Description

Starship – No Protection – Vinyl Record

No Protection is the second studio album by the American rock band Starship, released on July 27, 1987. Starship, which evolved from the earlier bands Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, embraced a more pop-oriented sound in the 1980s. ‘No Protection’ is best known for containing one of the band’s biggest hits, ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,’ which became a defining song of the decade.

The album featured the #1 hit Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, and the Top 10 hit Its Not Over (Til Its Over). With the departure of longtime bassist Pete Sears, Starship was reduced to a quartet for this effort. In addition, this was the final Starship album to feature Grace Slick on vocals; she rejoined Jefferson Airplane for their reunion two years later.

Tracklist and Themes

Beat Patrol – (4:26) A lively, energetic track with a strong pop-rock beat and catchy hooks.
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – (4:29) The album’s biggest hit, this power ballad became a massive success, celebrated for its uplifting lyrics about unwavering love and determination. It was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1987 film Mannequin.
It’s Not Over (‘Til It’s Over) – (3:54) A motivational anthem about perseverance and not giving up, with an upbeat, driving rhythm.
Girls Like You – (4:15) A song about romantic attraction and the irresistible qualities of certain women, set to a catchy, mid-tempo beat.
Wings of a Lie – (4:59) A more introspective track dealing with themes of deceit and emotional conflict.
The Children – (5:42) A socially conscious song reflecting on the future and the legacy left for the next generation, with a hopeful yet cautionary tone.
I Don’t Know Why – (4:15) A track about confusion and uncertainty in relationships, featuring a strong melodic hook.
Transatlantic – (4:03) A song about long-distance love and the challenges it brings, with a smooth, melodic arrangement.
Babylon – (4:33) A track with darker themes, exploring the idea of societal decay and the fall of civilizations, set against a dramatic backdrop of synthesizers and guitars.

No Protection is heavily influenced by the pop rock and AOR styles that were popular in the mid-to-late 1980s, with polished production, strong melodies, and anthemic choruses. The production makes extensive use of synthesizers, paired with electric guitars, to create a lush, radio-friendly sound. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now exemplifies the power ballad style that was prevalent in the 1980s, with its emotive lyrics, soaring vocals, and dramatic instrumentation. Many of the songs are built around catchy, memorable hooks designed for mainstream radio appeal.

No Protection’was commercially successful, largely due to the massive popularity of ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,’ which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-selling singles of 1987. The album received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its polished pop-rock sound and others viewing it as formulaic compared to the band’s earlier, more adventurous work. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was well-received by fans who enjoyed its catchy, radio-friendly tracks and the band’s embrace of the pop-rock sound.

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now remains one of Starship’s most recognizable songs and is frequently associated with 1980s pop culture. The album continues to be appreciated by fans of 1980s pop rock, and its songs are regularly included in retro playlists and compilations. No Protection represents a significant point in Starship’s evolution, highlighting their full transition from the more experimental rock of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship to a mainstream pop-rock band.

No Protection by Starship is a quintessential 1980s pop-rock album that captures the band’s transition into mainstream success with its polished production, catchy melodies, and anthemic power ballads. While ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ is the standout track that propelled the album to commercial success, the rest of the album offers a mix of upbeat rockers and reflective ballads that showcase Starship’s ability to create memorable pop music. Despite mixed critical reception, ‘No Protection’ remains an important entry in Starship’s discography and a beloved album for fans of 1980s pop rock.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with promo punch in jacket

RCA Records

Track Listing
Beat Patrol
Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now
Its Not Over (Til Its Over)
Girls Like You
Wings of a Lie
The Children
I Don’t Know Why
Transatlantic
Babylon
Set The Night To Music