26 May 1984
Post-disco, R n’ B-originating, Prince-influenced synth-pop: that’s what it is. As for why it is, I’m less certain. ‘Automatic’ feels less a song than a keyboard setting; the lyrics even lean gleefully into the whole circuitry-systems conceit. Ruth Pointer’s contralto is an interesting lead vocal choice, and in truth the only item of interest on a pretty featureless and unremarkable track. You can dance to it agreeably enough but, like a lot of what you do at your local hop, the following morning you won’t remember a thing.
I’ve literally only realised just now that ‘The Reflex’ has been followed at number one by ‘Automatic’. Oh, you 1984 Irish people and your crazy sense of humour!
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