The Raven (The Stranglers album)

The Raven is the fourth studio album by British rock band The Stranglers, released in 1979. It marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, incorporating more sophisticated arrangements, synthesizers, and diverse lyrical themes compared to their earlier, more punk-oriented work.

The album was recorded at TW Studios in Fulham, London. Production was handled by Alan Winstanley and Steve Churchyard, who had previously worked with the band on their earlier albums. The album's cover art, featuring a raven perched atop a globe, reflects the album's broader thematic scope.

The Raven explores a range of subjects, including Viking history ("The Raven"), genetic engineering ("Genetic Engineering"), heroin addiction ("Dead Loss Angeles"), and political commentary ("Nuclear Device"). It also features instrumental tracks like "Baroque Bordello." The album is notable for its use of a Roland SH-09 synthesizer, which became a prominent feature of The Stranglers' sound during this period.

Several singles were released from the album, including "Duchess," a commercially successful track known for its melodic qualities, and "Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus)," a more politically charged song reflecting concerns about nuclear proliferation. "Don't Bring Harry" was also released as a single, though it was not included on the original UK release of The Raven.

The Raven received generally positive reviews upon its release and is considered by many fans and critics to be one of The Stranglers' finest albums. Its blend of punk energy, art-rock influences, and diverse lyrical content solidified The Stranglers' reputation as a band willing to experiment and evolve beyond the confines of traditional punk rock. The album charted in the UK, reaching number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. It has been reissued several times, often including bonus tracks and extended versions.