Dummy

This is another example of a gem I found on this list. I have never listened to this band before and was very impressed with this record. Moody and atmospheric beats with Beth Gibbons' dreamy vocals make for an amazing listening experience. I will listen to their other releases. Highly recommended!!

En 1994, la Grande-Bretagne musicale était une cour de récréation bruyante et fière de l'être. La Britpop, avec ses guitares stridentes et ses hymnes de stade, plantait fièrement l'Union Jack sur les charts. On chantait en choeur avec Oasis et Blur, on célébrait une Angleterre gouailleuse, énergique et un peu simplette. C'était la BO d'une époque qui voulait s'amuser, oublier les années Thatcher et se persuader que tout allait bien. Et puis, de Bristol, cette ville portuaire un peu à part, nous est parvenu un écho, un son venu d'ailleurs. Pas une clameur de pub, mais un murmure de fin de soirée, le grésillement d'un vieux vinyle dans un appartement vide au petit matin. Ce son, c'était Portishead et leur premier album, "Dummy", n'était pas un disque mais une faille temporelle. Je me souviens parfaitement du jour où j'ai écouté pour la premiere fois le disque. L'intro de "Mysterons", avec ce sample lancinant et ce beat claudiquant... La musique de Portishead ne cherchait pas à vous emporter dans une fête ; elle vous invitait dans son angoisse, sa paranoïa, sa beauté spectrale. C'était le contrechamp parfait, la face cachée et dépressive de la "Cool Britannia". "Dummy" est un chef-d'oeuvre de texture et Geoff Barrow, le cerveau derrière les machines, n'est pas un producteur, c'est un réalisateur. Il a samplé des bandes originales de vieux films d'espionnage (le thème de Lalo Schifrin pour "Mission: Impossible" sur le sublime "Sour Times"), il a ralenti des breakbeats de hip-hop jusqu'à leur donner un air asthmatique, il a ajouté le crépitement d'un diamant sur un 33 tours pour donner l'impression que la musique sortait d'une autre époque. Avec le guitariste Adrian Utley, ils ont créé des paysages sonores désolés, des ruines industrielles baignées d'une lumière blafarde. C'est du trip-hop, oui, si l'on veut coller une étiquette. Mais là où leurs compatriotes de Massive Attack suggéraient une mélancolie urbaine et enfumée, Portishead plongeait la tête la première dans le thriller psychologique. Et au milieu de ce décor sonore, il y a la voix. La voix de Beth Gibbons. Ce n'est pas une chanteuse, c'est une apparition, un fantôme de chanteuse de cabaret qui viendrait vous hanter. Sa voix est un miracle d'équilibre précaire : fragile au point de se briser, mais chargée d'une intensité qui vous glace le sang. Elle ne chante pas, elle exhale les mots. Sur "Roads", l'un des plus beaux morceaux de la décennie, sa performance est d'une nudité, d'une vulnérabilité presque insoutenable. Il n'y a pas d'effets, pas de démonstration de force seulement une âme mise à nu, posée sur une nappe de cordes et un beat au ralenti. C'est bouleversant. Ce qui est fascinant avec "Dummy", c'est son succès. Comment un disque aussi sombre, aussi peu conventionnel, a-t-il pu devenir la bande-son d'une époque ? Il a raflé le prestigieux Mercury Prize et a été acclamé par des magazines aussi différents que Melody Maker, The Face ou Mixmag. Il a touché une corde sensible, universelle. C'était la musique parfaite pour les lendemains de fête, pour les coeurs brisés, pour les nuits d'insomnie. Trente ans après, l'album n'a pas vieilli. Il ne le pouvait pas car il n'a jamais été "à la mode" en 1994, il était déjà hors du temps, une anomalie. Son originalité et sa profondeur émotionnelle sont intactes, il a défini un genre tout en le transcendant immédiatement. Il a prouvé qu'on pouvait faire de la musique électronique qui soit profondément humaine, organique et déchirante. "Dummy" n'est pas un simple album, c'est un refuge, un monde sonore complet, cohérent, dans lequel on peut se perdre pendant 49 minutes. Chaque son, chaque silence, chaque craquement est à sa place. Il n'y a rien à jeter, rien à changer. C'est la définition même d'un 5 sur 5.

The fucking best. Five stars forevah

So goddamn good

This album just oozes coolness. Trip-hop queen with a voice that captures you with its smooth melodic and sometimes eerie sounds. Probably one of my all time favourite albums.

Drip- Hop.

Its always been a classic. I'd probably give it a 9 but they are getting rounded up. Atmospheric and moody. Beth Gibbons voice is iconic.

An amazing album from start to finish. The mood, the voice, the whole thing… it’s just fantastic. And to think that it closes with the masterpiece, Glory Box… that’s just insane

Incredible album. It's a total vibe and every time I come back to this album it still sounds great.

