Rip It Up

Fun, but ultimately a little frustrating because there were some hints of really good stuff that they couldn’t keep up. Loved the title track and Louise Louise. An interesting listen.

Sounds like this band tried to make an album that was 1/4 English Beat and 3/4 Style Council. Unfortunately not as good as either. Not a bad record but I hear no reason for including it on the list.

Another super 80s sounding and likely inessential record. However “I Can’t Help Myself” was fun and the sax outro was awesome. Id love a chance to truly rewrite this list for 2024.

It was fine, quite jolly. Unsure of its significance though.

Sounds like music made by a really cool frog

Really liked this album. Fun definitely 80s. Plan to check out more from Orange Juice

Rip It Up // Mud In Your Eye //

Anyone who happens to know me understands that my musical tastes span a large range. They always have, thus I found it odd that I had never heard of Orange Juice. But there it is. I enjoy that they cross genre often and are never stuck in one place for long. The reggea beats, blues, jazz, even pop and funk intermix in really quite easy listening ways. With that said, I felt that no one song or style really blew me away. For me there were no hidden gems to be found or new favorites to be gained. Otherwise I enjoyed the album.

I don’t know if I HAD to hear it but it grew on me a bit.

New wave. Ni fu ni fa.

This bass player is phenomenal.

The ones that hit, really hit. Rip it up, obviously. Louise Louise. The ones that didn’t hit, really didn’t hit. Mud in Your Eye? Breakfast Time? Are these song a joke? Is this some kind of boomer Scottish humor that is escaping me? But the band is very tight and the songwriting on some of these tracks is very good. It’s too bad the band didn’t have a longer career, I love to listen to their fourth album.

I liked the vibes, but wasn’t really moved and am not sure I’d be able to pick them out of a sonic lineup down the road. Maybe their sweet every band sound is why they’re on the list?

Not too bad - pop new wave with ska overtones.

Pleasantly surprised. I was not thrilled to see more Post-punk, but I enjoyed these guys.

But mom! I want to see the Talking Heads! No, we have Talking Heads back home in Scotland. You can listen there.

Definitely something here - will definitely play it back - I can't help myself stood out 3.5

Feels a little like the Scottish version of Talking Heads. Not as good mind you, but some similar eclectic beats. After one listen, I felt like the album was uneven and got a bit boring - a 2.5. It got better after a couple more listens but it's no more than average. The title track gets kinda catchy on multiple listens, A Million Pleading Faces is probably the best track and has the most Talking Heads-feel, although I Can't Help Myself also has a decent TH-feel, Flesh of My Flesh has some cheeky lyrics and a decent beat, and Tenterhook has a nice simplistic musical approach. The album is definitely no higher than a 3 and maybe 2.5 is about right, but rounding down to 2 feels a bit too harsh.

Not bad.

This is the type of music I really like. I hadnt listened to this band or album before. I dont really care for the lead singer.

Not a bad album at all, I think I enjoyed the first couple of songs, but not enough to add anything to a playlist.

Definitely interesting compilation-style album. Many songs in different “styles” but then some seem out of place. Favorites are the titular ‘Rip it up’ and ‘Can’t help myself’, reminded me of INXS, Prince, the Cars.. I enjoyed ‘Louise Louise’ although had an older feel to it. ‘Million pleading faces’ and ‘Hokoyo’ had an African (Swahili?) vibe.

Middelmatige post-punk

Good music, but the guys voice is a bit too much in places.

No. 90/1001 Rip It Up 4/5 A Million Pleading Faces 4/5 Mud in Your Eye 4/5 Turn Away 3/5 Breakfast Time 3/5 I Can't Help Myself 3/5 Flesh of My Flesh 3/5 Louise Louise 3/5 Hokoyo 4/5 Tenterhook 3/5 Average: 3,4 I enjoyed this was better than expected. Was held back to get an even better rating by the voice of the lead singer. Just isn't for me.

Den typen av post-punk som går mer åt det funkiga discohållet. Lite likt The Specials ibland, med sina ska-influenser blandat med janglepoppiga gitarrer. Tror jag iallafall. Sångaren låter lite som att han försöker imitera Bowie men inte riktigt kommer fram. Inga låtar som riktigt sticker ut. Titellåten 'Rip It Up' är bra, och har ett inledningsriff som låter som klipp jag brukar få upp på instagram reels som är en bild på en groda med beats som beskrivs som "moizt beats for frogz" och "This sound so sploinky bloinky". 'Breakfast Time' är nog bäst, lite mörkare, de första sekunderna liknar nästan en Bauhauslåt. 'I Can't Help Myself' är också rätt bra, den mest janglepoppiga av dem. Bästa låt: Breakfast Time.

Heel erg begin 80's. Binnen dat krappe hokje wel gevarieerd. Het is allemaal niet heel enerverend, maar het zit goed in elkaar. 2,5 ster

A pleasant listen with a couple outstanding tracks, but for the most part fairly okay. They have a smooth listenable sound but lack the consistency here to elevate it to being a “great” record. I’m more than a little disappointed too considering the title track is an all time favorite of mine. Top tracks: Rip It Up, A Million Pleading Faces, Flesh Of My Flesh, Hokoyo

Grew on me a bit once I listened to the back half of the album. Some of the bigger songs didn't really click with me except flesh of my flesh or whatever it's called, I really liked that one. I preferred the slower stuff for sure on this album but didn't really like the first half. Overall pretty solid 6/10

A couple of fun little ditties, mostly the usual post-punk fare that is regularly served up by 1001

Where has this album been all my life?! A few songs have a Talking Heads vibe. Each track is unique while still fitting together as an album. Are some of the songs a little silly? Is the singer’s voice a little silly? Yep, So fun! 3.8

Not my bag, but not terrible. Sort of jangly, new wave, synth-y vibe. 3.4

It’s alright if a bit forgettable

Pretty generic to me, but nothing really bad either.

