088: Sparks - Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat (1984) - Progress

We’re back with track 4, “Progress,” from Sparks’ 1984 album Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat — and for once, the title feels… accurate.

After the mixed reception of the previous couple of tracks, “Progress” lands as a sleek, icy, fully-committed 80s cut: robotic delivery, sharp programmed beats, and a hypnotic groove that feels more Miami neon than Sesame Street synth. Chris, hearing it for the first time, is instantly on board — calling it state-of-the-art for its moment — while the rest of us admit the funny thing: we never remember how it goes… until it starts, and then it clicks.

We also dig into why this makes more sense as a single than some of the other choices: it’s built for the club, got that “you’re so 1985” meta-line, and even earned a real dance-floor life with a 12" club mix (and a chart run on the US dance chart). Was it satire, or Sparks sincerely trying to sound cutting-edge? We lean toward sincere — and arguably nailing it.

Bottom line: not the most singable, not the most memorable — but definitely a step forward in sound and intent.