Finally -- 600 albums in we get our first Portishead album. As far as trip-hop goes this and self-titled are absolutely untouchable. This is among the seminal works of the genre that set such a wonderfully unsettling and exposed tone. FWIW if you enjoy this album, I recommend checking out the album Hybrid by Elsiane -- I discovered it around the same time and, while it is different aesthetically there is some common element there. Especially in the intro track Vaporous. This album is all hit, no miss for me. One of those rare albums that I can put on literally anytime and be at peace. Mysterons is a great opening track that puts Beth Gibbons haunting vocals on full display over a spooky, minimal electronic instrumentation. Subtle shifting and scratching underpin a regular drum sample over which what sounds like a theremin warbles about. Sour Times carries forward the melancholy tone with a bit jazzier/bouncier entry featuring an exotic (eastern?) string sound and echo-laced guitar work. Strangers is among my favorites on this record and from Portishead in general. Love the way this one bounces back and forth between what I'll call "clean" and "dirty" segments. The clean are stripped down with canned vocals, while the dirty pull in the hip-hop beat with fuzzed out guitars and more clean and forward vocals. The result is a damned cool song. Numb is another favorite of mine. Simple, but highly effective. Then there is Roads, which stands out as one of the most popular relative to Spotify plays -- understand the broad appeal -- its a beautiful song that works so well. Full-bass, lush orchestral sweeps, and a droning organ sound give this a hug-like warmth. While Gibbons vocals sound so incredibly vulnerable. Biscuit is a wonderfully dusty, downtempo adventure. Trippy, chopped and screwed vocal samples and light mixing give this a delightfully cluttered vibe. Sprinkling keys work wonderfully in counterpoint to the dominating synth lines. Bleak and beautiful. Glory Box burns the album down slowly in a seductively drawn out inferno. Once again, just a beautiful jam that hits on all cylinders. So glad for this album to exist... Easy 5

Hell yeah love Portishead. So mysterious sounding. This and Mezzanine (hopefully is on here) are the quintessential trip hop albums. The arrangements and programming is just hauntingly beautiful from start to end. Beth Gibbons voice just mixes so well with the music also. Her voice on It Could Be Sweet is fantastic. Also just going through the wiki and on Roads there is an instrument called the 'nose flute.' If this wasn't an easy 5 already it sure is now. Love Glory Box. So easy to bounce your head to every song on here and Beth Gibbons voice is so emotional and has the perfect amount of tremble in it. This was an easy 5 before I started and loved hearing it again. Time to go listen to the Roseland live album by them.

fantastic debut album. 5 stars just for glory box. Favorite track: Glory box other picks: sour times, it could be sweet, wandering star Two 5 ⭐️s in a row after van halen 😀

This lives in that hard to define area between “Tori Amos made a James Bond soundtrack,“ and “the Cowboy Junkies went clubbing.“ No matter how thin you slice it, this is pretty cool stuff.

Hell yeah this slaps. Weird as hell.

I was literally just the other day saying I needed to properly listen to this album, since Roads and Glory Box are absolutely impeccable tracks, and what do you know, this foundational album of trip-hop is really good trip-hop all the way down, I am Vibing

Moody, atmospheric, plaintive, love it. Trip hop at its best, and very much up my alley - I've listened to Portisgead loads over the last couple of years (so maybe I'm biased) and the musicianship on this album is still phenomenal. Hearty recommendation from me. Faves: Sour Times; Roads; Mysterons

If there ever was an album that I just NEEDED to re-listen to, it would be Portishead's debut album 'Dummy'. I listened it to about 4 years ago for the very first time, and while it didn't immediately click, it did make me feel something that very few records ever have. I mean this album nails its particular aesthetic on absolutely every song - those dreary guitars on 'Mysterons' and the following 'Sour Times' are nothing short of haunting especially when paired with Beth's ghostly vocals that sound like they're echoing out from the bottom of some cold well in the dead of night. I can't overstate how much this album clicked for me this time around, it has that definitive '90s trip-hop sound while simultaneously sounding like every modern-day electron-backed singer-songwriter artist, especially on a song like the cozy 'It Could Be Sweet'. The drum programming here, while synthetic, is what elevates this album to its uncanny peaks. The snare hits bash the mix on many of the songs here, especially on 'Wandering Star' - maybe the catchiest song here despite it being paired with some bone-chilling imagery. Maybe the best thing about this song though is how unabashedly golden-age hip hop those funk samples are, and how their upbeat nature almost clashes with the coldness at the song's core - it creates a strange dissonance that works in creating something wholly unique and even frightening. The song 'Pedestal' feels similar, hitting the listener with a little saxophone solo halfway through. This particular song feels like you're sitting in some sort of dilapidated, run-down jazz club in the middle of some rural town. The organ-driven 'It's a Fire', as its title suggests, feels warmer than anything else here but the thing I love about this album is that no song feels truly "safe", there's always something off with the tones, keys the band chooses to play in (especially in those dramatic string sections), and the lyrics. My two favorite songs however come near the end of the album. First is 'Roads' which has easily the best string arrangement on the entire album. The feelings of debilitating isolation and hopelessness expressed by Beth here are absolutely crushing - the song feels like standing at the top of a snowy mountain, in a storm, staring off into the distance knowing there's no way you'll ever be warm again. I also really like 'Glory Box', which has Beth switching up her vocal style to something kind of snappy, crooked, and almost conniving before her more typical lush style sweeps in on the chorus, again evoking those feelings of yearning under these squawking electric guitar hits. Albums like this just make you really happy to love music, but also really sad when get hit with the realization that nothing will sound like this ever again. Like DJ Shadow's 'Endtroducing', the sort of low-budget, imperfect mixing of it is what REALLY makes this album...its '90s-isms and its recording context. I'd say it's that fusion of artificial computer programming and sounds straight from the human soul in the samples and Beth's vocals - it's a fusion that can't be easily recreated because it feels as unintentional as it does intentional. But hey maybe there is more music that sounds like this, Portishead's two other albums could sure use a re-listen.

