When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
Bow Wow Wow · 1983
35 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave energy and pop hooks, layered with infectious rhythms and playful lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Do You Wanna Hold Me? — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of catchy melodies and cheeky lyrics, making it a standout hit that captured their playful spirit.
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Aphrodisiac — Opening the album, this song sets the tone with its infectious beat and flirtatious lyrics, showcasing the band's vibrant sound.
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What's the Time (Hey Buddy) — This track features an engaging rhythm and clever wordplay, reflecting the band's knack for creating fun and memorable pop anthems.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines catchy hooks with varied tempos, showcasing Bow Wow Wow's new wave style while maintaining a playful energy.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the playful and interactive feel of the music.
- The instrumentation prominently includes bright guitar riffs and layered percussion, which drive the rhythmic elements throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- short bursts of playful energy
- catchy tracks for sing-alongs
- upbeat soundtracks for gatherings
- lighthearted anthems for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, introspective pieces
- want slow, atmospheric sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1983, this album marked Bow Wow Wow's third studio effort during a period of growing fame following their breakthrough with 'I Want Candy' in 1982. At this time, the band was solidifying their place in the new wave scene, showcasing a playful yet edgy sound that characterized much of their early work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Adam and the Ants
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Aphrodisiac 2:58
- 2 Do You Wanna Hold Me? 3:14
- 3 Roustabout 2:20
- 4 Lonesome Tonight 2:47
- 5 Love Me 3:28
- 6 What's the Time (Hey Buddy) 3:05
- 7 Mario (Your Own Way to Paradise) 2:54
- 8 Quiver (Arrows in My) 3:14
- 9 The Man Mountain 2:26
- 10 Rikki Dee 3:02
- 11 Tommy Tucker 2:44
- 12 Love, Peace and Harmony 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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