About this album
Where they were
Released in January 1980, 'Autoamerican' was Blondie's fifth studio album, following their hugely successful 'Parallel Lines'. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with diverse genres, striving to maintain their commercial momentum and artistic relevance amidst the changing music landscape of the late 70s and early 80s.
Why it matters
This album features the chart-topping single 'The Tide Is High', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Blondie's ability to blend reggae influences into mainstream pop. Additionally, 'Rapture' is notable for being one of the first songs to incorporate rapping into a pop context, further solidifying Blondie's role as innovators within the new wave movement.
Essential tracks
- "The Tide Is High" — 'The Tide Is High' highlights Blondie's successful fusion of reggae and pop, becoming a defining hit that showcased their versatility.
- "Rapture" — 'Rapture' is significant for its pioneering incorporation of rap into mainstream music, reflecting the genre's emerging influence in the early 80s.
- "Live It Up" — 'Live It Up' encapsulates the celebratory spirit of the album with its infectious energy and danceable rhythm, representing the disco influence.
Release Date
January 1, 1980
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Europa 3:31
- 2 Live It Up 4:09
- 3 Here's Looking at You 2:58
- 4 The Tide Is High 4:39
- 5 Angels on the Balcony 3:47
- 6 Go Through It 2:40
- 7 Do the Dark 3:51
- 8 Rapture 6:30
- 9 Faces 3:51
- 10 T-Birds 3:56
- 11 Walk Like Me 3:44
- 12 Follow Me 3:01
- 13 Rapture (Special disco mix) 9:57
- 14 Live It Up (Special disco mix) 8:13