welcome to my controversial artist list, love this album (and the 2nd record), still pains me to think about Third and I dispute it's inclusion in the 1001 This is glorious, beautiful and hunting melodies from track 1 to the end

Already one of my all time faves. A perfect album. 10/10

That’s a 10. Unbelievable album

#296, this may be the first album where this list properly aligns with my own history of Essential Listens. Masterpiece at its time. It's been a while since I've heard it in full and when I put it on earlier, outside, with flimsy in-ears I was thinking that I might have worn it out too much, back then and how today I might prefer the grittiness of their "Third" or Gibbons' work with Rustin Man on "Out of Season", but that doesn't matter. "Roads" played and no, this is still magnificient. If you're reading this, make sure to check out "Scorn" from the "Glory Box" single. An outstanding way to make a remix. 10 out of 5 stars.

A timeless classic

Genre-defining album. Glory Box, Roads, ... so many good songs here.

Obviously a groundbreaking album that to this day sounds like a little else. The samples are so slick, the vocals are sexy as fuck, it's a 5 from me. Glory Box is obviously one of the best songs of all time, and just so gender as well - it's a song about embracing femininity and coming into yourself. What's not to love. Best Track: Glory Box Worst Track: It Could Be Sweet

Best Song: Glory Box Worst Song: It Could be Sweet

Really thought I wasn't going to enjoy this album, but boy was I wrong; it's truly fantastic. Beth Gibbon has a voice of an angel.

Stone Cold Classic. My favorite Trip Hop.

Familiar with a lot of these songs from when it came out. Perfect production choices, very layered and obviously laboured over. Vocals outstanding as to be expected. 'Roads' a standout.

subtle masterpiece

This album is an absolutely critical listen. From front to back it is perfect. It pushed the envelope for it's time, and very few albums or artists have come close since. It is still the trip-hop standard next to Mezzanine by Massive Attack. 5/5

Another album that unlocked a nostalgic portal that I wasn’t aware of, amazing band and lucky to have seen them live once headlining Latitude feat guest appearance from Thom Yorke. A 5/5 all day long, the influence can’t be understated

Dummy is a landmark debut — dark, elegant, and emotionally devastating in the best way. Portishead created a sound all their own here, fusing hip-hop beats, moody jazz chords, and vintage vinyl crackle into something deeply cinematic and intimate. It’s trip-hop at its finest, but even that label feels too small for what this album achieves. Beth Gibbons’ voice is the beating heart of the record — fragile one moment, fierce the next — and she delivers every lyric like a whispered confession. “Roads” is the emotional centerpiece, a slow-burning masterpiece that aches with loneliness and longing. “Sour Times” blends spy-movie strings with a dusty breakbeat and unforgettable chorus. “Glory Box” closes the album with a sultry, smoldering plea for love and identity, flipping blues and soul into something futuristic and haunting. Even deeper cuts like “Mysterons” and “Wandering Star” add to the album’s shadowy atmosphere, each track flowing into the next like scenes from a noir film. Every detail — the scratches, the samples, the silence between notes — is deliberate and affecting. Dummy isn’t just an album; it’s a fully formed world. Strange, sad, and seductive — and once you enter it, it’s hard to leave. Favorite song: Mysterons

This was such an eye-opener in its depth, musicality, atmosphere... Everything. For some reason I hadn't listened to this album for ages, and relistening to it, it hasn't lost any of its impact and ages incredibly well.

