"Replicas" is the second studio album by English musician Gary Numan, released in 1979 under the band name Tubeway Army in the UK and as Gary Numan in the United States. The album is considered a pioneering work in the new wave and electronic music genres, featuring Numan's signature synthesizer-driven sound and dark, dystopian lyrical themes.
The album's lead single, "Are 'Friends' Electric?", became a breakthrough hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success helped propel "Replicas" to the top of the UK Albums Chart, where it remained for several weeks.
"Replicas" is conceptually centered around themes of science fiction and artificial intelligence, with Numan's lyrics exploring ideas of alienation, technology, and identity. Musically, the album is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and Numan's distinctive vocals, which are often processed through effects to create a robotic, otherworldly quality.
In addition to "Are 'Friends' Electric?", standout tracks on the album include "Me! I Disconnect from You" and "Down in the Park," both of which further showcase Numan's talent for blending catchy melodies with dark, atmospheric production.
"Replicas" received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as one of the most influential albums of the late 1970s. Its impact can be heard in the work of numerous artists across various genres, cementing Gary Numan's legacy as a pioneer of electronic music.
