DUKE

8th October 1980

Remain in Light

Talking Heads

Remain in Light

Remain in Light dropped in 1980, right after Talking Heads had already started turning heads with their quirky, cerebral brand of new wave. This was the point where they really exploded creatively, teaming up with Brian Eno to push their sound into bold, rhythmic, and slightly hypnotic territory. It’s that album where you can hear a band breaking the rules of rock while still making something irresistibly fun to listen to.

The vibe is hard to pin down – it’s funky, it’s weird, it’s hypnotic, and it’s deeply rhythmic. African polyrhythms, danceable grooves, and Eno’s studio wizardry combine to create this swirling, almost trance-like feel. Everything loops and layers in a way that keeps your ears busy without ever feeling cluttered. It’s pop music that makes you think and move at the same time.

Songs like “Once in a Lifetime” are iconic for a reason – catchy yet strangely unsettling – while “The Great Curve” and “Crosseyed and Painless” hit with this relentless energy that makes you want to dance and analyze lyrics simultaneously. Even the album’s flow feels like one long, immersive ride.

What makes Remain in Light worth spinning decades later is that it still feels fresh. Those rhythms, textures, and that fearless mix of fun and experimentation haven’t aged a bit. It’s the kind of record that grabs your attention, makes your head nod, and rewards repeat listens with new details every time. It’s funky, strange, and absolutely alive – Talking Heads at their adventurous best.

Side 1

  • Born under punches (The heat goes on)
  • Crosseyed and painless
  • The great curve
  • Once in a lifetime

Side 2

  • Houses in motion
  • Seen and not seen
  • Listening wind
  • The overload

AOTY Scores

010097Critic Score
0200187Combined
010090User Score