The Fine Art of Surfacing came out in 1979, right when The Boomtown Rats were hitting their stride after their debut. It’s the album that really put them on the map, blending punk energy with a pop sensibility that made them feel both edgy and accessible at the same time. You can hear a band confident in their songwriting, ready to play with hooks and attitude without losing any bite.

Sonically, the album is punchy and upbeat, but it’s not just straight punk. There’s a lot of fun in the arrangements – driving guitars, tight rhythm sections, and Bob Geldof’s distinctive vocals that can go from sneering to theatrical in a heartbeat. There’s a sense of controlled chaos that keeps things exciting, with a bit of new wave polish creeping in here and there. It’s energetic, sometimes cheeky, and always entertaining.

Tracks like “I Don’t Like Mondays” show their knack for storytelling, while songs like “Diamond Smiles” and “Like Clockwork” hit with catchy choruses that stick in your head. Even the deeper cuts have that mix of attitude and pop smarts that make the album feel cohesive.

What makes The Fine Art of Surfacing still fun today is how vibrant and unpretentious it feels. It captures a moment in time where punk was branching out but still wanted to have fun, and it’s full of songs that can make you move, sing along, or just appreciate the cleverness of it all. It’s a record that rewards repeated listens without ever feeling stale.