The Stranglers – La folie

Album Info

Artist: The Stranglers

Title: La folie

Year: 1981

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Tracklist

  • 1. Non Stop (2:29)
  • 2. Everybody Loves You When You're Dead (2:42)
  • 3. Tramp (3:04)
  • 4. Let Me Introduce You to the Family (3:09)
  • 5. Ain't Nothin' to It (3:58)
  • 6. The Man They Love to Hate (4:21)
  • 7. Pin Up (2:49)
  • 8. It Only Takes Two to Tango (3:41)
  • 9. Golden Brown (3:26)
  • 10. How to Find True Love and Happiness in the Present Day (3:07)
  • 11. La Folie (6:11)
  • 12. Cruel Garden (2:19)
  • 13. Cocktail Nubiles (7:08)
  • 14. Vietnamerica (4:12)
  • 15. Love 30 (4:00)
  • 16. You Hold the Key to My Love in Your Hands (2:40)
  • 17. Strange Little Girl (2:41)

Review

In the annals of music history, many bands endeavor to dance gracefully out of obscurity's shadow, but few waltz with quite the same panache as The Stranglers with "La Folie." Released on November the 9th, 1981, this sixth studio effort was something of a melodic middle finger to their previous commercial setbacks. Collaborating with the sonically savvy Steve Churchyard and the wizard-like Tony Visconti, each track was fine-tuned to rival the likes of charismatic singles. With this ambitious aim, "La Folie" emerged as a vibrant medley, teasing the listener with catchy numbers while swooping into introspection without breaking a sweat.

While "Golden Brown" often steals the spotlight—a single so radiant it nearly singes its peers with its chart stats—it’d be remiss not to give a polite nod to other splendid offerings. "Let Me Introduce You to the Family" brims with charming quirks that would make even the most stony-faced individual crack a smile, and the titular "La Folie" plunges into deeper waters, proving that complexity in music isn't exclusive to the likes of Handel. Despite early murmurings that this might be The Stranglers' swansong in misadventure, history ordained otherwise- evidenced by the album taking a comfortable residence at No. 11 on the UK Albums Chart. Over 18 weeks, it wove its narrative of triumph and adaptation with the cheekiness of a cat burglar escaping through the back window with trophies of critical and commercial success. I'd rate it a delightful 9 out of 10 misplaced berets. - Rupert

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