Blondie - AutoAmerican (LP) - EXC/VG+

"AutoAmerican," Blondie's fifth studio album, released in 1980, is a fascinating departure from the band's punk and new wave roots, showcasing an eclectic mix of genres and styles that reflect the band's adventurous spirit and musical versatility. This album, which includes the chart-topping hits "The Tide is High" and "Rapture," is a testament to Blondie's ability to transcend musical boundaries and embrace a wide array of influences, from reggae to rap, jazz, and pop.

"The Tide is High," originally a 1967 rocksteady song by The Paragons, is transformed by Blondie into a reggae-infused pop track, highlighting Debbie Harry's distinctive vocal style and the band's knack for reimagining and revitalizing music from different genres. The song's breezy, laid-back vibe, combined with its catchy melody and chorus, helped it secure a spot at the top of the charts, further cementing Blondie's status as pop innovators.

"Rapture," on the other hand, stands out as one of the first major pop songs to incorporate elements of rap and hip-hop, genres that were still emerging at the time. Its blend of disco-inspired beats, funk basslines, and Harry's rap section not only showcases the band's willingness to experiment but also their foresight in recognizing and incorporating emerging musical trends. This track's success played a role in bringing hip-hop culture to a wider audience, highlighting Blondie's influence beyond the confines of punk and new wave.

Beyond these hits, "AutoAmerican" is characterized by its genre diversity. Tracks like "Europa" and "Faces" delve into experimental and atmospheric territories, with orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics that add depth and complexity to the album. "Here's Looking at You" and "The Hardest Part" reflect the band's roots in punk and new wave, while "T-Birds" and "Walk Like Me" showcase a rockabilly and more straightforward rock influence, respectively.

The production of "AutoAmerican" is polished and sophisticated, with producer Mike Chapman helping to navigate the album's diverse soundscapes and ensuring that the eclectic mix of styles coalesces into a coherent whole. The album's expansive sound is a departure from the raw energy of Blondie's earlier work, demonstrating the band's growth and evolution as musicians.

Critically, "AutoAmerican" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some praised the band's bold experimentation and genre-hopping, while others criticized it for lacking the cohesive identity and punk edge of their previous albums. Despite these mixed assessments, the album's commercial success and the enduring popularity of tracks like "The Tide is High" and "Rapture" attest to its impact and the lasting appeal of Blondie's adventurous musical spirit.

In retrospect, "AutoAmerican" can be seen as a pivotal moment in Blondie's career, a daring exploration of new musical landscapes that perhaps foreshadowed the band's subsequent hiatus and solo projects. The album's legacy lies in its demonstration of the band's willingness to push boundaries and its role in popularizing new musical genres, making it a significant, if at times polarizing, chapter in the story of one of pop music's most iconic bands.