Talking Heads – Speaking In Tongues

Album Info

Artist: Talking Heads

Title: Speaking In Tongues

Year: 1983

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Tracklist

1. Burning Down the House - 2005 Remaster (4:01)
2. Making Flippy Floppy - 2005 Remaster (5:54)
3. Girlfriend Is Better - 2005 Remaster (5:43)
4. Slippery People - 2005 Remaster (5:06)
5. I Get Wild / Wild Gravity - 2005 Remaster (5:16)
6. Swamp - 2005 Remaster (5:13)
7. Moon Rocks - 2005 Remaster (5:45)
8. Pull up the Roots - 2005 Remaster (5:09)
9. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - 2005 Remaster (4:56)
10. Two Note Swivel - Unfinished Outtake (5:48)
11. Burning Down the House - Alternate Version (5:09)

Review

"Speaking in Tongues" by Talking Heads is a real game-changer. This 1983 gem showcases the band's evolution, blending funk, gospel, and pop into a unique sonic cocktail. The album's spacious sound is a departure from their earlier, denser work, and it's clear they're having a blast experimenting with new textures. Tracks like "Slippery People" and "Swamp" are prime examples of this fresh direction, with guest musicians adding layers of percussion, sax, and synths to the mix.

This album wasn't just a critical darling - it was a commercial hit too. "Burning Down the House" became their first (and only) US top-ten hit, propelling the album to number 15 on the Billboard 200. But it's not all about the charts. "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" is a standout track that showcases the band's softer side. Critics were all over this album, praising its light, bouncy tone and the band's ability to make their sound more accessible without losing their edge. It's no wonder "Speaking in Tongues" made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the best albums of the '80s - it's a true classic that still sounds fresh today. - Karl