Listened Before: N Pretty good! It's very 80s sounding, but the US didn't get a lot of music like this until a few years later. These guys were pretty underground. Good find by the author. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Rip It Up

3.6 - After the first song, "Rip It Up", which is the one hit, this record settles into a danceable, post-punk sound that combines whiffs of northern soul and new wave. A nice listen front to back.

First track was alright, downhill from there

Enjoyed the start then lost interest by the end. Title track is a new wave classic.

Favorite tracks: Rip It Up, Flesh of my Flesh Rating: 3/5

I liked the first song, that squelchy synth works well with the rest of the song. It’s quite a whimsical number. The rest falls flat in comparison, but it’s all still good.

Not bad. Not great, but not bad. Different than what I've heard before. Not a huge fan of the vocals-like a new wave/synth driven Bob Dylan.

This album has an interesting sound and almost seems to be a mix of genres. It's classified as post-punk new wave which it is for sure, but it definitely has its own unique sound. I thought it dipped its toe into ska at times with the saxophone. Overall though, I found it kind of boring and I'm struggling to remember the songs. I didn't mind it, I do know that. Kinda feel bad for those two gents in the background of the album cover; they're not even in focus.

3/5 80s fuckboy music is not really for me. Instrumentals were good for some of them though. Favorites: "Louise Louise" and "Hokoyo".

Skotsk 80’er indie poppunk, lidt specielt, både rocket og poppet

Pretty average 80’s kind of soft thinky rock? Not blown away by this but it was ok.

Solid post punk A couple parts we’re a bit too cheesy-80s

Standouts: Rip it Up Others: A Million Pleading Faces, I Can't Help Myself, Louise Louise,

Helt okej!

1. These guys studied their American Motown. 2. This sounds like top 40 80s background music. 3. I'm not unhappy I listened to it, but this wasn't something I needed to hear before I died.

Chill disco-tinged 80s rock. A little Pulp, a little classic Bowie.

Rip it up and leave it.

made from concentrate

Romantic pop and reggae

Never heard of this band/album before. I’m expecting something poppy? Yeah…there’s some interesting stuff going on here (like elements of funk in some of the tracks), which saves it from a 2, but overall it’s not really my thing. I think I enjoy post-punk/new wave in general, but this ain’t it. Not inclined to seek it out again.

Orange Juice Genre: New Wave, Post Punk 2nd time hearing this one. 1982 Standouts: Rip it Up Others: I Can't Help Myself, Louise Louise, Tenterhook, A Million Pleading Faces, Mud In Your Eye, Turn Away, Breakfast Time, Has a very-80s sound to it. A lot of "just fine" songs. Not much really stands out except for the title track. I'm sure if you listen enough to this one, it will grow on you. Rating: 3.5/5

Never heard of these guys before. Some of it sounds a little dated, but overall pretty good. Reminds me of Talking Heads a bit, but mostly the standard Britpop of the 80s.

Some good songs but the rest were ok

I like percussion! I like guitars! This record is ok!

The jazz elements they introduced in the back half of the album were wonderfully refined, but the rock elements that dominated the first half were very half-baked, probably evident of the time this album was released. Ultimately, it was a very mixed bag.

I’d never heard this album before. I enjoyed the diversity of the content, particularly the tracks featuring drummer Zeke Manyika, notably A Million Pleading Faces & Hokoyo. The title track is also a winner. There’s no doubt this album must have been influential in the UK at the time. It certainly never gets boring.

Lots of different style made for an enjoyable album

A smooth Duran Duran style. Nothing experimental, but a typical 80s sound. Fun, mood setting music for the backyard. Mid 3

2.5

good album but nothing really outstanding. wouldnt mind if its playing so i like it

It doesn't bode well from a 'does it deserve to be on the list?' perspective when an album's wikipedia entry is about 2 lines long. Nonetheless, it was an intriguing listen in the end and probably does offer something a bit unique, what with its blend of funk, indie, reggae, pop, African language tunes and Anohni/Hayden Thorpe-esque vibrato vocals, etcetera. It still sounds cohesive too.

Fun, totally 80's album First two songs are pretty good.

Damn funky I'd say. Wish this had a 10 point scale.

Nice… the sound is trapped in an 80’s universe, and a bit dated. However quite fresh and solid production

Die Bezeichnung der Band als Post-Punk ließ wieder Alarmglocken schrillen, ich konnte die Platte allerdings sogar mit ein paar angenehm überraschenden Momenten durchhören. Sie hat es mit ach und Krach über die Drei-Sterne-Hürde der Gernwiederhörbarkeit geschafft.

Rating: 6/10

Aika iloisen kuulonen postpunk-levy. Piristävä. Tuli mieleen kasari Bowie ja Burnen jutut 3/5

Ihan hupaisaa menoa. Nautin yllättävänkin paljon, vaikka nämä post punk / new wave -levyt hieman kokee inflaatiota listalla.

Rip It Up is such a great song, the rest of the album kind of pales in comparison with the exception of Hokoyo. Also Tenterhook is a great closer.

In general I like my post-punk to be gloomier, and my new wave to be more cinematic, so this doesn't quite do it for me. Bit too poppy and upbeat for my tastes, though I can appreciate what they're doing. I particularly liked the tracks that had an African infusion - made me check I was still listening to the same album! 😆 This grew on me a fair bit on second listening, so I'd probably score it 3.5 if that were an option... Fave track - "A Million Pleading Faces" and "Hokoyo" for sounding like they've come from a different album - one I'm more interested in! The title track is pretty good, too.

