Freedom of Choice

Performer: Devo
Engineer: Howard Siegal; Robert Margouleff
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: 1980's FREEDOM OF CHOICE proved to be Devo's big commercial breakthrough. Due to its massive hit single "Whip It" (one of the most memorable and original singles of the year) and a more refined sound, FREEDOM OF CHOICE is Devo's most popular album, easily on par with their classic '78 debut. Along with albums by Blondie, The Cars, The B-52's, and Talking Heads, FREEDOM was one of the first new wave records to break into the mainstream, helping to pave the way for the success of "alternative rock." Although "Whip It" has been played to death over the years (it's turned up in countless movies and '80s compilations), its sly lyrics, stiff-yet-catchy synthesizer breaks, and hilarious accompanying video still hold up. Also included on FREEDOM are many tracks just as strong as "Whip It"--the defiant title track and the jerky "Girl U Want" are excellent, and deserved to be hits as well (the latter has been covered by both Soundgarden and Robert Palmer). Other highlights abound ("Snowball," "Gates of Steel," "Planet Earth," etc.), making FREEDOM OF CHOICE Devo's third classic album in a row.

They'll forever be known for their infamous flowerpot hats, but more importantly, Devo was one of the architects of American new wave in the late 1970s and early '80s, whether spastically deconstructing the Stones' "Satisfaction" or churning out irresistible synth hooks. Their social satire added a valuable element of irony missing from many other groups of the era. Devo paved the way for both synth-pop and geek-rock. Singer Mark Mothersbaugh went on to become a successful film composer, but the group engaged in periodic reunions over the years.

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