was released in September 1983, Gary Numan was transitioning from his early commercial success with 'Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?' to exploring darker themes. This album marked his fifth studio release, following the commercially successful 'Dance', and showcased his evolution towards a more complex sound, incorporating elements of new wave and electronic rock.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Kraftwerk· The Human League