Today's album is by Scottish new wave/post punk band Orange Juice. I hadn't heard of them before today, but given the failure of every other Scottish band on this list so far to make a good album, I wasn't holding out hope that this would be any different. Orange Juice, however, turned out to be very different. Unlike the ungodly bleak and depressing drivel of all the other Scottish bands, these guys sound like Dollar Store David Bowie mixed with Talking Heads. There is also a few songs in which Zimbabwean drummer, Zeke Manyika, had a singing role (A Million Pleading Faces, Hokoyo). In these songs, I can hear influences from Fela Kuti. Overall, a surprisingly good album today. One I'd never have stumbled on on my own. I enjoyed it so much, I listened to it twice. Not much made it stand out from the droves of similar music that came out around the same time though. It was perfectly average. Favourite songs: A Million Pleading Faces, I Can't Help Myself, Flesh of My Flesh Least favourite songs: Mud In Your Eye 3/5

great bit of 80's pop.

Was excited to get into this as i love a bit of post-punk, but ends up being a lot less exciting and interesting than the usual albums i'd put on. The first track which was apparently the big single off it was pretty decent, and there was a couple tracks after that that reminded me a little of 'Remain in Light' by the Talking Heads with some afrobeat influence. Unfortunately those songs still aren't nearly as interesting as anything from that album, and the rest of the album, especially the slower cuts, don't leave much of an impression at all. There isn't really anything outright bad or annoying about the album, but there's nothing that makes me want to replay it again either.

Pop. Insulso.

This sounds like it’s influenced by Bowie, The The, et al. I would have liked listening to this in the early 80s. These days it sounds dated.

Not really a fan. I couldn’t get a hold of what this was supposed to be. Although the songs had different styles and vocals I didn’t really connect to any of them. That said, it was never something I disliked.

I found this album quite boring to listen to. Not a fan of the vocal stylings of most of the track either.

Apple juice

I'd never heard of these guys before but within a minute I'd weirdly recognized the voice (a quick search shows that Edwyn Collins was the singer; big mid-90s single that one had...). I dunno - weird mix of Chic and Style Council all blurred with a very soft brushstroke of Bryan Ferry and light Smiths (vocal and lyrical stylings)...? Not really my jam so to speak but at the same time it's kind of an enjoyable listen in a happy/"blue-eyed soul" kinda way - not sure I'll reach for this again but it sounds really good and it's well-done enough to give a nice mark. 6/10 3 stars.

It's giving 80s: that's all I can say about this album, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE 80S! That aside I did enjoy some of the guitar licks and chord progressions but at the end of the day it sounded very of the era and hasn't aged very well at all. One of those mid albums which isn't bad but I wouldn't listen to again any time soon.

Gets 3 stars for the excellent title track alone. Rest of the album was quite derivative of Talking Heads style afrobeat fusion 80s new wave, but executes that solidly enough. Just not anything groundbreaking, but I'm a sucker for this type of music so I'm definitely not complaining. Will revisit.

Regae sounds from The 80s. I wonder if they were first with this sound or came out of the zeitgeist with the other same sounds from the uk at the time 5/10

I started this album playing without looking at anything about it and knew exactly when it was from in the first few notes, and approximately where as soon as they started singing. I probably would have loved this record back in the day. Now I find it medium fun but also medium boring by the middle. 3.5

I went into this without doing any band research. I enjoyed this album right from the beginning. Groovy and full of 80’s rock/pop energy. The middle of the album changed its tone a bit. Gave the album a second listen. Easy listening but nothing special.

I saw punk in the description and was disappointed. But this album was far from normal punk. Pretty poppy and got me moving

A fun early 80s album to listen to

INT

One good song (Rip It Up), the rest very OK..ish. 2.5/5

c'est moyen

80 Scottish post punk jangle funk pop. Borrows from Talking Heads. Cohesively holds together with good sonic range. Its also good fun. Drag a bit towards the end but wholesome stuff.

Ahhh this takes me back. The single was a classic of clean 80's pop but not sure of the rest of the album? It's a bit hit and miss, not awful but generic.

I really enjoyed this - funky, dance sound with a really light feel to it.

i can see how franz ferdinand cites this group as an influence. the title track was good, but after awhile it was 80s carribean influenced noise

Pretty good.

This is a fun easy New Wavey listen. Not sure i would go back though. Side note: Rip It Up is a banger

The peculiar mix of 80s crap music and strong ethnic vibes.

Meh, new wave. Not offensive, not astounding

Soinnillisesti yhtenäinen.. ja samaan aikaan myös ei.. ollenkaan... Hirveä sotku tämä albumi... toisaalta kaikki tässä käy järkeen.. oma selkeä juttu pojjaat rakentanu.. Muuutama paskaksi paljastanut 80-luvun vimma ja hullutusäänet näkyy.. Mutta kun tämä kuitenkin omaa juttua selvästi ei mitään peruspopittelua..pojjaat tehny... Leveän kurkun.. munakurkuttelijan ääni.. haittaako.. basso... ei niinkään.. toisaalta...

I've never heard of Orange Juice, and all of the tracks from Rip It Up were new to me. You can hear the punk-influenced early new wave sounds on this album. The opening track seemed like it was experimenting with some of the same electronic sounds as Blondie and other early eighties bands. There are reggae beats an jangley guitar rhythms that reminded me of Madness and other early new wave music from that time. The band and music were fine. I'd be down to hear more from the band, but nothing stood out enough to me on Rip It Up that might draw me back to re-listen to the whole album

Best aardig.

Talking heads meets David Bowie. Best leuk.

Decent

Good 80s album, but nothing special

There was nothing special about this album to me.

Forgettable.

Very 80’s. Decent.

