One thing was for sure at the time, the band seemed distant in both the album and the film; signs of an impending breakup were already visible. Nevertheless, they managed to produce something that left fans satisfied. The album was entirely written and directed by Byrne, though its origins could be traced back to the time he created "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts." At that point, the group wondered what would happen, fearing everything was at risk; suddenly, the other members began writing their own music, and the "Tom Tom Club" emerged. That period was healthy for the band, even though it would eventually come to an end. The band had fun working on the album and were enjoying the success of their separate projects.
However, as Frantz would later note, the album was Byrne's brainchild; he had begun to develop a superstar persona following the success of "Stop Making Sense" and his "Time" magazine cover, which had inflated his ego. Despite this, the album turned out to be an intriguing, varied work that stayed true to the band's style; contrary to rumors, the recording process was actually peaceful and fun.
The album opens with one of the group's most direct songs, "Love For Sale"—a track rich in varied sounds that playfully addresses consumerism (a theme also reflected in its music video). Things get a bit weirder—though still understandable—with "Puzzlin' Evidence," where the lyrics express skepticism toward modern culture in general. Next comes the tropical-flavored "Hey Now," showcasing Byrne's penchant for writing songs with a childlike quality.
Another shift occurs with "Papa Legba," a funk-infused track referencing voodoo; while it sounded more cheerful in the film, Byrne’s album version carries a more sinister tone. The album produced a major hit in "Wild Wild Life." Although the song had mainstream appeal, it featured characteristically biting lyrics that—from a childlike perspective—questioned the nature of daily life in the United States and how humans manage to function amidst such profound societal changes. Despite this, the track received heavy rotation on MTV. The mood shifts again with the quirky "Radio Head," offering a festive sound before the album settles into the more static "Dream Operator." Then comes the powerful ballad "City Of Dreams," adding a harmonious touch to the record while reflecting Byrne's ongoing interest in global interconnectedness and the way history shapes culture.
Thanks to the success of "Wild Wild Life," the album sold well in the United States. It also influenced the band's working methods, paving the way for a much more collaborative approach on their next release. Critical reception was mixed, though many found merit in the album's warm, melodic pop sound, which incorporated elements of polyrhythm and a certain aggressive edge.
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