Description
Gary Numan – Strange Charm – Compact Disc
Gary Numan’s Strange Charm, released in 1986, is a notable album in his synth-pop and new wave catalog, combining darker industrial tones with the characteristic synth-driven sound that made Numan a pioneer of electronic music. Coming at a time when Numan’s commercial popularity was waning, Strange Charm marked an era of experimentation and stylistic shifts, influenced by everything from synth-pop to funk and early industrial music. This album is both a reflection of Numan’s established sound and an exploration of darker, more complex themes and textures, showing his adaptability in a rapidly changing music landscape.
1986’s STRANGE CHARM may be Gary Numan’s most commercial album-even more so than THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE, which spawned the seemingly deathless hit single ‘Cars.’ And while CHARM hasn’t penetrated beyond Numan’s small but devoted cult following, it nonetheless contains some of his finest work. The only Numan album that seems consciously geared toward the commercial marketplace, STRANGE CHARM lives up to its title.
The album hits a nice balance between chilly synthesizers and atmospheric guitars, at times sounding a bit like Joy Division or the moodier, pre-‘I Melt With You’ Modern English. Single ‘My Breathing’ and the sarcastic ‘New Thing from London Town’ are particularly excellent. ‘Unknown and Hostile’ features a surprisingly jagged guitar solo that recalls the post-punk desperation of Numan’s first band, Tubeway Army. This reissue adds five bonus tracks.
Strange Charm mixes moody, synthesizer-heavy tracks with rhythmic, funk-influenced beats and layered electronic textures. While still rooted in the synth-pop that Numan helped define in the late 70s and early 80s, the album introduces a heavier, more atmospheric tone. Tracks like “My Breathing” showcase cinematic, ambient elements, while songs like “New Thing from London Town” bring in funk rhythms and a more aggressive sound. The instrumentation includes the extensive use of analog synthesizers, drum machines, and guitar, with a few tracks featuring saxophone and other unique sonic textures that add depth to the soundscape.
Lyrically, Strange Charm dives into themes of alienation, self-reflection, and societal critique, aligning with Numan’s fascination with dystopian and introspective narratives. Numan’s lyrics reflect a sense of isolation, disillusionment, and searching, often exploring the darker sides of fame and identity. This introspective quality, coupled with Numan’s distinctive vocal style—detached, haunting, and vulnerable—adds emotional weight to the album’s moody atmosphere.
Notable Tracks
‘My Breathing’ – Opening the album with an epic, seven-minute track, “My Breathing” sets a haunting tone, with atmospheric synths and a cinematic feel. The song’s ambient backdrop and layered production create a deeply immersive listening experience, and it stands as one of the album’s most experimental tracks.
‘New Thing from London Town’ – A collaboration with Bill Sharpe of Shakatak, this track infuses funk rhythms and upbeat, driving synths into Numan’s electronic style. With catchy hooks and a more dance-oriented feel, it’s one of the album’s more accessible tracks.
‘I Can’t Stop’ – Known for its energetic beat and catchy chorus, “I Can’t Stop” mixes pop sensibilities with Numan’s signature synth-driven sound. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with the album’s darker themes, adding variety to the tracklist.
‘Strange Charm’ – The title track is a standout, bringing together Numan’s introspective lyrics with an intense, industrial-inspired sound. Its driving beat and layered synths create a dark, complex atmosphere, encapsulating the album’s overall theme.
‘The Need’ – With its deep, resonant synth lines and haunting melodies, “The Need” is one of the album’s darker, more introspective tracks. The minimalist instrumentation allows Numan’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, capturing the sense of alienation and yearning that runs through the album.
‘This Is Love’ – This track brings a softer, more reflective sound, with lyrics exploring themes of vulnerability and longing. The production leans towards a ballad style, blending soft synths and delicate vocals, providing a contrast to the album’s more intense songs.
Strange Charm was produced by Numan and his longtime collaborator Bill Sharpe, known for his work with the British jazz-funk band Shakatak. The album’s production is polished yet retains a dark, atmospheric quality that adds to its introspective tone. The layered synths, ambient effects, and textured rhythms reflect Numan’s interest in expanding his sound while staying true to the electronic roots he helped establish. The album benefits from its clean, sophisticated production, which balances the intensity of the synths with the melodic and lyrical depth of each track.
Strange Charm received mixed reviews upon release, as critics were divided on Numan’s move towards a darker, industrial-tinged sound. Though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of his earlier albums, it has since gained recognition among fans for its adventurous spirit and innovative production. Strange Charm reflects Numan’s willingness to evolve as an artist, blending his established electronic style with elements of funk and industrial music that would become more influential in the following decades.
Strange Charm has grown in esteem as a cult favorite within Numan’s discography, appreciated by fans of electronic music for its ambitious blend of sounds and themes. It serves as a transitional piece in his career, bridging his earlier synth-pop success with the darker, more industrial sound he would fully embrace in the 90s. For listeners exploring Numan’s body of work, Strange Charm offers a unique perspective on his adaptability and his continued influence on electronic and industrial music.
This 1999 reissue contains five bonus tracks not on the original release.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Cleopatra Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic but small promo hole in bar code
Song List
1. My Breathing
2. Unknown And Hostile
3. Sleeproom, The
4. New Thing From London Town
5. I Can’t Stop
6. Strange Charm
7. Need, The
8. This Is Love
9. New Thing From London Town – (12′ version)
10. Time To Die – (‘New Thing’ B-side)
11. I Can’t Stop – (10′ version)
12. Faces – (‘I Can’t Stop’ B-side)
13. Survival – (‘This Is Love’ B-side)
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