Kier Starmers favourite. Can see him now… Sot Rip it up A million pleading faces I can’t help myself 3/5

"Rip It Up" is the second album from Scottish post-punk/pop band Orange Juice. This album is more pop than their debut and had a hit single in the self-titled song. There are a few songs that still incorporate elements of new wave and post-punk. The band consisted of Edwyn Collins (vocals, guitar), Malcom Ross (guitar, keys, vocals), David McClymont (bass) and Zeke Manyika (drums, vocals). Hey, I do remember that girl song from Edwyn Collins in the 90's. The album begins with their only UK top ten hit in "Rip It Up." A jangly guitar and with the bass sounds a lot like Chic. How can you not sort of like a song that references The Buzzcock's "Boredom" He's struggling with why he would want to get back with his girlfriend. The second song "A Million Pleading Faces" is more post-punk and with a dance groove. The initial guitar sounds similar to Gang of Four. With the backing vocals and slide guitar, I now hear The Talking Heads. Two very good bands. "Turn Away" has an interesting guitar and with the keyboards is early 80's all the way....new wave. He doesn't want to see the girl hurt. Carribbean/tropical guitar opens "I Can't Help Myself." It's a well-craft pop song. Keyboard, guitar and sax bridges/solos. And a Four Tops' reference. He can't help himself from a girl. This guy does not appear to have had any stable relationships. Edwyn Collins is crooning on the album closer "Tenterhook." A slide guitar and violin. Alright, I hear a wee bit country influence. The song ends with a pretty cool guitar. There was really nothing offensive on this album and nothing really ground breaking. The first two songs are very good. I know a number of people who prefer their debut and third album. I might check those out.

This was weirdly alright, seemed similar to Talking Heads at times. Mud in your eyes sort of reminded me of when the world falls down from the labyrinth. Can't knock the saxomaphone on can't help myself.

80-luku... 70-lukuesque tyylisellä instrumentaariumilla...The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. no ei vittu kai... hyvää settiä, paitsi laulajalla kalapuikkoa kurkussa... yskäseppä ulos... tears for fears ass lihakimpale jumissa kurkunpäässä... estää ehkäpä jopa vitosen heiton silimään ja micra juoksee vapaasti... jää neloseen, mikäs siellä oho ympyrä no laitetaas kolmoseen...heh...karkinmötikkää kielussa... opit sitten ensi kertaan a million pleading faces..

3.5

Barely a 3, but it was fun in some parts to listen to

Ouff! Ja, kul! Mycket funkigt sound som inte känns överdriven på det sättet funk ibland kan göra för mig. Visserligen är Orange Juice inte klassad som funk men jag tycker soundet känns som någon typ av funk i kombination med ett dansigt discosound. Något annat som är slående är att han som sjunger på de flesta låtarna låter bekant. Ibland tyckte jag att det fanns något Magnus CarlsonIGT över den, någon gång i typ låt 9 fick jag någon vibb av Seth McFarlanes Stewie Griffin röst, men i resten av albumet känner jag att det är väldigt mycket Morrissey i de ljud som sjungs ut ur mikrofonen. "Hokoyo" är namnet på den tidigare nämnda låten där jag tyckte mig höra Stewie Griffins röst, men det är inte bara i det avseendet den skiljer sig åt. Den primära sången hanteras primärt av trummisen (som också var med i låtskrivandet av just denna) på hans modersmål Shona. Inte albumets bästa låt men den hade något. Annars gillade jag nog "Rip It Up" och den lite mer fartfyllda "I Can't Help Myself" bäst. Bäst: "I Can't Help Myself"

Punk, but with a little more soul. Surprisingly, the mix sounded better than I thought it would. It was a nice twist to have 80s punk music that didn't sound too abrasive, but still had the foundations of the genre. This specific sound didn't seem to become too popular which is a shame, because it could've been improved upon more with this record as a basis. Meaning to say that while this was a good effort, the end result isn't quite there yet. At least we got several iterations in the form of new bands who were influenced by the sound. Standout track was the titular track.

The only reason I'd heard of this band before is that someone I knew when I lived in Chicago in the early 90s liked them. But that's it; had not listened to them. Listening to them now, decades after they recorded, it's pretty wild to hear how the blended seemingly incongruous styles without making it seem silly or mocking (whether they intended that, I have no idea -- just stating my experience of their music). I can hear some real talent in their writing and performing, too. Cool stuff!

funky but the singer ruined it for me

Good UK 80s funk. Like Spandau Ballet crossed with Talking Heads and Aztec Camera.

Cette bande de petits merdeux a su redresser le niveau du générateur à un moment où il en avait grand besoin.

Ok c'est vrai cet album était sympa mais ne nous fait pas oublier qu'aucun 4/5 n'a été attribué depuis 13 albums. Où s'arretera la folie de Robert? Les multiples menaces de mon camarade d'écoute robbière ne semblent pas fonctionner.

Music from skinny white boys. Rip is up is brilliant. There are some decent enough tracks peppered through the rest of it, but I guess "who they are" is the key thing for this album.

Siendo una banda de unos pocos hits y con bastantes altibajos, Orange Juice supo llegar a las listas de éxitos en los 80's y cosechar éxito por su distintivo sonido el cuál abarcaba el post punk de una forma mucho más funk y bailable. Eso era algo que marcó diferencia con otras bandas y que hizo que trascendieran de solo unos pocos nichos. Originarios de Escocia y siendo su segundo álbum, fue el que los llevó hacia el más cercano éxito antes de su disolución en 1985. Si hay que adjudicarle a alguien este éxito, es a Edwin Collins, cantante principal y guitarrista de la banda que nunca bajó los brazos y mantuvo la agrupación ante la incesante cantidad de bajas que tuvieron a lo largo del tiempo que duraron activos. Los reemplazos de Malcom Ross en guitarra y Zeke Manyika en batería, le dieron una bocanada fresca a la banda, la cual aprovechó usando ideas de estos músicos en sus composiciones, las cuales aportaron dentro del disco. Es una escucha fresca y medianamente sencilla, la cual sirve para expandir las puertas del post punk y, abrir el abanico indie de ese momento, llegando a sonar frescos hasta el día de hoy.

Haven't heard this before. Kinda New Wave-ish, a bit bland and they don't have much of an edge to their sound. On the positive, it's easy to listen to and I can't say I didn't enjoy it, it's just that I don't care to know more about them or be bothered to hear more. Still, it's okay...

