"The Voice of America" is the second album by English band Cabaret Voltaire, released in July 1980. The album is steeped in the punk rock and experimental electronic scenes that were emerging at the time of its production. It features the use of tape loops, samples, and synthesisers, and includes a mixture of live recordings and studio tracks.
The aesthetic of "The Voice of America" is a critique of US legal and surveillance systems; it contains a dark, politically charged, and dystopian theme. Utilizing non-traditional sound sources, like radio broadcasts and field recordings, Cabaret Voltaire created an aural collage of sorts – a provocative, discordant blend of music and media that sought to reflect the paranoia and dissonance of the time.
The band, which pivoted from punk music towards creating more experimental sounds, largely influenced the industrial music genre with this album. The standout tracks include "The Voice of America/Damage is Done" and "Partially Submerged". The band members during this time consisted of Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, and Chris Watson.
While the album didn't reach major commercial success, it was critically appreciated for its innovative approach and remains a significant work in the history of electronic music, showcasing the band's transition from their punk beginnings towards more avant-garde, industrial sounds that would inspire later generations of musicians.
