Complete List Of Wire Albums And Songs

Wire: A Musical Legacy

Wire is a British rock band that has been a prominent force in the music industry for over four decades. With a career spanning numerous releases, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music, experimenting with different sounds, styles, and themes. This comprehensive overview covers their discography, from the early days to their most recent releases, providing a deep dive into the band’s musical evolution and artistic direction.

Send (2003)

Released in 2003, Send marks a return to Wire’s more aggressive and raw sound, reminiscent of their earlier punk-influenced work. The album features high-energy tracks that blend minimalist punk with electronic noise elements, showcasing the band’s continued evolution and experimental approach. Produced by Colin Newman and Wire, Send was recorded at Swim Studio in London, England.

Track Listings:

1. "In the Art of Stopping" – 3:34
2. "Mr. Marx’s Table" – 3:02
3. "Being Watched" – 2:57
4. "Comet" – 2:51
5. "The Agfers of Kodack" – 3:12
6. "Nice Streets Above" – 2:46
7. "Spent" – 3:56
8. "Read & Burn" – 2:34
9. "You Can’t Leave Now" – 3:41
10. "Half Eaten" – 1:58
11. "99.9" – 7:44

Object 47 (2008)

Object 47, released in 2008, sees Wire continuing to explore a mix of punk, rock, and electronic sounds. The album focuses on concise songwriting combined with experimental electronic landscapes, featuring accessible yet deeply layered tracks. Produced by Colin Newman, Object 47 was recorded at Swim Studio, refining their approach to digital production and sound design.

Track Listings:

1. "One of Us" – 3:45
2. "Circumspect" – 3:13
3. "Mekon Headman" – 2:58
4. "Perspex Icon" – 3:16
5. "Four Long Years" – 3:46
6. "Hard Currency" – 3:51
7. "Patient Flees" – 5:23
8. "Are You Ready?" – 4:36
9. "All Fours" – 4:06
10. (Hidden Track)

Red Barked Tree (2010)

Red Barked Tree, released in 2011, reverts back to a more traditional rock format, diverging from the electronic-heavy sounds of their previous works. The album blends melodic guitar lines with thoughtful, introspective lyrics, showcasing the band’s versatility and depth. Produced by Colin Newman and recorded at Swim Studio, Red Barked Tree resonates with fans for its blend of classic Wire elements with contemporary influences.

Track Listings:

1. "Please Take" – 3:50
2. "Now Was" – 2:23
3. "Adapt" – 2:51
4. "Two Minutes" – 2:00
5. "Clay" – 3:12
6. "Bad Worn Thing" – 3:33
7. "Moreover" – 4:34
8. "A Flat Tent" – 2:15
9. "Smash" – 3:55
10. "Down to This" – 4:56
11. "Red Barked Trees" – 5:34

Change Becomes Us (2013)

Change Becomes Us, released in 2013, explores unfinished material from their earlier career, reimagined and reworked into new compositions. This approach brings a historical depth to the album, blending past ideas with contemporary production. Produced by Colin Newman, Change Becomes Us was recorded at Rockfield Studios, offering a complex and layered listening experience.

Track Listings:

1. "Doubles & Trebles" – 3:50
2. "Keep Exhaling" – 1:39
3. "Adore Your Island" – 2:45
4. "Re-invent Your Second Wheel" – 3:45
5. "Stealth of a Stork" – 1:54
6. "B/W Silence" – 4:39
7. "Time Lock Fog" – 5:45
8. "Magic Bullet" – 3:41
9. "Eels Sang" – 2:24
10. "Love Bends" – 4:01
11. "As We Go" – 4:36
12. "& Much Besides" – 6:12
13. "Attractive Space" – 3:29

Wire (2015)

Wire, released in 2015, sees the band continuing to refine their sound with a focus on minimalist structures and detailed production. The self-titled album features a collection of succinct tracks that emphasize melody and atmosphere over aggression. Produced by Colin Newman, Wire was recorded at Rockfield Studios, praised for its artistic coherence and seamless integration of electronic and organic sounds.