What I first noticed is the guitar's upbeat sound and catchy melodies. The album has a very playful and infectious energy. I don't really go with the lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but it sounds cool along with the upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies, making it a joy to listen to. It's definitely not a type of music that fits my preferences but I can't say that its quality is bad. It has some unique music vision and the music, especially the upbeat guitar, shines through. It adds to the charm and authenticity of the album.

Some really interesting baselines. Vocals are good, don’t really like the jangly guitar style and tone. Decent album overall.

Enjoyable record with funny and catchy tracks and a quite good mood.

This was on the poppier side of post-punk. It is also very much of its time in that it liberally uses 80 synth and other sounds. This kind of takes me out of it a bit. Other post punk bands are also of their times of course, but there is a timelessness to an artist like the Smiths that is lacking here. The album is quite cohesive though and borrows a fair bit from Afrobeat as well.

3.5

Oh this is a vibe. Have wanted to listen to them for a while. Happy to finally hear them. Can def hear the impact they’ve had on indie/popular music.

Some would say they have the juice 😎

Vaguely familiar stylized 80s sounding stuff

Like it a lot more when it leans into the reggae/Caribbean sounds. Dislike it a bit more when it's *YET ANOTHER POST PUNK 80S ALBUM ON THIS LIST JFC*

Meh. Not my bag. Didn't hate it though. Just sounded really repetitive. I'm not sure if they were the ones leading the new wave/synth pop scene or if they were just riding the wave. Extra points if they were the former.

Really interesting, I thought for sure this was a newer band then I saw the year it came out. original hipsters.

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: yeah it’s decent and has a fun warm sound, My have to come back to this in the future Favourite song: Track 1 - Rip it Up

Different unexpected

New wave Brit pop/punk/funk sounding a bit more indie experimental than their peers. Strong use of electronics to give themselves a distinct flavour

If David Bowie had 50% less lyrics and 150% more sax.

Some really cool playing but it's just too emotionally aloof to make me feel anything. It's the kind of music I would appreciate if it happened to be playing live where I was, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again.

-A nice, kind of fun punk-ish album -I like some of the more fun instrument choices throughout, especially in "I Can't Help Myself" -Definitely straddling the line between 3 and 4 stars, but nothing really stood out as crazy good and really deserving of a relisten, but overall still fun.

From the cover, I thought this would be early 80s new wave, potentially with a reggae infusion. It wasn't bad but was not memorable either.

Laid back and enjoyable

I quite like the 80s synth indie feel to it, but it never really takes off quite the way I hoped it would

Standard 1980s pop, as seen on Top of the Pops week in, week out. Not special in any way.

Somehow, as average as the songwriting is, the random orchestration and sounds make it a better album.

Fairly standard New Wave without any highlights. If anything i found the music often to be cluttered and full with noises

Slightly disappointing. I expect so much of OJ based on the excellent singles on here.I also really enjoyed the Highlife-y second track and the one that sounds like Josef K, but this album seems to lurch from style to style and the production of each song sounds different. And none are as polished as the two singles on here (which are two of the greatest pop songs ever created). So 3/5 for the two singles, but this is a very inconsistent collection of songs.

Not the worst, a good smorgasbord of stuff, but not overtly bad, light 3

Flesh of my Flesh the only familiar tune to me on this (I think my brother put it on a mix tape he gave me many, many years back - so many it was on an actual tape). They have a unique sound, and generally I like dot, though the vocals seemed over affected. Clever lyrics.

easy listening, but cant see myself going back

Estuvo ok.

It's an 80s album and definitely sounds like an 80s album. Nothing was really memorable about it. I cannot really recall a song that needs to be listened to again. Not quite a 3 but I will round up.

Never heard of these guys, but quite enjoyed this

I started off suspicious, but there were good bones in there. Collins' voice sometimes drove me crazy, but I liked a lot of what they were doing musically.

Geinige 80s pop muziek met voor mijn gevoel wat Jamaicaanse invloeden. Doet me vooral aan Level 42 denken. Helaas kunnen geen van de nummers van dit album mij echt boeien.

Pretty good

6/10. Eh, alright

I'm not claustrophobic and don't mind confined spaces, but if I was stuck on an elevator for 42 minutes and 31 seconds with Rick Astley, Gloria Estefan, David Byrne and smooth jazz, I wouldn't be happy. If that elevator sounds like you're kind of party, you're going to love this. You can begin with the song "Flesh of My Flesh." I'll take the steps.

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Rip It Up, Mud in Your Eye, I Can't Help Myself, Louise Louise Cutting Edge: Turn Away, Flesh of My Flesh Overall Notes: Fun little new wave album. Reminds me of Haircut 100 or a poppier Talking Heads.

It was good, and the dub elements were something else. But I think the singer struck me as a little hard to listen to, especially near the end.

Huh. Kind of a funky album but I liked it fairly well. Some classic 80s sound that makes it a very cheerful synth/guitar album with calm jams. The perfect album for making breakfast on a lazy Sunday, as far as I'm concerned. Fave track: Louise Louise. Not objectively the best track musically on the album but I'm a sucker for a sweet little love song. Even though it seems like a bit of a toxic/complicated love song at that.

3/5, mehh

Scottish band! The album just kind of made me want to listen to Talking Heads instead, but I found joy in several songs here. Mainly the ones with contributions from Zeke Manyika. Found out Kate Bush had him contribute drums to Running Up That Hill. Even though his track didn't make it to the final version, that's still pretty cool.

New wave. Ni fu ni fa.

1 I'm not too fond of that weird deep lispy sound of the voice of so many artists during the 80s. 2. "Mud In Your Eyes" saves it from being a 1 Ok 3, this is getting better

Pretty ok - like a bargain bin Roxy music, or Specials or David Byrne

This reminded me so much of a late 80s soundtrack for a movie involving a Weekend at Bernie’s type of plot. Why? I have absolutely no clue 🤷🏾‍♂️ When they kept it peppy and upbeat, I really enjoyed it. But when they slowed it down, the vocals killed me. Like slowly and painfully.

