For your pleasure: Ranking Roxy Music’s 10 best songs

Looking back now, over forty years since their last studio album, it’s challenging not to wonder “what could have been?” as you listen to Roxy Music. Amongst the British bands that emerged during the early 1970s, straddling the line between glam, prog, and punk, none displayed such a diverse array of talents as Roxy Music did.

The band was a blend of past, present, and future; they drew inspiration from ’50s dance pop and sometimes delved even further back into music hall traditions, yet they also hinted at the synthesizer-based new wave that was yet to come a full decade later.

In a fashion that defied traditional gender norms, they donned extravagant attire from the era and produced music that resonated with the dance floors of American discos in the late ’70s. At their peak, Roxy Music encompassed a wide array of styles, not just a touch but a significant amount. When they were at their best, Roxy Music was more than a little bit of everything.

Ranking the best songs of Roxy Music

Without being the epitome of mastery, their initial group boasted a fair share of technical prowess. In the beginning, they displayed an innovative spirit that was always on the move, propelling their music into uncharted territories of excitement and delight. The backbone of their sound was the powerful drumming of Paul Thompson, who collaborated with various bass players to ensure even their most daring excursions remained grounded in the realm of rock ‘n’ roll.

In Andy Mackay and Phil Manzanera, there were a saxophonist and guitarist who could adapt their roles from laying down a rhythmic melody in one track to delivering intense, spacey accents in another.

At the helm of the group were two innovative minds: Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry. While Eno was eagerly embracing the ’80s by crafting entire soundscapes with his ingenious use of electronics, Ferry frequently found inspiration in the past, composing much of the band’s songs and developing a contemporary style of rock crooning for his vocal performances that harkened back to earlier eras.

In my opinion, Roxy Music shone brightest at the start, prior to the rift between Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno. According to rock historian Simon Reynolds, Ferry felt threatened by Eno, both professionally and personally, due to their shared roles in Roxy Music. As the primary songwriter and vocalist, Ferry perceived Roxy as his own project, and he resented Eno receiving almost equal media attention and even more adoration from groupies.

Eno departed following the second album or not, Eddie Jobson offered a comparable innovative sound for the subsequent albums. However, it seems that with Eno absent, Ferry’s influence expanded significantly, making Roxy Music more of a lead vocalist/supporting group rather than a true band, as they once were.

Although Ferry occasionally slipped into being overly grandiose, Roxy Music was capable of creating magnificent melodies. Regardless if you appreciate the initial turbulence or the later minimalism, they offer outstanding music across their career span from 1972 to 1982.

Here’s a brief look at their ten greatest songs, in one listener’s opinion…

10. “Over You” (1980)

Roxy’s debut album, titled “Flesh + Blood”, was the first one where Paul Thompson wasn’t behind the drums. Instead, Andy Schwartzberg stepped up and did an admirable job on most tracks. His rhythm is solid, but there’s a noticeable absence of Thompson’s enthusiasm throughout the album. The renditions of “In the Midnight Hour” and “Eight Miles High” retain Bryan Ferry’s signature style, which can sometimes feel somewhat dreamlike. (For comparison, consider how Husker Du reworked the Byrds’ classic a decade later.)

However, when Ferry was penning enchanting, love-laden pop tunes such as “Over You,” subtle drumming wasn’t an issue. The captivating melody beautifully accentuated his vocals, demonstrating expert delivery in this smooth pop domain.

9. “Dance Away” (1979)

On their sixth album titled “Manifesto“, Ferry began splitting songwriting credits more evenly. However, the song “Dance Away” is solely Bryan’s creation. By then, Thompson was already preparing to leave and didn’t contribute to “Dance Away.” Instead, Richard Tee stepped in on keyboards, helping to create another flawless pop melody alongside Ferry.

One of Roxy Music’s most successful tracks, it peaked at number 2 in the UK charts and made it into the top 50 in the U.S., an achievement shared by only two of their singles in America.

8. “More Than This” (1982)

As a diehard fan, I’m reminiscing about the powerful final track from their iconic album, Avalon. This time around, Andy Newmark, a sought-after session drummer, was behind the kit. Interestingly enough, he also played on their live album The High Road in 1983. Continuing his streak of pop masterpieces, “More Than This” features one of Ferry’s finest vocal performances.

Collectively, “Over You,” “Dance Away,” and “More Than This” encapsulate perfectly what Ferry envisioned for the band. Some original fans found these later songs softer in nature and missed the element of surprise that was prevalent in early Roxy Music compositions.

By the time they disbanded, Ferry and his experienced bandmates had reached their peak in creating fresh, seamless pop music. Their top-selling records were their last two albums – “Flesh + Blood” and “Avalon”.

7. “Street Life” (1973)

Roxy Music’s third album, titled “Stranded“, was their initial release to reach the top spot in the UK. This was also their first single following the departure of Brian Eno. Stepping into his shoes capably is synth-expert Eddie Jobson. The album is characterized by its raw noise, powerful drums, occasional horn blasts, and a grittier vocal performance from Ferry compared to what you’d find in later pop hits.

However, the track garnered acclaim for curbing some rebellious elements found in the initial two records. This new style of Sting’s pop music is more assertive, delivering a powerful assault that mirrors the song’s message about the overpowering nature of contemporary life.

The tune was applauded for reining in certain wild aspects from the first two collections. This fresh approach to Sting’s pop sound carries an intense energy, embodying the song’s central idea that modern existence can be overwhelming.

