Babble (That Petrol Emotion album)

The album was produced by Roli Mosimann.[6] The liner notes include an essay about the Prevention of Terrorism Acts.[7] Singer Steve Mack was influenced by the Isley Brothers, who melded political messages to danceable music.[8]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[9]
Robert Christgau	A−[10]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[11]
The Gazette	7.8/10[12]
Los Angeles Daily News	A[13]
Los Angeles Times	[14]
The Philadelphia Inquirer	[15]
Record Collector	[3]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide	[16]

The New York Times wrote: "Guitar riffs like corkscrews, like barbed wire, like punching bags and like trampolines animate the music of That Petrol Emotion, a five-man Irish band with a fiercely defiant streak."[17] The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that the "abrasiveness is held in check by strong guitar playing and clear melodies."[15] The Vancouver Sun called "Big Decision" "one of the year's great singles."[18]

The Los Angeles Times determined that, "though characterized by stun guitar, howling vocals and brutal beats, the album always keeps you on your toes with an eclectic though unrefined array of styles."[14] The Washington Post deemed it "a fierce yet tuneful postpunk landmark."[19] The Gazette concluded that "this is about being alive in Northern Ireland, and it's no day on the beach... Bracing stuff."[12] The Windsor Star listed it among the best albums of 1987.[20]

MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide praised the "smart, angry songs" and "eclectic sound."[21]

That Petrol Emotion

• Steve Mack - vocals
• John O'Neill - guitar
• Raymond O'Gorman - guitar
• Damian O'Neill - bass guitar
• Ciaran McLaughlin - drums