Bon album. Nice mélange de pop british/new wave et rock.

Fine 80s pop rock

Didn’t give a full listen, some songs sounded neat, others like basic 80s stuff

This is a fun album of breezy and soulful pop/new wave from Orange Juice. The band has a unique style, with a bit of an Afro-pop sensibility (courtesy of drummer Zeke Manyika) and some excellent punchy guitarwork. Edwyn Collins is the standout presence in the band, with his rich vocal style. Great pop hooks on both the title track and “I Can’t Help Myself.” “Mud in Your Eye” is a personal favorite, although “I Can’t Help Myself” is a can’t miss track, the best on the album. Fave Songs: Mud in Your Eye, I Can't Help Myself, Tenterhook, Rip It Up, Turn Away

Liked Rip It Up a lot actually, the rest of the album just slid by though

3…. Nearly a 4 … some great tunes and playing

it was ok. yawny 5/10

I really wanted this to be a masterpiece. It was alright. Might actually give it another go.

Legendär und von mir doch zu lange übersehen. Neben Funk, Talking Heads und Jonathan Richman wohl DER distinktive Sound zur Hochzeit des King Georg. Irgendwie avantgardistisch angekrautet-jangley countryesker Yacht Pop/Rock. Das ist kein Orange Juice, eher Multivitamin. Gibt frisch gepresste 3.3

Ich höre, wie diese hierzulande ja leider stark unterrepräsentierte Band ihre Nachfolger beeinflusst hat, zum Beispiel Kajagoogoo, die Happy Mondays oder auch Rocko Schamoni. Schätze ich alle sehr, genauso wie die Einflüsse die man der Platte wiederum anhört - Afrobeat, Eno/Bowie, Eno/Talking Heads; solche Sachen. Muss gerade mal nachschauen wer die eigentlich produziert hat? Ah, ein "Marlin Hayes", kenne ich gar nicht. Also jedenfalls: gefällt mir gut, auch wenn es mich hier gerade nicht vom Hocker haut. Dafür knapp an die Untergrenze des nächsten Levels ran. 3,5

Some nice Ska/reggae influenced pop. Had heard the name but none of the music. I like it, very much in the vein of General Public. I wish the tempos were a little faster sometimes, but a enjoyable listen. Makes me curious to check out the 2 albums that bookend this one, both if which allmusic.com hold in higher esteem then the one chosen by the authors. 3.5 🌟

Better than some 80s

Opening with the brilliant "Rip It Up", but that is as good as it gets, which is pretty good to be fair. It just becomes a little samey after a few tracks.

Decent. My eyes rolled when I read “post punk” but there’s plenty of stuff going on here. Not to be confused with Oran juice Jones. First hit to use a 303?

wishy washy kinda but got those 80s beats that are undeniable catchy

not bad very on and off about it 2.5

Got some micropop vibes on the first song

surprisingly big sound for the early 80s

I dig the totally rad 80s vibe

Totally rad

This surprise me. The production on this album is incredible. Silky smooth, but dancey at the same time. Total vibes.

Nice, Sommige nummers ga ik nog wel eens luisteren. album in totaal was goed maar overtuigde niet volledig

3.5 lekker vibe! ook 10 nummerkes perfecte lengte. ik zou het in niche nog wel eens opzetten.

goeie listen

It's an 80's album. That's it's best descriptor. It's not my favorite 80's bullshit album, but it's fine. Pretty boring and predictable. Highlights: 1, and 5.

its ok

Pudo ser un EP excelente

Some good bass but not needs a bit more pep in places

enjoyed it, nice and mellow.

Orange Juice manages to blend British Pop with a touch of ska in this more fleshed out effort. By doing so they have effectively laid a foundation for several genres to follow.

solidnoo

Quite okay. You could hear how they wanted to differantiate from the other musím back in the 80s, however that didn't quite worked for me.

3* quite enjoyable for the most part

Decent bit of jangle pop

Never heard of this. Enjoyable. Grower I think.

Hit and miss. Bit like Christian Benteke

This album had a Gary McAllister vibe to it.

Not bad this. Doesn’t sound remotely Scottish tho. Che Adams

Fun but I wanted to have more catchy songs like Rip it Up and I Can't Help Myself

"Rip it up and start again I hope to God you're not as dumb as you make out" (Rip it up) "Is it wrong to let him walk into the water? Close your eyes for just one moment You get so tired the endless days of watching over And is it wrong as the waves boil up to greet him To turn away - he disappears into the tide All your love it cannot save him All your love it cannot save him" (Turn away) Se me ha hecho un poco bola.

Un disc inovador, ple de textures originals, d'aromes d'estiu, de seccions de vent enriquidores i de melodies potser no gaire obvies, però que acaben obrint-se pas dins un mateix escolta tras escolta

It has some good sounds but nothing really caught my attention

J’ai aime l’album et je reecouterais peut etre. Ependnat ce n’etsit pas une ecoute tres active donc je ne peux donner en hau ou en bas de 3.

I’ve never heard of this band before in my life, but now I know where Edwyn Collins came from - even though his one hit wonder from the 90’s sounds nothing like anything on this album. But I really dug this! The vocals are weird, the random slide guitar is weird, the occasional singing in a non-English language is weird. None of this makes sense. And yet it worked for me. Not quite enough to excuse the Almost Famous cover here blurring out the entire rhythm section. But it worked.

Solid new wave vibes.

Not bad. Just not for me

A rather diverse album that's good all around which is quite an accomplishment when playing so many different styles.

Very interesting listen, have never heard of this band before and I found it quite enjoyable. Seems that their sound inspired a few of the newer bands of that region.