I really really love Portishead, so I recognize my bias in my rating of this album. Dummy still feels fresh even 30 years after its release. The tracks throughout the album feel as though they’re soundtracking an obscure film or indie movie. Beth Gibbons voice really sets them apart from other trip hop acts that came after them. Incredible vibes from front to back. Stand out track: Roads and Glory Roads

A classic, takes me right back to 1994, the heartbreak of early love, of hearing new sounds that sound revolutionary to young ears, and that voice…

Unique, timeless. Cornerstone of all music collections

Tämähän on valloittava. Samasta laarista ammennetaan kun Massive Attack ja Moby 5/5

Instant classic mixing jazz/trip-hop/post-punk

If anybody asks what kind of music I like, Portishead has been the first band I've mentioned every single time since this was released in 1994. Saw them live back then in Wolverhampton and again in Australia 2011.

A masterpiece.

This is a really cool album. Enjoyed listening.

5/5 One of my favorite albums of all time. Every song is phenomenal.

It sounds simultaneously trippy, unsettling, otherworldly, ethereal, beautiful. The vocals fit the music so fucking well. I wouldn't have thought jazz inspired music combined with hip hot beats would sound this good, but it does. What an experience. Favorites: "Sour Times", "Strangers", "Roads", "Pedestal", "Glory Box"

Perfectly dark and moody, what could anyone not love about this album.

I had heard of Portishead but never listened to this album. Very dark and brooding. Her voice is perfect for the music. Would be a great album to listen to at 3:00 in the morning.

el goat del triphop

5/5

lepszego albumu triphopowego już nie będzie

I don't know what 'trip hop' means and I didn't like 'Dummy' straight away either, but today the album is one of my favourites. Beth Gibbons' voice is as bittersweet as almost any other I know. The instrumentation is "restrained" but still distinctive and wonderfully complementary. I am blown away by two of the samples they use, firstly this trembling melody, Zither, which reminds me totally of the Third Man and then Elegante People by Weather Report, I am an absolute Weather Report fan. If Portishead is a good example of trip hop, wow! What else is there to say, for me it's manna for the ears and soul. It's not medicine in the true sense of the word, but for me, currently in hospital after a serious operation, it's a healing and nutritional supplement. Give me more of it and it would be the devil's work if they didn't see me from behind here soon

Fuck yeah.

I usually don’t rate an album this high on a first listen but holy shit this is so good. I love this. It’s smooth but rugged. Serene but I can pinpoint the sound as an edgier time in music. It’s almost indescribable but you can really feel this shit. And what a feeling.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love trip hop!! This is my first experience with Portishead and I loved it a lot! Amazing record

Have this album. It is indeed a classic. Trip-hop at its finest.

Good

this was reccomended to me at the perfect time im going through such a trip hop phase and revisiting this album is what i needed. glory box def one of the best closers of all time and numb and pedestal are just spectacular. the best way to enjoy this album is a cool summer night with your window cracked open

"Dummy" is the debut studio album by English electronic music band Portishead. It was received with much critical acclaim, considered one of the best albums of 1990's, won the UK Mercury Music Prize and is attributed to popularizing the trip hop genre. The bandmembers include Beth Gibbons (vocals), Geoff Barrow (piano, drums, programming, string arrangements) and Adrian Utley (guitar, bass, theremin, organ and string arrangements). Instrumental to their sound, Barrow taught Utley sampling while Utley introduced Barrow to unusual sounds such as cimbalons and the theremins. Commercially, the album hit #2 in the UK and #79 in the US. The album opens with "Mysterions." Weird scratching, an eerie synth and tinny drums. Gibbons vocals are stark and emotional as she sings about forbidden love. The second single "Sour Times" starts out with a sped-up sample of Lalo Smith's "The Danube Incident." This song is creepy, spy-like and seductive. Gibbon's vocals are very expressive and memorable. "Nobody loves me, it's true, not like you do." Yeah, infidelity is the theme. The first single was "Numb." The rhythm carried by a sound somewhere between banging on a sink and a gong. Organ in background. More scratching. Anxious, creepy vocals. Very cinematic. "Biscuit" is another song that opens with a sample. This time it's Johnny Ray's "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." Haunting vocals. No matter how much you eat, you'll never be satisfied. The album closes strong with the third single "Glory Box." Down low music beat. Guitar slashes. Strings in the background. Very 50's to 60's sounding. This album creates a unique atmosphere- dark, stark, seductive, hypnotic and cinematic. Gibbon's vocals are similar but also adds a gentle and emotional side. There's a variety of beats between songs and also great, selective use of hip hop elements in the sampling and scratching. It's funny; I hear songs from this album way more today than I did back in 1994. That shows you how well it's aged. This is just an outstanding album.

A classic, genre-defining piece of work. A big part of my soundtrack of the 90s. What else? Beth Gibbons's voice still splits me open. Utley's and Barrow's soundtracks still slaps. Dripping melancholy and rainy sunday afternoons in grey cities. Not everyday, every season music. November made into sound.

