Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers Albums Ranked

The Modern Lovers were an American rock band led by Jonathan Richman in the 1970s and 1980s. The original band existed from 1970 to 1974 but their recordings were not released until 1976 or later. It featured Richman and bassist Ernie Brooks with drummer David Robinson (later of The Cars) and keyboardist Jerry Harrison (later of Talking Heads). The sound of the band owed a great deal to the influence of the Velvet Underground, and is now sometimes classified as “proto-punk”. It pointed the way towards much of the punk rock, new wave, alternative and indie rock music of later decades. Their only album, the eponymous The Modern Lovers, contained idiosyncratic songs about dating awkwardness, growing up in Massachusetts, love of life, and the USA. Later, between 1976 and 1988, Richman used the name Modern Lovers for a variety of backing bands, always billed as “Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers”. These bands were quieter and featured more low-key, often near-childlike songs as Richman drew on folk-rock and other genres. Of Richman’s original bandmates, only Robinson was part of any of the other Modern Lovers incarnations. Here are all of Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers albums ranked .

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8. It’s Time For 

“Its all light and fun, and on one hand you can see it as simply that, but on the other hand its actually presenting a pretty serious countercultural message (‘lighten up’) in a way that the punk scene they rejected just could never do. Probably I wouldn’t enjoy this music quite so much if I didn’t take some delight in this (which may seem esoteric but is actually pretty obvious if you know something of their early punk and Velvet Underground connections).”

7. Back In Your Life 

“Jonathan Richman is the awkward guy in the room that everyone who knows him and accepts him for nothing more than what he is, loves. He’s lyrically so far away from the norm that this is an awkward record to hear, especially since the Modern Lovers aren’t backing him up like they did on the self-titled debut. I mean, “My Love is a Flower (Just Beginning to Bloom)” is just a ridiculous song title, there is nothing more to it.”

6. Rockin’ And Romance 

“Outside of the original Modern Lovers album there has not been too many albums by Jonathan Richman that would appeal to the critics. This album would be one of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers better outings with a few great songs such as Walter Johnson and keeping with his Painter collection: Vincent Van Gogh.”

5. Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers 

“This well-crafted pop album sounds like it was recorded with a bunch of pals in Richman’s basement studio. And it is a compelling argument for the necessity of remembering the bliss of youth. This is one of the warmest, friendliest, most enjoyable albums I have ever heard. From the groovy bass line of the opening track to the captivating apostrophe to insects to a lyrically innovative reinterpretation of “Amazing Grace,” along with the standout take on Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA,” Jonathan immediately becomes an old friend.”

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4. Jonathan Sings! 

“It’s rare that a revival album sounds more authentic than it’s original source material, but Jonathan Sings is one of those beautiful exceptions. Richman’s childlike charisma is undeniable and infectious here, and his everyman baritone transitions flawlessly to the acoustic rockabilly / Rock n Roll sound. His energy and melodies are complimented perfectly with the rhythms from the rest of the Modern Lovers.”

3. Modern Lovers ‘Live’ 

“The audience on this record laughs in some of the strangest places. Richman’s songs at this point are cute… even twee to some extent… but I certainly don’t see them as silly songs. By this point in his career, Jonathan is living in a world of honest sentiment, not double-tongued irony – and it’s the fact that he can translate almost sappy, nonexistent emotional states into solid songs – lyrically and musically – that makes this record worth listening to if you’ve had enough “Roadrunner” to last you a few lifetimes.”

2. Modern Lovers 88 

“Nothing but incredible pop songs on this one (plus a great instrumental!), and there really isn’t another songwriter that could write such beautiful songs about Harpo Marx, late night dance parties and organic produce. The arrangements are wonderfully stripped down too, usually just Jonathan’s vocals and guitar, backing vocals some light percussion and the occasional sax. I can’t believe it took me until 2016 to hear this one. This album might as well be Rubber Soul to me.”

1. Rock ‘N’ Roll With The Modern Lovers 

“The childish nature of this album is apparent on the albums cover art, subject matters (summer break, rollercoasters, bugs, the wheels on the bus…), and its incredible live atmosphere. I’ve heard other reviewers say this album sounds like you are in the room with the musicians and I am inclined to agree with this.”