Ammonia Avenue (1984)
I was in complete shock and disarray reading some of the community reviews of this album… Put some DAMN respect on Ammonia Avenue!
I’m at a loss for words because Ammonia Avenue is, without a doubt, one of The Alan Parsons Project’s greatest works up to this point—if not the best. It’s absolutely gorgeous and, without question, a No Skip Album. The band is now 5 for 6 in the NSA department, and I keep wondering: how much longer can they keep this momentum going?
Ammonia Avenue is the band’s seventh studio album, released in 1984, and continues their tradition of exploring deep conceptual themes. This time around, they dive into the ideas of urban decay and societal decline. Pretty woke stuff, honestly.
The opening track, Prime Time, sets the tone perfectly with lyrics that critique our obsession with fame and success—no matter the cost. This theme carries through into songs like Let Me Go Home, a moving narrative about a homeless man begging for change, and Don’t Answer Me, which reflects on unrequited love and the universal sting of rejection.
Let it be known, right here and now: Don’t Answer Me is one of the greatest songs ever written. Period. It’s beautiful, catchy, vibrant, instantly recognizable, and timeless. If there’s one takeaway from this review, let it be that.
Also—don’t let anyone slander You Don’t Believe. That song kicks ass. And if you don’t think so? You’re in denial. History will forget you and your subpar music opinions!
Like all their previous records, Ammonia Avenue includes an instrumental, and this time it’s Pipeline—which easily deserves a place as the best instrumental the band has ever produced. It narrowly beats out Sirius from Eye in the Sky. If your jaw doesn’t drop while listening to Pipeline, you might not be listening to music the right way.
Another standout is Since the Last Goodbye, a heartfelt ballad about lost love and heartbreak. And the title track, Ammonia Avenue, closes the record with a haunting meditation on environmental destruction and pollution. The synth-heavy production and atmospheric mood feel like a warning shot about neglecting our planet—and nearly 40 years later, we’re still not listening.
*big sigh*
Anyway, Ammonia Avenue is another incredibly thoughtful concept record that confronts both the societal and environmental issues of its time—which, sadly, are still relevant today. The Alan Parsons Project’s consistency is unreal, and this album is an absolute must-listen. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just someone interested in thought-provoking music, Ammonia Avenue is 40 minutes of pure emotion, reflection, and perfection.
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Highlight Songs:
Don’t Answer Me
Prime Time
Dancing on a High Wire
Pipeline
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Read this review and no others, don’t let them turn you away! Ammonia Avenue is a mid-80s light progrock masterpiece. Buy it. Sleep with it. Cook it dinner and treat it like family. Maybe even like a romantic partner. You dog, you. This is a mesmerizingly beautiful record and it deserves nothing but love and admiration.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