Mysterieus, spannend, paranoïde, sensueel, boos, wanhopig. Dit album zit vol met uiteenlopende gemoedstoestanden, en dat bij elkaar gefabriceerd door wat trip hop beats. Maar daar doe ik de productie op dit album echt te kort mee. De samples zijn keer op keer raak, en gaat als yin samen met yang; het zalige stemgeluid van Beth Gibbons. Consistentie is key, waar in ieder nummer een hoop aandacht geniet. Niks klinkt enigszins verwaarloosd, en elke song is op zijn manier in de watten gelegd met dikke orgels, spannende Isaac Hayesian samples, of scheurende gitaren. Dit album is af, van top tot teen. Soms heb je zo'n album waar je bij elk nummer kunt voorstellen dat hij iemands lievelingssong is van de plaat. Mijne is 'Sour Times', daar komt alles samen. 9,5/10 Highlights: Sour Times Strangers It Could Be Sweet Glory Box

This was generated for me on this album’s 30th anniversary. Cool!

This is lumped in with trip-hop, but, according to their wikipedia page, they "disliked being associated with the term", which I totally understand because, unlike every other trip-hop album I've heard, this doesn't suck. I hesitate to give this a 5-star rating because I'm trying to leave that for albums that I think I'll return to relatively regularly. Even though I'm not sure I will listen to this frequently, I can foresee the occasion arising from time to time and I'm not mad about it.

Wow! This is my 2nd Portishead album from the 1001, and I was just as amazed as the first time! I just love the sound and feel of them

Haunting and amazing

I really don't want to sound pretentious, but this album is an amazing sonic experience. I have had a soft spot for Portishead since high school - I particularly remember falling asleep to "Roads" on an overnight bus to Spain, so I admit I'm really biased here. All of the big hits are amazing and, in my opinion, they were even more perfected on the live recording of the Roseland NYC album (I fear that it's not on this list, which is shocking considering how many boring hard rock live albums I've had to endure so far). It's worth noting that not all of the songs are perfect (especially in the middle of the album), and yet none of them are weak as they all further add to the overall vibe of the entire thing. I love the pulsating bass with simple beats juxtaposed with the occasional snare rolls. And then, on top of that base, you get those haunting synths or samples, the beautiful guitar playing and the heavenly voice of Beth Gibbons. I have check out more trip hop albums. 5/5

God, record scratching is so cool when it isn't shoved into a metal album. If Goldfrapp creates the 007 theme of trip hop, then Portishead makes the soundtrack for the 90s film noir. This album is the heartbeat of everything from the era: the hip-hop influenced beats, the re-introduction of jazz into the mainstream, the soft-spoken vocals of pop, and that use of sampling just subtle enough to be incredibly influential. I mean, look how many artists spawned from this new take on an already established underground style. Bjork, the already mentioned Goldfrapp, Gorillaz, I wouldn't be surprised if Massive Attack themselves took from this album to fuel their albums past this point. Everything is done incredibly, with Beth Gibbons' vocals perfectly steering the heartbeat of this album's engine via the methodical, thumping drum and bass, and that hint of strings and your usual rock instruments allow for an album that perfectly shows off the grimy yet slicked back feel of the 90s, and it is magnificent. It is the dark alleyway, the rain drops falling upon a sunken-in roof, and it is pure, unadulterated, and sinister class.

Most of electronica sounds robotic and cold. But albums like "Dummy" - especially "Dummy" - are different. "Dummy" is deeply human. Darkness, beauty, emotion and all.

Super chill album full of vibes. Portishead's Dummy is a very easy listen. The beats and samples are creative without being chaotic. Which happens a lot in electronic music. And Beth Gibbons' voice is very soothing, it just works perfectly for the tone rhey set across this album. I really like the opening four tracks, with It Could Be Sweet probably be favorite of the group.

This was never not going to be a five for me. It Is as strong, powerful and fresh as it was 30 years ago. I can’t quite believe I bought it so long ago but I can play it any time and still love everything about it. So good I played it twice.

Was even vergeten hoe dik ik dit album vind

..... Jupp :))

En riktigt bra skiva om man är i rätt vibe. Känslan är svår att beskriva, som depression utan att vara ledsen. Hade lyssnat innan men det var ett tag sedan så hade inget att emot att lyssna igen. Bra album med bra låtar. Den enda som kanske står ut lite är Glory Box, annars är det kanske inte det mest dynamiska albumet. Det är inget negativt dock utan jag tror att om de skulle vara någon låt med mer ös på denna skulle den förstöra hela albumet. Omslaget passar vibben bra och är därför snyggt enligt mig. Orkar inte babbla på mer om denna men den får en femma för jag är snäll denna söndag natt.

I love this band so much and hope their live album is on this list as well because it's phenomenal with a full orchestra. Their second album is also a classic but this one is front to back solid and a wonderful debut. Nothing else sounds like this. Beth Gibbons has such a beautiful, haunting voice that I never get tired of.

