The Age of Plastic is the inaugural album by British synth-pop band The Buggles, which encompassed Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. The album was released in January 1980, through Island Records. It is a concept album with themes centered around concerns about the impacts of modern technology, such as the fears of dehumanization through tech-savvy lifestyles.
The album's first single, "Video Killed the Radio Star," which was also The Buggles' debut single, achieved significant recognition. The track was number one on the singles chart in sixteen different countries. Additionally, the song holds a historical stake amongst the MTV generation, as it was the debut music video aired on the channel in August 1981.
The Age of Plastic was acknowledged as a pioneering album of the new wave genre. Its sound is characterized by being starkly electronic, with emphasis on melodic tunes, intricate arrangements, and Horn's distinctive vocal style. The album went on to further influence the development of electronic music in the 1980s.
A critical success, the album was acclaimed for its innovation, charm and the intelligent integration of electronic instrumentation to create a popular music form. Despite this, the album did not achieve hefty commercial success at the time of release, although the profile of both members significantly increased when they joined the progressive rock band Yes, shortly after The Age of Plastic’s release. The Buggles reformed briefly in the early 90s and have seen their music reach new audiences via digital and streaming platforms in the 21st century.