6. “Virginia Plain” (1972)

Kickoff: Roxy Music achieved an unexpected success with this standalone single released in 1972. Climbing up to the fourth spot in the UK charts, it was eventually added as a bonus track to their eponymous debut album towards the end of the same year.

This tune has a catchy, spiky, glitzy melody with a variety of sounds swirling around it. Many of these came from Eno, but Ferry’s keys, Mackay’s horns, and Manzanera’s guitar each add their unique touch. Ferry’s early refined singing style is another sound layer that enhances the overall delightful experience.

5. “Love is the Drug” (1975)

In the United States, “Love is the Drug” was the track that ultimately catapulted Roxy to fame. This tune brilliantly blended British glam with early American disco and peaked at number 30 on the US charts – making it their highest-ranking single across the Atlantic. The song was jointly penned by Mackay, whose sultry saxophone lends it a more smooth, American R&B vibe compared to earlier Roxy songs.

In their prime, John Gustafson, known for his consistency among the frequently changing band members, played the distinctive bass rhythm that was a common dance floor hit during the mid-’70s.

4. “In Every Dream Home a Heartache” (1973)

As a dedicated gamer, I’d say that Roxy Music’s second album, titled “For Your Pleasure,” stands out as their finest masterpiece in my book. However, it’s important to mention that this viewpoint clashes with Mark Coleman from Rolling Stone Magazine, who values their debut and subsequent albums more highly. Despite this disagreement, I firmly believe that “For Your Pleasure” is Roxy Music at their most chaotic, and with Brian Eno fully committed, that’s a positive aspect. This album represents the messiest they ever became, but with Eno on board entirely, that’s a good thing.

“Brian Ferry’s ‘In Every Dream House a Heartache’ stands out as his more progressive work, leaving a lasting impression. The song’s eerie melody and poetic lyrics that delve into contemporary themes weave a jazzy, gothic tapestry. Over the years, it has grown in significance compared to many of Ferry’s subsequent compositions. Despite being half a century old, its freshness endures.

3. “Editions of You” (1973)

On the track “For Your Pleasure,” before “In Every Dream House,” there’s a rock and roll rhythm that just keeps on rolling. Elton John’s piano starts it off, and every musician involved shines. First, the saxophone played by Mackay takes center stage for a solo, followed by Manzanera with his final one. However, Eno’s VCS3 synthesizer creates a colorful, ever-changing landscape right in the heart of it all.

As a music enthusiast, I’d say this rock tune is magnificently adorned with contemporary sonic elements. Beneath the surface, the rhythmic prowess of Thompson on the drums and the versatile John Porter on the bass ensure we stay on course.

Until now, I haven’t delved into Ferry’s lyrical preoccupations, but maybe it’s high time we explore that topic. Similar to “In Every Dream House a Heart Must Break,” a recurring theme in Roxy Music’s early work is the impact of modern technology on society. This exploration revolves around the quest for genuine experiences amidst swift technological advancements and shifting cultural expectations.

Here, the chilling tale of “Dreamhouse” unfolds. The song “Editions of You” explores the interchangeable nature of contemporary minds. The lyrics read, “I’m standing here, peering through an antique frame, waiting for a stunning vistas – I yearn for something extraordinary to enter my life, seeking another captivating version of you.

2. “The Thrill of it All” (1974)

If “For Your Pleasure” isn’t Roxy’s top album, then their fourth album would be titled “Country Life.” It might just be the most intriguing mix of artistic ambition and raw rock and roll. This is particularly evident on the opening track, “The Thrill of It All.

Manzanera’s guitar rhythmically gallops throughout the verse, while the bridge/chorus provides space for Mackay’s jazz-infused horns to soar. Ferry delivers an exceptional vocal performance, striking the perfect balance between his early unconventional phrasing and his later captivating tenor. The composition exudes a symphonic confidence, seamlessly blending softness and power – it’s simply a fantastic rock song.

1. “Re-Make/Re-Model” (1972)

Prior to their debut in the summer of 1972, both “Virginia Plain” and “Pyjamarama” had already been successful singles. However, no songs were released as singles from the album at that time. Later editions included “Virginia Plain,” which became the hit single for the album. The first track listeners would have heard upon its release was “Re-Make/Re-Model,” a song that encapsulated everything about the band from the very beginning.

Starting from vague background noise like chatter at a party, Ferry’s piano establishes a rhythmic pattern that’s reminiscent of a train’s movement. This is followed by horn blasts, swift guitar melodies, and various sounds from Eno that are hard to pinpoint. The song then takes a turn towards hazy introspection, with Ferry’s lively, affected singing narrating a tale that feels familiar yet enigmatic.

The tune expresses the singer’s regret about not making suitable gestures to win a girl over at a gathering, recognizing that he might continue to miss opportunities if he doesn’t change his approach. Additionally, Ferry is delving into the idea that life often recurs and we may all be trapped in a cycle, playing our roles as rats running through mazes without fully understanding the grand design.

This place is boisterous, chaotic, and untidy. Yet, it’s unmistakable and captivating from the get-go. It embodies the peak of Roxy Music’s talent.

This scene is loud, disorderly, and a bit of a mess. But it’s undeniably distinctive and enthralling right off the bat. It encapsulates Roxy Music at their absolute finest.

2025-04-05 16:31

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