Tender Prey cover

Tender Prey

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · 1988

54 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk · experimental rock

Darkly atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies and profound lyrical narratives.

Why listen to this

Best for
steady mid-tempo atmospheric flow haunting melodies with depth profound narratives for reflection
Context
Released in 1988, 'Tender Prey' marked Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Your Funeral... My Trial.' At this point in his career, Cave was solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in alternative rock, blending gothic elements with raw emotional intensity.
If you like
alternative rock, post-punk, experimental rock
What next
The Good Son — Continues the atmospheric sound with deeper emotional themes and rich melodies.

Tender Prey is an album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, released in 1988. Darkly atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies and profound lyrical narratives. 'Tender Prey' is notable for its critical reception, featuring tracks like 'The Mercy Seat' which has been covered by numerous artists, solidifying its place in rock history. The album's dark themes and complex storytelling contributed significantly to the gothic rock movement of the late 1980s and have influenced countless musicians since. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tender Prey sound like?

Darkly atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies and profound lyrical narratives. Rooted in alternative rock and post-punk. Start with "The Mercy Seat".

Is Tender Prey a good place to start with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds?

Yes, Tender Prey is recommended as a starting point for new Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds listeners. Darkly atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies and profound lyrical narratives. Released in 1988, 'Tender Prey' marked Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Your Funeral... My Trial.' At this point in his career, Cave was solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in alternative rock, blending gothic elements with raw emotional intensity.

Who is Tender Prey for?

Tender Prey works well if you're into steady mid-tempo atmospheric flow, haunting melodies with depth and profound narratives for reflection.

How many songs are on Tender Prey?

Tender Prey has 11 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Tracklist

11 tracks·54:29

New here? Start with The Mercy Seat.

  • 1 The Mercy Seat Start here 7:17
  • 2 Up Jumped the Devil 5:16
  • 3 Deanna Standout 3:45
  • 4 Watching Alice 4:01
  • 5 Mercy 6:22
  • 6 City of Refuge Standout 4:47
  • 7 Slowly Goes the Night 5:23
  • 8 Sunday’s Slave 3:40
  • 9 Sugar Sugar Sugar 5:01
  • 10 New Morning 3:46
  • 11 The Mercy Seat (video mix) 5:05

Release Date

September 19, 1988

Artist Origin

Australia

Runtime

54 min 29 sec