Feature Photo: David Fowler / Shutterstock.com
If you ever heard the music, or should we say the voice of Lene Lovich, you would have turned your head and said wow, that’s cool. Lene Lovich, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her distinctive voice and eclectic style. She gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with her unique blend of new wave, punk, and gothic rock. Lovich released five studio albums, numerous singles, and compilation albums throughout her career. She achieved significant chart success with her debut single “Lucky Number,” which became a top 10 hit in the UK. Her theatrical performances and quirky style made her a standout figure in the music scene of that era.
LENE LOVICH STUDIO ALBUMS
Stateless
Released 1978
Stateless is the debut studio album by Lene Lovich, released in October 1978 by Stiff Records. The album was recorded at various studios in London, including Pathway Studios. Produced by Les Chappell, the album features a blend of new wave and punk influences, with Lovich’s distinctive voice and innovative songwriting at the forefront. The album includes the hit single “Lucky Number,” which reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and established Lovich as a major new wave artist.
CD Track Listings:
- “Home” – 2:56
- “Sleeping Beauty” – 3:18
- “Lucky Number” – 2:47
- “Too Tender (To Touch)” – 3:14
- “Say When” – 2:49
- “Writing on the Wall” – 3:06
- “Telepathy” – 2:34
- “Momentary Breakdown” – 3:14
- “I Think We’re Alone Now” – 2:46
- “One in 1,000,000” – 2:52
- “Monkey Talk” – 2:35
Flex
Released 1980
Flex is the second studio album by Lene Lovich, released in 1980 by Stiff Records. The album was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and produced by Les Chappell and Roger Bechirian. Flex continues Lovich’s exploration of new wave and post-punk sounds, featuring the single “New Toy,” which became a minor hit. The album showcases Lovich’s experimental approach to music, blending synths and unusual rhythms with her theatrical vocal style.
No Man’s Land
Released 1982
No Man’s Land is Lene Lovich’s third studio album, released in 1982 by Stiff Records. The album was recorded at various studios in London and produced by Les Chappell and Lene Lovich. The album features a mix of gothic rock, new wave, and experimental sounds, reflecting Lovich’s continuing evolution as an artist. The single “It’s You, Only You (Mein Schmerz)” achieved moderate success and further cemented Lovich’s status in the alternative music scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “It’s You, Only You (Mein Schmerz)” – 3:31
- “Blue Hotel” – 4:11
- “Faces” – 4:29
- “Walking Low” – 4:04
- “Special Star” – 3:33
- “Sister Video” – 3:40
- “Maria” – 4:36
- “Savages” – 4:29
- “Rocky Road” – 4:21
- “Little Rivers” – 3:25
March
Released 1989
March is the fourth studio album by Lene Lovich, released in 1989 by Pathfinder Records. The album was recorded at various studios in London and produced by Lene Lovich and Les Chappell. March marked Lovich’s return to the music scene after a hiatus, featuring a more mature sound that incorporated elements of rock, new wave, and pop. The album includes the single “Wonderland,” which showcased Lovich’s distinctive vocal style and lyrical depth.
CD Track Listings:
- “Wonderland” – 3:35
- “United” – 3:37
- “Birdsong” – 3:35
- “Make Believe” – 3:27
- “Natural Beauty” – 3:38
- “Vertigo” – 3:55
- “Details” – 3:52
- “Rage” – 4:05
- “The Wicked Witch” – 3:22
- “Bamboo Table” – 3:54
Shadows and Dust
Released 2005
Shadows and Dust is the fifth studio album by Lene Lovich, released in 2005 by Stereo Society. The album was recorded at The Stereo Society in New York City and produced by Lene Lovich and Mike Thorne. Shadows and Dust marked Lovich’s return to recording after a long hiatus, featuring a darker and more introspective sound. The album explores themes of mortality and human emotion, with Lovich’s distinctive voice and innovative arrangements at the forefront.
CD Track Listings:
- “Craze” – 3:54
- “Shape Shifter” – 3:58
- “Insect Eater” – 3:42
- “Rats” – 3:26
- “God’s Knife” – 4:12
- “Sanctuary” – 4:20
- “Dark Time” – 3:37
- “The Wicked Witch” – 4:22
- “Remember” – 4:01
- “The Insect Eater (Reprise)” – 2:56
LENE LOVICH EPs
New Toy
Released July 1981
New Toy is an EP by Lene Lovich, released in July 1981 by Stiff-Epic. This EP was specifically released for the North American market and features a collection of tracks that highlight Lovich’s eclectic new wave style. The EP was released in 12″ and MC formats, adding to her growing popularity in the United States.
CD Track Listings:
- “New Toy” – 3:19
- “Savages” – 3:52
- “Special Star” – 3:11
- “Never Never Land” – 4:07
- “Cats Away” – 3:44
- “Details” – 3:12
LENE LOVICH LIVE ALBUMS
Live from New York at Studio 54
Released 1981
Live from New York at Studio 54 is a live album by Lene Lovich, released in 1981. The album captures a dynamic performance at the iconic Studio 54 in New York City. This live recording showcases Lovich’s theatrical stage presence and her ability to connect with the audience through her eclectic mix of new wave and punk rock sounds. The album provides a raw and energetic experience, featuring live renditions of her most popular songs from her earlier albums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Details”
- “Joan”
- “Rocky Road”
- “Too Tender (To Touch)”
- “Say When”
- “Lucky Number”
- “New Toy”
- “Bird Song”
- “Angels”
- “Home”
- “One in a Million”
LENE LOVICH COMPILATION ALBUMS
Hotel Blue
Released 1982
Hotel Blue is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in 1982 by Stiff Records. This album was released exclusively in Italy and available in LP format.
Grandes Éxitos / The Hong Kong Collection
Released 1984
Grandes Éxitos / The Hong Kong Collection is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in 1984 by Stiff Records. This compilation was released specifically for the markets in Spain and Hong Kong, available in LP and MC formats.
The Stiff Years Volume One
Released August 1990
The Stiff Years Volume One is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in August 1990 by Great Expectations. This album was released in CD format.
The Stiff Years Volume Two
Released August 1990
The Stiff Years Volume Two is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in August 1990 by Great Expectations. This album was released in CD format.
The Stiff Years
Released 1993
The Stiff Years is a comprehensive compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in 1993 by Disky. This album was a Benelux-only release and was available in a 3xCD format.
The Best of Lene Lovich
Released 1995
The Best of Lene Lovich is a compilation album, released in 1995 by Festival and Castle Communications. This album was available in CD format and released exclusively in Australia and Germany.
The Best of Lene Lovich
Released 1997
The Best of Lene Lovich is another compilation album, released in 1997 by Repertoire. This compilation was available in CD format and released only in Germany.
The Very Best Of
Released May 1997
The Very Best Of is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in May 1997 by Disky. This album was available in CD format and released exclusively in Europe.
Lucky Number – The Best Of
Released August 2004
Lucky Number – The Best Of is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in August 2004 by Metro. This compilation was available in CD format.
Flex001
Released 2013
Flex001 is a comprehensive compilation album by Lene Lovich, released in 2013 by Flex Music. This album was available in a 4xCD format.
Toy Box: The Stiff Years 1978-1983
Released November 24, 2023
Toy Box: The Stiff Years 1978-1983 is a compilation album by Lene Lovich, released on 24 November 2023 by Cherry Red. This comprehensive compilation covers Lovich’s influential years with Stiff Records and includes a variety of tracks from her early career. The album is available in a 4xCD format.