What's a Few Men?
Hunters & Collectors · 1987
46 min · 13 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave energy and socially conscious lyrics, wrapped in punchy rhythms and anthemic choruses.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wishing Well — This track exemplifies the band's knack for catchy hooks combined with insightful lyrics about longing and desire, making it a standout single from the album.
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Back on the Breadline — Opening with driving percussion and rich instrumentation, this song tackles themes of economic struggle and resilience, encapsulating the band's socially aware ethos.
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Real World — With its infectious melody and reflective lyrics about societal expectations, 'Real World' captures the essence of urban disillusionment prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic tracks with introspective moments, showcasing strong melodies and a unique sound for its time.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features driving rhythms and upbeat tempos, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower-paced tracks.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the anthemic quality of the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- punchy rhythms for energetic moods
- sing-along anthems with friends
- socially conscious lyrical engagement
- short bursts of vibrant energy
Maybe skip if you
- slow, reflective listening preferences
- long-form immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'What's a Few Men?' was released in 1987, Hunters & Collectors were transitioning from their acclaimed debut album to becoming a prominent force in the Australian music scene. This album served as a follow-up to their successful self-titled debut, showcasing their evolution towards a more polished sound while maintaining edgy lyrical content.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Midnight Oil· INXS· The Church
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Back on the Breadline 4:01
- 2 Wishing Well 4:15
- 3 You Can Have It All 4:06
- 4 Do You See What I See? 3:40
- 5 Around the Flame 3:54
- 6 Faraway Man 3:06
- 7 Under the Sun (Where I Come From) 4:07
- 8 What Are You Waiting For? 2:24
- 9 So Long Ago 3:14
- 10 Real World 4:05
- 11 Something to Believe In 3:51
- 12 Breakneck Road 2:40
- 13 What's a Few Men? 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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