"Adolescent Sex" is the debut studio album by the British new wave band Japan, released in 1978. The album marked the beginning of Japan's career and showcased their early experimentation with glam rock and synthesizer-driven pop.
The album features a mix of energetic and provocative tracks, with frontman David Sylvian's distinctive vocals and the band's lush, atmospheric instrumentation creating a unique sonic landscape. Songs like "Don't Rain on My Parade," "Television," and the title track "Adolescent Sex" explore themes of youth, sexuality, and alienation, reflecting the band's fascination with decadence and urban life.
"Adolescent Sex" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its innovative sound and stylish aesthetic, while others found fault with its overtly sexual themes and derivative glam rock influences. Despite this, the album garnered a cult following and laid the groundwork for Japan's subsequent evolution as one of the pioneers of the new romantic movement in the early 1980s.
While not as commercially successful as some of Japan's later releases, "Adolescent Sex" remains a significant album in the band's discography, capturing their early experimentation and laying the foundation for their later artistic achievements. It is a testament to Japan's status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the new wave era.