While I am aware of how popular New Wave became, it never liked it, and still don't. I appreciate it a little more in my older years, but it still does nothing for me. This album has a few moments of catchy melodies, but still not my thing. After this listen, probably won't revisit.

Such a weird sound; Mike Peck is intrigued.

80s cliché. One or two good songs

Pretty good. Some great bangers, but also some fairly forgettable songs. Still enjoyable though. I dont get why new wave albums have such low ratings on this website, I generally find new wave to be an inoffensive genre. I get not liking new wave, but I find it difficult to understand how someone could hate it with a passion.

Rip it up is not so bad. Pretty chill A million pleading faces is good. I like I can't help myself Hokoyo is fun

I believe there is a good reason I’ve never heard of this band.

That was not very good. I liked the first song but it fell off hard after that.

1st song excellent/ the rest mediocre

Phew! There are lots of eighties albums that just haven’t stood the test of time. Orange Juice’s "Rip It Up" has it all: thin production, questionable sounds and strange lyrics. Not to mention Edwyn Collins, a singer with a distinctive voice that people either love or hate. And, as you've probably guessed: I find this drivel unbearable. Coupled with the lacklustre production, the album is a very good example of something that was popular in its day but is now close to be unlistenable.

Nope.

A strange and discordant mix of different genres. Not good.

This album hasn't aged particularly well. Most of the songs are forgettable and the singers voice is as thin and weak as a sheet of tissue paper. Really the star of the show is Zeke Manyika who provides super unique vocals and drum work that elevates this a tad, but not enough to stand the test of time as essential. 2.4/5 -> 2/5

Es como una ensalada Waldorf. Una mezcla de cosas que por separado van muy bien pero que juntas acá no va, pero aún así hay gente de gustos raros que la elige...

Not particularly memorable.

Pretty meh.

I am a big fan of mid 90s rock. There are absolutely albums I recommend to people all the time that I think are forgotten classics, things that got barely any play and deserved better. I see more than my fair share of nostalgia acts that I didn't get to see growing up in that era. But loving Marcy Playground's debut doesn't mean that, if writing about the thousand most essential listening experiences out there, I would include it. Some albums, I might, but they'd need to feel really special, really worth it. This is to say: Orange Juice feels like an inclusion from someone who loved 80s new wave but didn't have any sense of editing. From the lead single of Rip it Up, which I only know from some of the more obscure 80s playlists I've found (and definitely wouldn't have had a name for until now) onward to Tenterhook, nothing feels distinctive. It's a pastiche of a little of everything we think of in New Wave. The lead single starts with synth bass that sounds like it is, indeed, being channeled through Orange juice, kinda squelchy above anything else. I can't help myself brings in what to me feels like the distinctly 80s sex solo. Shattered throughout there is plenty of Uncomfortable White British Reggae and Afrobeat flourishes. Lead singer Edwyn Collins would, over a decade later, get his biggest single, at least in the US, with A Girl Like You, iconic in its vibes thrown back even further to a romanticized 60s via the 70s. It's such a complete song, fuzzed and psyched out. Simple enough to sing along, but complex enough that it sounded musically compelling. Its anachronism set it apart from the rest of the mid-90s, which is one of the reasons I love the era… it felt like so many different ideas were percolating under the relatively meaningless banner of Alternative Rock. I am less enthused by the relative flatness that early synths gave the 80s, though, and this feels wildly inessential generic 80s, something you hear intuitively at a club and then forget ever existed. High 2*

Good sax on I can't help myself. Morrissey? This singer is the Normand L'Amour of Scotland.

At first I thought they was stealing from black ppl, but after some research they havent lied about their influences so ig they ight

weird but fine

The two big singles are bangers. everything else is a little bit 80's bland for my taste so only a 2... not quite a 3

Not incompetent but forgettable. Doesn't need to be on the list.

Not the worst for the bloated amount of New Wave we have had to edure. Even interesting at times. Just doesn't feel like required listening.

My rating 2.3. A million pleading faces and Can’t help myself are great. The rest of the album is mostly crap.

oh shit dude, it's british pop again

Eh, it’s fine, nothing special to me. 2 stars

Edwyn Collins and his mates with their bog standard bland and inoffensive 80s pop. The lead single is quite catchy, but the album as a whole is not particularly memorable.

This is a solid album with a really nice funk-post-punk aura that I enjoyed quite a bit. While listening I felt upbeat and groovy, especially thanks to the cool, bouncy basslines and the interesting, slightly quirky vocals that Edwyn Collins brings. Standout tracks like “Rip It Up,” “Breakfast Time,” and “I Can’t Help Myself” are genuinely good — catchy, fun, and full of that bright Scottish indie charm the band is known for. The overall energy and style work well. My only real issue is that most songs follow the same pattern: they start strong and promising, but then kind of fall into the same repetitive ending that drags on a bit too long. After a while it becomes predictable and tiring, which stops the album from being great and keeps it at “solid.” Still, it’s a charming record with plenty of personality. If you like that early 80s jangly funk-post-punk sound, it’s definitely worth hearing. Not flawless, but very likeable.

This was a truly confounding album. It wants to be ska, reggae, new wave, and possibly pop? And I couldn’t for the life of me decipher any of the lyrics

It was alright, nothing special. Sounds like a lot of 80s bands.

Nothing special here. Actually found myself a little annoyed at times thinking a would be a little bit like Little Richard's song Rip It Up. It wasn't close and this wasn't very entertaining either. I've heard worse, but this isn't anything I'll be revisiting. 2

No private session used on Spotify. Didn't know what I was getting into here, but hey they are going to Rip It Up. Rooted firmly in 80's keyboard heavy mellow rock. I liked some of the guitar work but wasn't a fan of the singer's Roxy Music voice. No more Orange Juice, please.

eh

It's pretty standard New Wave. If you like that style you'll love it. As I am not a fan of New Wave/Post Punk it sounds like every other album in that genre. If there are differences that set them apart I'm not hearing it. It just sounds like the others. Well these kids have an accent, I don't feel like that counts though. Alright I listened to the entire album. No clue why this was on the list. It's not groundbreaking, it's kinda boring and just there. No Harry Belafonte on the list but we have whatever this is!

