"Stateless" is the debut studio album by English-American singer Lene Lovich. It was released in October 1978 by Stiff Records, a label predominantly known for its punk rock and new wave genre artists. Lovich developed a unique musical style combining synthesizer-based new wave music with her distinctive singing style, which was inspired by yodeling.
The album is most noted for its lead single, "Lucky Number," which was initially a B-side but was re-released in 1979. It eventually became a top 3 hit on the UK Singles Chart and earned Lovich much recognition and acclaim. Her infectious sound and buoyant stage presence added to her appeal, making "Lucky Number" a defining moment of the late 1970s New Wave era.
The album in general showcases Lovich's musical diversity, with songs ranging from punk and new wave to music heavily influenced by Eastern European culture, reflective of her personal background. Her eclectic inspirations further shone through in her lyrics that were often based on her life experiences and observations.
Alongside Lovich, the creative ensemble behind the album includes songwriter and guitarist Les Chappell, and produced by Roger Becherian and Lene Lovich. The album also has contributions from various other musicians.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the album has gone on to be highly regarded as a classic of early New Wave and stood the test of time, retaining an ardent cult following. The album proved crucial in establishing Lovich's musical career and was later followed by six more studio albums.
