non-western sounds and funky rhythms had infected talking heads' music prior to this 1983 pop breakthrough, but 'speaking in tongues' is where the beat truly gels. the band's quirky, nerdy persona somehow blends easily with music borrowed from the african diaspora on 'stop making sense' and 'burning down the house'. the album also marks one of the last true band collaborations, before byrne reduced his partners to mere sidemen. if their edgier early albums now sound more challenging and unique in hindsight, 'speaking in tongues' at least documents the new york quartet's singular blend of world beat, art school rock, and the always irresistible dance floor.