If Massive Attack are the sound of a group relaxing at home getting stoned, then Portishead is the sound of an individual sat drinking in a smokey bar, the music distorting and twisting with every drink they have. I’m really glad I got the motivation to listen to this, because my knowledge of Trip-Hop does kinda stop with Massive Attack, and I’ve been meaning to rectify that with listening to Tricky, which possibly may not have been the best choice. Instead, going with Postishead has 100% sold me. This is 100% what 90’s bars sound to me now, just like 70’s bars all sound like either Neil Young or Tom Waits. Absolutely gonna come back to this, and will probably be in my sad drinking rotation for a while

This was for a moment in my life one of the few albums my brother (who was deep in hip-hop) and me (who was deep in hippie rock and pop, punk, new wave, and weird indie shit) both loved listening to. I forgot some of the less famous tracks which hew more soft and pretty than trip-hop funky. <3

Now this is what I'm here for! I've never heard this band and didn't know this genre at all. And I'm into it. It's energizing yet peaceful, like dusk at the end of a good day. 5 stars. Best song: Sour Times. It sounds like bossa nova by way of Morphine.

Absolutely Perfect beauty of a record

mds que álbum!!

This got a little overplayed in our house years ago and we just had to step away for a while. I think I still like it! Great chill vibe, sonic ear candy, and the tunes are solid from start to finish.

One of the all time, stone cold.classics. utterly timeless. ESSENTIAL

Best shit ever

### Review of "Dummy" by Portishead **Introduction** "Dummy," released on August 22, 1994, is the debut studio album by the British band Portishead. It is often credited with popularizing the trip-hop genre, characterized by its melancholic and atmospheric sound, combining elements of hip-hop, jazz, and electronica. The album consists of 11 tracks, each contributing to a cohesive yet diverse auditory experience. This review will delve into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of "Dummy," highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** Beth Gibbons' lyrical contributions on "Dummy" are introspective, often exploring themes of isolation, heartache, and disillusionment. The lyrics are poetic and enigmatic, leaving much to the interpretation of the listener. - **Strengths:** - **Emotional Depth:** Gibbons' lyrics are deeply personal and evocative. Tracks like "Sour Times" and "Roads" articulate a profound sense of longing and vulnerability. - **Imagery:** The use of vivid imagery helps to create an immersive experience. For instance, in "Wandering Star," Gibbons sings, "Please could you stay a while to share my grief," painting a picture of desolation and seeking solace. - **Weaknesses:** - **Ambiguity:** While the ambiguity can be a strength, it might alienate listeners who prefer straightforward narratives. The abstract nature of the lyrics may be challenging for some to connect with immediately. **Music** The music on "Dummy" is a blend of various genres, with a significant emphasis on creating an atmospheric and moody soundscape. The instrumentation includes a mix of live and sampled sounds, creating a unique texture. - **Strengths:** - **Innovative Sound:** The fusion of hip-hop beats, jazz samples, and haunting melodies was groundbreaking at the time of the album's release. Tracks like "Numb" and "Glory Box" exemplify this fusion, creating a sound that was both fresh and timeless. - **Variety:** Despite the cohesive mood, each track offers something distinct. "Mysterons" introduces the album with a haunting theremin, while "Biscuit" features a more upbeat, almost jazzy rhythm. - **Dynamics:** The use of dynamics, from the soft, almost whispering vocals in "Roads" to the more intense moments in "Strangers," adds to the emotional impact of the music. - **Weaknesses:** - **Pacing:** The album's slow, deliberate pace might be a drawback for some listeners. The atmospheric nature can sometimes border on monotonous if one is not in the right mood. **Production** The production of "Dummy" is meticulous, with Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley crafting a sound that is richly layered and textured. The production plays a crucial role in the album's overall impact. - **Strengths:** - **Attention to Detail:** Every element, from the crackling vinyl samples to the reverb-drenched guitars, is carefully placed to enhance the mood. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in tracks like "Pedestal" and "It Could Be Sweet." - **Atmosphere:** The production successfully creates an immersive atmosphere, transporting the listener into the dark, moody world of the album. The use of analog equipment and vintage recording techniques contributes to the timeless quality of the sound. - **Weaknesses:** - **Consistency:** While the production is generally a strength, there are moments where the heavy reliance on certain effects, like reverb and echo, can feel repetitive. **Themes** "Dummy" explores themes of emotional turmoil, existential angst, and introspection. These themes are woven throughout the album, creating a cohesive narrative. - **Strengths:** - **Emotional Resonance:** The themes of heartache and loneliness resonate deeply, making the album relatable to anyone who has experienced similar emotions. Songs like "Sour Times" capture the essence of emotional struggle with lines like "Nobody loves me, it's true, not like you do." - **Cohesive Narrative:** The recurring themes throughout the album create a sense of continuity, making "Dummy" feel like a complete work rather than a collection of individual songs. - **Weaknesses:** - **Dark Tone:** The consistently dark and melancholic themes might be too heavy for some listeners. The lack of lighter, more uplifting moments can make the album feel overwhelmingly somber. **Influence** "Dummy" has had a significant influence on music, particularly in the development of the trip-hop genre. Its impact can be seen in the works of many artists who have drawn inspiration from its unique sound. - **Strengths:** - **Genre-Defining:** "Dummy" is often credited with defining the trip-hop genre, influencing artists like Massive Attack, Tricky, and more contemporary acts such as Lana Del Rey and The Weeknd. - **Longevity:** The album's influence has endured over the decades, with its sound continuing to be relevant and inspiring new generations of musicians. - **Weaknesses:** - **Niche Appeal:** While influential, the specific sound and style of "Dummy" cater to a niche audience. Its impact, while significant, is somewhat limited to certain genres and scenes. **Pros and Cons of "Dummy"** - **Pros:** - **Innovative Sound:** The fusion of different genres and the pioneering use of sampling and production techniques set "Dummy" apart from its contemporaries. - **Emotional Depth:** The lyrics and themes resonate on a deep emotional level, making the album a powerful and moving experience. - **Cohesive Atmosphere:** The production and music create a cohesive, immersive atmosphere that transports the listener. - **Influential:** "Dummy" has had a lasting impact on the music industry, particularly within the trip-hop genre. - **Cons:** - **Pacing and Monotony:** The slow pacing and consistently dark tone can be a drawback, potentially leading to a monotonous listening experience for some. - **Ambiguity:** The abstract nature of the lyrics may alienate listeners who prefer more straightforward storytelling. - **Niche Appeal:** The album's specific sound and style may not appeal to a broad audience, limiting its mainstream accessibility. **Conclusion** "Dummy" by Portishead is a landmark album that has left an indelible mark on the music world. Its innovative fusion of genres, emotional depth, and meticulous production make it a standout work that continues to influence artists and resonate with listeners. While its slow pace, dark tone, and niche appeal may not be for everyone, those who connect with its themes and sound will find "Dummy" to be a profoundly rewarding experience. Its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, securing its place as a seminal album in the trip-hop genre and beyond.

