What makes With Their New Face On by The Spencer Davis Group notable?

The album's exploration of psychedelic rock elements helped solidify its place within the genre, influencing subsequent British bands. While it did not achieve significant chart success, its artistic direction was well-received by critics, highlighting the group's versatility and willingness to evolve. Released in January 1968, With Their New Face On marked The Spencer Davis Group's transition into more experimental territory following their successful early hits. This album came after their commercial peak with 'Gimme Some Lovin'' and showcased a shift towards psychedelic influences, reflecting broader trends in British rock at the time.

Who is With Their New Face On for?

With Their New Face On works well if you're into vibrant party atmosphere, short bursts of energy and playful sing-along moments.

How many songs are on With Their New Face On?

With Their New Face On has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

With Their New Face On

The Spencer Davis Group · 1968

34 min · 10 tracks · psychedelic rock

Psychedelic rock intertwines with blue-eyed soul, creating a vibrant soundscape that captures the experimental spirit of the late 1960s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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With His New Face On — This title track encapsulates the album's blend of psychedelia and soul, featuring an infectious groove and introspective lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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Alec in Transitland — Clocking in at nearly seven minutes, this track showcases extended instrumental passages and a dreamlike quality that exemplifies the band's adventurous spirit during this period.
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Time Seller — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this song reflects the band's ability to meld pop sensibilities with deeper lyrical themes, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases experimental songwriting and varied arrangements, reflecting its psychedelic influences.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a prominent organ riff, setting a psychedelic tone.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Sanity Inspector,' which shifts from a slow groove to an energetic chorus.
The use of unconventional song structures is evident, particularly in 'Alec in Transitland,' which features extended instrumental sections.
The final track, 'Stop Me, I’m Falling,' closes the album with a melancholic melody and a gradual fade-out, contrasting with earlier high-energy songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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

vibrant party atmosphere
short bursts of energy
playful sing-along moments
nostalgic yet fresh vibes
engaging transitions between tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
need consistent slow pacing

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1968, With Their New Face On marked The Spencer Davis Group's transition into more experimental territory following their successful early hits. This album came after their commercial peak with 'Gimme Some Lovin'' and showcased a shift towards psychedelic influences, reflecting broader trends in British rock at the time.
Stylistic neighbors: The Hollies· The Animals· The Yardbirds