About this album
Where they were
The Fine Art of Surfacing was The Boomtown Rats' third studio album, released after their breakthrough hit 'I Don’t Like Mondays'. By this point in their career, they had solidified their presence in the post-punk scene, building on the success of their previous records while exploring more polished production techniques.
Why it matters
This album is significant for its commercial success, particularly with the single 'I Don’t Like Mondays', which topped charts in multiple countries. It sparked discussions around censorship and the media's role in sensationalizing violence, making it a culturally impactful work during a tumultuous era in the late 1970s.
Essential tracks
- "I Don’t Like Mondays" — This track became an anthem of disillusionment, reflecting societal apathy toward violence and capturing widespread media attention upon release.
- "Diamond Smiles" — 'Diamond Smiles' showcases the band's art punk edge with its catchy chorus and biting lyrics about superficiality and disillusionment in contemporary society.
- "Someone’s Looking at You" — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and themes of paranoia and scrutiny, embodying the band's signature sound.
Release Date
October 5, 1979
Artist Origin
Ireland
Tracklist
- 1 Someone’s Looking at You 4:23
- 2 Diamond Smiles 3:49
- 3 Wind Chill Factor (Minus Zero) 4:36
- 4 Having My Picture Taken 3:19
- 5 Sleep (Finger’s Lullaby) 5:04
- 6 I Don’t Like Mondays 4:18
- 7 Nothing Happened Today 3:19
- 8 Keep It Up 3:39
- 9 Nice ’n’ Neat 2:51
- 10 When the Night Comes 4:57