Dummy is a seminal album that defines the trip-hop genre with its haunting melodies and atmospheric production. From the opening track, Mysterons, the album immerses listeners in a brooding soundscape of eerie synths and hypnotic beats. Beth Gibbons' vocals are a standout, delivering a mix of vulnerability and intensity that perfectly complements the dark, cinematic instrumentals. The use of sampling and live instrumentation gives the album a timeless quality, making it feel both retro and ahead of its time. The production, handled by band member Geoff Barrow, is meticulous, with each track meticulously crafted to create a rich, immersive listening experience. Dummy is not just background music; it's an album that demands attention and rewards repeated listens with its intricate layers and subtle details. Despite its melancholic tone, the album never feels oppressive, instead offering a kind of cathartic release through its emotive soundscapes. Overall, Dummy is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere, showcasing Portishead's unique vision and musical prowess. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of electronic music and the enduring power of a well-crafted album. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 8 STAND OUT TRACK -Strangers

5/5 - loved this album for years

Glory Box is actually one of the most perfect songs ever written and the rest of this album is not far behind. I LOVE this album and Portishead so much… so mysterious and sultry and the instrumentals… it's just too good. Funny how I used to not really care for any of their other music other than the best song ever Glory Box but they've slowly crept up on me to the point where this is a no-brainer 5 for me

Amazing album, with very calm melodies.

One of my favorite albums ever.

Good songs are sour times. Mysterious and glory box The middle is good but not as great as the buns of album if you catch my drift

Portshead wonderful

amazing

Always wanted to listen to more of them - great album. I will be listening to more.

Some very good songs. I like the moody atmosphere of the music.

Trip-hop is a super unique genre that's very niche and specialized. There aren't many artists who employ this kind of technique in songwriting, but Portishead is one of the best.

Loved it

Ik hou van dit album! Ik hou van triphop! Iconisch!!

90s classic. Gorgeous, love it!

В прошлое воскресенье я был на концерте Beth Gibbons. Во-первых, конечно, каковы шансы, что один альбом из тысячи+ был сгенерирован здесь так скоро после концерта, когда впечатления еще не сошли. Она исполняла Roads - и весь зал едва ли не рыдал. Это было невероятно трогательно, но и настолько трагично для меня, что все мы вряд ли когда-либо услышим больше от любимой группы. Для меня Portishead - идеальная группа с любой точки зрения. Три альбома + лайв альбом - все великие проекты на пять звезд из пяти. В данный момент мой любимый альбом - второй. Когда-то это был третий альбом, когда-то - собственно Dummy. Это музыка, которая до сих пор звучит супер-актуально, но при этом сохраняет эту эстетику 90-ых; смешивает новаторское и старомодное. Трагедия под просто нереальные биты (мне очень нравится rym-ревью, где чел сравнивает Portishead с Wu-Tang Clan или Nas и удивляется тому, как белые мальчики-девочка из Англии смогли сделать такие охуенные биты). Эталонный трип-хоп, который не просто служит приятным бэкграунд шумом, но использует эту форму, чтобы достичь атмосферу как нигде. Лучшая песня - Roads.

