Why These Artists?
Talking Heads invented a genre that no one has ever quite named, the intersection of art-rock anxiety, African polyrhythm, funk groove, and New York cool. Their classic run from 77 through Remain in Light is essentially untouchable.
What makes Talking Heads unrepeatable is Byrne\'s neurotically precise lyrical worldview, Weymouth and Frantz\'s locked-in rhythmic foundation, and Eno\'s expansion of their sonic possibilities. The artists below each inherit a different strand.
Artists Like Talking Heads
LCD Soundsystem are the most direct heirs to Talking Heads in contemporary music. Murphy synthesised their art-rock with post-punk electronics and New York cool.
All My FriendsVampire Weekend absorbed Talking Heads\' Afrobeat influence and mixed it with chamber pop and indie rock. Father of the Bride has the same joyful rhythmic complexity.
Oxford CommaTelevision and Talking Heads emerged from the same CBGB scene. Marquee Moon is as important a New York art-rock record as Remain in Light.
Marquee MoonWire stripped post-punk to its barest elements. Pink Flag is the most purely intellectual punk record ever made.
I Am the FlyBrian Eno introduced Talking Heads to Fela Kuti\'s Afrobeat, and Remain in Light is the direct result. Zombie is the starting point.
ZombieFranz Ferdinand\'s debut album brought Talking Heads-style art-punk angularity back to mainstream rock. Take Me Out is one of the great Talking Heads-influenced songs.
Take Me OutBrian Eno produced Talking Heads\' most adventurous albums. Another Green World reveals the ambient dimension he brought to Remain in Light.
St Elmo\'s FireByrne\'s solo albums and his collaborations with Eno (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts) extend the Talking Heads project in fascinating directions.
Strange OvertonesGang of Four combined funk bass, angular guitar, and Marxist lyrical analysis that parallels Talking Heads\' anxious intellectual approach.
Damaged GoodsThis Is the Kit makes beautifully strange folk-pop with an emphasis on rhythm and texture that recalls the quieter side of Talking Heads.
Bashed OutThe Strokes brought the CBGB-descended New York rock tradition back to the mainstream. Is This It has the same angular cool and New York specificity as Talking Heads\' early work.
Last NiteFrequently Asked Questions
Who are the best artists similar to Talking Heads?
LCD Soundsystem and Vampire Weekend are the clearest contemporary heirs. For the Afrobeat influence, try Fela Kuti. For the art-rock anxiety, try Television and Wire. For the dance-pop synthesis, try New Order.
What is Talking Heads\' best album?
Remain in Light (1980) is most critics\' choice. Fear of Music and More Songs About Buildings and Food are also essential.
Why did Talking Heads break up?
Talking Heads went on hiatus in 1988 and officially broke up in 1991. David Byrne and the other members pursued separate projects and have not toured together since.
More Discovery Guides
More artist discovery guides:
Track Talking Heads on MyFavoriteBands
Follow Talking Heads and all the artists above to get notified when they tour, release new music, or announce shows near you.