Malice in Wonderland cover

Malice in Wonderland

Nazareth

Album 1980

About this album

Sound: "A blend of raucous hard rock and melodic balladry, showcasing Nazareth's gritty yet heartfelt sound."

Where they were

Released in January 1980, 'Malice in Wonderland' was Nazareth's ninth studio album, following their commercial peak with 'No Mean City' in 1979. At this point, the band had solidified their status in the hard rock scene, but they were also facing increasing competition as musical trends began to shift in the early '80s.

Why it matters

'Malice in Wonderland' features the hit single 'Holiday,' which became a staple on rock radio and contributed to the band's continued popularity. The album's mix of hard rock and more introspective tracks demonstrated their versatility, influencing a generation of rock bands emerging during that era.

Essential tracks

  • "Holiday" — The lead single that captures the carefree spirit of rock music, with an infectious chorus that's hard to forget.
  • "Fallen Angel" — 'Fallen Angel' showcases Nazareth's ability to balance heavy riffs with poignant lyrics, making it a standout track on the album.
  • "Showdown at the Border" — This track combines storytelling with driving rhythms, highlighting Nazareth's knack for narrative songwriting within their heavy rock framework.

Release Date

January 1, 1980

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 Holiday 3:40
  2. 2 Showdown at the Border 4:12
  3. 3 Talkin’ to One of the Boys 4:13
  4. 4 Heart’s Grown Cold 4:15
  5. 5 Fast Cars 4:38
  6. 6 Big Boy 3:39
  7. 7 Talkin’ ’Bout Love 3:59
  8. 8 Fallen Angel 4:44
  9. 9 Ship of Dreams 4:09
  10. 10 Turning a New Leaf 3:53