What makes Wasp by Shaun Cassidy notable?

Wasp marked a notable departure from Cassidy's previous work, showcasing a more rock-oriented sound that received mixed reviews but solidified his efforts to evolve as an artist. The album featured the single Rebel, Rebel, which highlighted Cassidy's attempts to connect with a broader audience during a time when teen idols were often pigeonholed into specific genres. Released in 1980, Wasp was Shaun Cassidy's fifth studio album, following his peak years in the late 1970s as a teen idol. At this point in his career, Cassidy was transitioning from his earlier bubblegum pop sound to a more mature style, reflecting both personal growth and shifts in the music landscape.

How many songs are on Wasp?

Wasp has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Wasp

Shaun Cassidy · 1980

40 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A vibrant pop-rock fusion that blends catchy melodies with a youthful, rebellious spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rebel, Rebel — This track stands out for its bold embrace of glam rock influences and is emblematic of Cassidy's desire to break free from his teen idol image.
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It's My Life — Offering an empowering anthem with strong lyrical themes, this song showcases Cassidy's vocal range and his shift towards more serious subject matter.
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Once Bitten, Twice Shy — This track exemplifies Cassidy's ability to merge pop sensibilities with storytelling, revealing deeper emotional layers not often found in his earlier work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

38 /100

Lowland

Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The album shows a mix of energetic pop-rock tracks and slower reflective moments, but lacks standout writing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Rebel, Rebel', and maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace through the first half.
Several tracks feature layered harmonies and prominent guitar riffs, particularly in 'Cool Fire' and 'It's My Life'.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Rebel, Rebel 4:06
2 Cool Fire 4:18
3 The Book I Read 3:36
4 Pretending 5:05
5 Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) 3:36
6 It's My Life 4:43
7 So Sad About Us 3:02
8 Wasp 3:20
9 Selfless Love 4:50
10 Once Bitten, Twice Shy 4:09

What to play next

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Room Service

1979

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata