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Rating:
THE REVIEW
If Brian Eno's sound hadn't completely taken command over the Talking Heads in Fear Of Music, Remain In Light is the complete turning point. Now the arrangements appear even luxurious and well-studied, in sharp contrast to those of the early albums. The result is astounding, Remain In Light is yet another step forward for the Talking Heads' sound.
The first track, '' Born Under Punches '' is already a whole agenda in itself, characterized by emphatic singing, electronics, choirs, and African rhythms.
The second track might be the best on the whole record, '' Crosseyed And Painless '' perfectly maintains the same adrenaline of the opening track while adding quality to the arrangements. '' The Great Curve '' is also of the same type as the first two: Fast, violent, and difficult to listen to.
We are already at the fourth track, however, it would have been impossible to maintain that pace, and indeed the melody of '' Once In A Lifetime '' appears decidedly more catchy, yet still of excellent quality.
Then it’s the turn of the twins '' Houses In Motion'' and '' Seen And Not Seen'' characterized no longer by a full of emphasis singing but by a barely audible speech and still appealing choirs. The last two tracks '' Listening Wind'' and ''The Overload'' are the most experimental of the record, no longer relying on funky guitar licks or hammering bass, but on backgrounds studied in every detail.
The masterpiece of the Talking Heads owes much to Brian Eno but also to collaborations of the caliber of '' Adrian Belew '' (Who a year later would record another masterpiece, this time with the Crimson, '' Discipline ''.)
Remain In Light is definitely not an easy record but it undoubtedly remains a high-quality album and one of the best rock records ever.
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Summary by Bot
Remain In Light marks a decisive evolution for Talking Heads, guided by Brian Eno’s production and featuring complex arrangements and African rhythms. The album’s tracks blend intensity and melody, with standout songs like 'Born Under Punches' and 'Once In A Lifetime'. Experimental textures and collaborations add depth, cementing its reputation as a high-quality, challenging rock masterpiece.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Talking Heads
Talking Heads were an American band formed in the mid-1970s, known for combining new wave with funk, art-rock experimentation, and sharply observed themes of modern life.19 Reviews
Other reviews
By Cleo
When this came out, it was truly revolutionary!
Remain in Light is to be listened to from start to finish, never randomly; each piece is perfectly linked to the other.
By Mariaelena
Remain in Light is a blend of surrealism in motion, overflowing with the utmost imagination, pure plasmatic schizophrenia.
"I am not crazy, but the others, they are." — Salvador Dalí, perfectly echoing the album's delirious brilliance.
By TelevisionTHMan
Today I will try to review, in my opinion, the best album by the Talking Heads: "Remain in Light."
"I recommend this album to everyone, especially to those who would like to get to know New Wave, or more generally, the Talking Heads."
By deJethro
The incredible musical puzzle that David Byrne and company managed to create has no other examples in musical history.
It’s an extraordinary blend of rock, funk, African polyrhythm, and so much more that it can’t be anything but recommended to every music lover.
By Battlegods
"‘Born Under Punches’ is the archetype of the exciting ‘ethnic rock’ conceived by Byrne and company."
"Belew’s killer solo is the cherry on top… way more than heavy metal!"