Track Listings:

1. "Blogging" – 3:23
2. "Shifting" – 2:53
3. "Burning Bridges" – 3:51
4. "In Manchester" – 3:20
5. "High" – 2:56
6. "Sleep-Walking" – 3:27
7. "Joust & Jostle" – 2:12
8. "Swallow" – 4:51
9. "Split Your Ends" – 3:34
10. "Octopus" – 3:01
11. "Harpooned" – 8:18

Nocturnal Koreans (2016)

Nocturnal Koreans, released in 2016, is a mini-album that features more experimental and intricate soundscapes compared to their 2015 self-titled album. It consists of material that originated during the same sessions but was considered too divergent to include on the main album. Produced by Colin Newman, Nocturnal Koreans was recorded at Rockfield Studios, focusing on detailed production and sound exploration.

Track Listings:

1. "Nocturnal Koreans" – 2:50
2. "Internal Exile" – 2:50
3. "Dead Weight" – 3:16
4. "Forward Position" – 3:36
5. "Numbered" – 3:47
6. "Still" – 3:35
7. "Pilgrim Trade" – 4:16
8. "Fishes Bones" – 3:16

Silver/Lead (2017)

Silver/Lead, released in 2017, coincides with the 40th anniversary of their debut performance. This album juxtaposes reflective lyrics with melodic, often somber musical themes, demonstrating the band’s continued relevance and innovation in the post-punk landscape. Produced by Colin Newman and recorded at Rockfield Studios, Silver/Lead is praised for its mature, thoughtful approach to songwriting and production.

Track Listings:

1. "Playing Harp for the Fishes" – 3:14
2. "Short Elevated Period" – 2:54
3. "Diamonds in Cups" – 4:07
4. "Forever & a Day" – 4:05
5. "An Alibi" – 3:17
6. "Sonic Lens" – 3:27
7. "This Time" – 4:16
8. "Brio" – 2:44
9. "Sleep on the Wing" – 3:25
10. "Silver/Lead" – 3:34

Mind Hive (2020)

Mind Hive, released in 2020, is another testament to Wire’s enduring ability to innovate within the rock genre. The album blends melodic rock with electronic elements, creating a sound that is both contemporary and reflective of their extensive legacy. Produced by Colin Newman and recorded at Rockfield Studios, Mind Hive has been praised for its richly textured layers and introspective lyrics, continuing the band’s exploration of new sonic territories.

Track Listings:

1. "Be Like Them" – 3:49
2. "Cactused" – 3:49
3. "Primed and Ready" – 3:28
4. "Off the Beach" – 3:17
5. "Unrepentant" – 4:28
6. "Shadows" – 3:18
7. "Oklahoma" – 3:47
8. "Hung" – 6:59
9. "Humming" – 3:24

10:20 (2020)

10:20, initially intended as a Record Store Day exclusive, features tracks that were previously difficult to fit on earlier albums due to their differing styles or production approaches. The album showcases Wire’s capacity for versatility, with songs that vary in tone and structure, reflecting different phases of their career. Produced by Colin Newman, 10:20 was recorded at various locations, continuing the band’s tradition of evolving their sound and experimenting with new musical ideas.

Track Listings:

1. "Boiling Boy" – 6:23
2. "German Shepherds" – 4:37
3. "He Knows" – 3:27
4. "Underwater Experiences" – 3:02
5. "The Art of Persistence" – 4:48
6. "Small Black Reptile" – 3:20
7. "Wolf Collides" – 3:37
8. "Over Theirs" – 5:23

Conclusion

Wire’s extensive discography is a testament to their ability to adapt, evolve, and innovate within the rock genre. From their early punk-influenced work to their current experimentation with electronic and organic sounds, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. With their unique blend of introspective lyrics, melodic guitar lines, and complex production, Wire has cemented their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the post-punk era.

FAQs

Q: How many albums has Wire released?
A: Wire has released 16 studio albums, including their self-titled debut and their latest release, Mind Hive.

Q: Who produced most of Wire’s albums?
A: Colin Newman has produced most of Wire’s albums, including their self-titled debut, Object 47, and Mind Hive.

Q: Where did Wire record most of their albums?
A: Wire recorded most of their albums at Swim Studio in London, England, and Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Q: What is the theme of Wire’s music?
A: Wire’s music often explores themes of introspection, existential crisis, and social commentary, with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes and intricate songwriting.

Q: What is the difference between Wire’s early and late work?
A: Wire’s early work was more punk-influenced and raw, while their later work has become more experimental and eclectic, incorporating electronic and organic sounds.