I am not a fan of this era of music.

It was a decent 80s album. There were some unique blend of blues into it.

This is a band called Orange Juice with a song called Breakfast Time!? At least the songs sound somewhat different. Reggae influence with a light splattering of punk & quite a bit of ska. Weird faux Elvis lounge singger voice in a few songs that can be off putting. Horns are nice & some of the songs drag. The cover: I was not aware that OJ Simpson had enough time during his football career to be the drummer for a punk band with young Tim Roth, Jon Crier & Time traveling Devon Sawa. 2

*1982. Scottish post-punk. *Not horrible, but it definitely sounds like a young garage band doing a low production album. *I've tried listening to this a couple times, and just instantly forget what I listened to. RATING - 5.5/10

It was ok. Poor vocals, blends together by the end. Standout songs: Breakfast time I Cant Help Myself

Mildly interesting at best, cheesy at worst. You can die without this one.

I listened to it. Kind of enjoyed it, but also forgot it.

Meh.

Wikipedian mukaan tämä on post-punkkia, mutta kyllä tää lähentelee enemmän poppia. Ei oikein resonoinut mitenkään.

I wanted to like it but I'm not a big fan of the way the singer warbles. I'd much rather listen to Talk Talk or Tears for Fears.

Not very good...

Sounds like men at work but not as good

The global reviews are right. This is just thrown out talking head tracks and they're pretty boring. Noting too negative but i do not see the use on this list. 2 feels harsh but get it outta here Favorite Track: I Can't Help Myself

Rip it up, a million pleading faces, turn away. A few good songs but nothing memorable.

Great opening track, meh for the rest.

I never really got into this. Oh well.

Pretty regular 80's Indie. I don't recognize any of these songs, nor does it seem to be particularly influential, nor any of the band's members went on to do anything remarkable. That begs the question: Why is this here? Were Orange Juice NME buzz band of the week back in '82? Was NME already even a thing back then? Key tracks: Rip It Up

Chiar îi fain

Was zum Fick war das? Etwas unterm Durchschnitt.

Stark angefangen und noch stärker nachgelassen

forgettable

A lot of these keyboard-driven, new wave albums are interesting to listen to in regards to how these groups utilize the keyboard/synth. You can tell the title track was the big hit here, as the synth that's so prominently featured sounds almost...juicy? It's pretty delectable to listen to, paired with the catchy melodies. The rest of the album? Nothing noteworthy. Guess I'll toss this onto the 80's post-punk/new wave pile of albums that has accumulated in the corner of my room like dirty laundry.

nondescript 80's band. Wish there was something to enjoy. Not even worth a punny comment on the name...

Review - I just don't like the singer. No matter how many tracks I listened to he never grew on me. I know it's a choice but I just don't like it. The music's just ok. I really can't see anything special about this album or band. Review - 4.5/10 Need to listen? NO

#873. This is like David Bowie you got off Temu. 2/5: meh

Still trying to figure out how this style of singing was so popular in the 80's.

I got as far as "breeaaakfast tiiiime, breeaakfaaast tiiime."

Overrated jangly pop

I'm in the middle of this album and I am so bored. I can't... Too inconspicuous.

How many more post-punk/new-wave albums do I need to review? It seems I get one every week. "Rip It Up" happens to be this week's one. Most of its songs are paint-by-the-numbers post-punk. I have no idea how people managed to survive the 1980s. 2 stars for "Rip It Up".

Opening track was quite decent. Didn't hook onto anything after that.

Bowie-esque? Can't say it really worked for me though.

I did not enjoy this album. This will be another one and done and forget the name. A true neverwas

After I saw the comment about the cruise ship band playing Talking Heads songs, I really couldn't listen objectively.

In a nutshell: if Chic tried post-punk. Crooner baritone. A little bit ska, pop, post-punk and new wave. Title track is a banger. Somehow I Can't Help Myself reminded me of Depeche Mode's Just Can't Get Enough. It's one of those albums that needs repeat listens to appreciate. It's fine. Not sure if it's essential listening as an album. PS. If the frontman sounds familiar, he also performed the 90’s hit A Girl Like You. Overall: 4/10

Absolument nul à chier

Instrumentals are fine, but I really don’t like the singer’s voice (just mine personal opinion). Over all nothing special.

Apart from the title track which I seem to remember was a bit of a hit back in the day, this album is largely forgettable, not sure what warrants it being in this list.

Lol gtfo with this 2/5

Not unlistenable but I didn’t like the vocals

- 0 nummers toegevoegd aan MMMM - 0 nummers al toegevoegd aan MMMM

Orange juice in the kitchennnn

I hadn't heard of Orange Juice, but when I looked up the info on the album, I thought I might like it because of the genre and when it was released. After listening to the title track, it did sound a bit familiar to me, so I've probably heard it at some point. I also had high hopes for the album after listening to the title track, but it went downhill from there. From what I read, the band was a one hit wonder, and even that hit wasn't very big and only really in the UK. Honestly, not surprising. There was some potential on a few of the songs, but the whole thing just fell flat for me. Not sure how this made the list, but I wouldn't have included it. Just not a memorable album.

Didn't love this one, felt like it was ripping off some other 80's bands and was pretty unessential

It felt mundane. Favourite track: Flesh Of My Flesh

Just not for me I think

A confusing mix of afro beats and pop ballads, but I really dig the instrumentation. Breakfast time was weird as shit with that ragae beat. I probably won't listen to the album as a whole again, but A Million Pleading Faces, Mud on your Eye, and I can't Help Myself will stay in rotation

Weird

Not good but not the worst of the worst either.