Seminal. To me this IS triphop

The best trip hop has to offer

I've been listening to this for the past couple of days now, and I'm transfixed. The whole thing has a moody dark spy-movie vibe that I absolutely was not expecting.

I've never listened to Portishead before, but on the "Glory Box" episode of the podcast 60 Songs That Explain the 90's, I learned that I'd heard "Sour Times" sampled by Girl Talk. I love that sample, and ever since I learned that was a Portishead song, I've been looking forward to reviewing this album. On my first listen, I wasn’t really blown away by this album. The high points on it are fantastic; “Sour Times” and “Glory Box” are fantastic, and really stood out to me on my first time going through the album, but some a lot of other songs felt too repetitive to me. But I knew that this would be the type of album that I’d appreciate more with each listen, and I was right. After getting a good feel for the album as a whole, I became a lot more receptive to it. The overall sound of this album is incredibly unique. Even though there’s a very dark atmosphere that permeates the whole album, there are still some songs that manage to add some brightness, like “It’s A Fire,” “It Could Be Sweet,” and “Roads.” The arrangements on this album are fantastic, and Beth Gibbons’ vocals add a hauntingly beautiful depth to the album. Listening to this album is almost like being put into a trance; the beats and rhythms do a great job of driving the overall sound, but the scratching, samples, strings, and other elements fill out the rest of the sound really well. The production work on this album is fantastic as well; even though there’s a distinct sound that penetrates this album, I didn’t feel like the songs all sounded the same. This album is so unique, and I wish I’d had access to music like this as a teenager. The nineties were such a fantastic time for music, and Dummy stands out as one of the most original albums from that time. This album really reminds me of the things I like about The xx and other dream pop artists, and I think it’s a must listen for any music fan.

Iconic! Such a beautiful trippy vibe. Incredible vocals. A solid 5 and a lovely revisit to a masterpiece.

In terms of creating a consistent mood and sound, fusing film noir aesthetics with glitchy electronics to create something as starkly beautiful as it is unsettling, this is an easy 5 stars. But in terms of songs, is it consistent enough to get full marks? I count Glory Box, Roads, Sour Times, Wandering Star and maybe Mysterons as classics, sure, but is that enough? Actually, Biscuit is pretty decent too. And Pedestal. Numb has also grown on me now I listen again… I think I’ve talked myself into giving 4.5 stars, rounded up.

Cool and unique

Yes, please. Feels like taking a warm bath.

10/10 master piece

This album brings back a lot of memories. Hadn’t listened to it for many years before today but it’s just as good, if not better, than I remember. Such a cool sound. (Although almost undoubtedly too cool for me). There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s a true classic. There’s nothing else quite like it. But is it a 4 or a 5? So hard. Midway through the record I was thinking 4, but then the final track is so good that it tipped the balance. Life’s too short to be hypercritical. 5 stars!

Just an absolutely stunning album. Still sounds as fresh as the day it came out and totally unique. I’m not quite sure the sinister/beautiful mix will ever be beaten. Funnily enough I was listening to the Portishead back catalogue not that long ago. I never realised they did a live album before, if you haven’t heard it do check it out. Amazing obvs.

Could be described as stoner music by some but I am not stoned now and it's a belter. All killer, no filler and original to it's very core. A true classic.

I don't know what this is but I like it!

Conjuring a Magnificent atmosphere

The first time I heard this song in the 90s I was hooked, mesmerized by the beats and lilting vocals. Somehow, Portishead managed to make an album full of contradictions. The hip-hop rhythm, samples, and scratching mixed seemlessly with the jazz vibe and other worldly voice. It’s a chill vibe, but drives me forward. I feel melancholy and optimistic at the same time. This is one of my all time favorite albums. The only thing I don’t like about it is that it eventually ends. Unfortunately, with their next album, either the bottle was the wrong shape or there was no lighting to catch, because it just doesn’t hit the same way.

# Playlist track - Sour Times # Notes - All around amazing. - I was lucky enough to get a hold of a pirate MP3 download of this one as a teenager. I always carried it on a pendrive whenever I went. - All the stars!

Primeiro eu não gostei, a voz dela me irritou de certa forma, talvez porque meio arrastada como num suspiro que não sai. No entanto, a batida é realmente impressionante, o que me fez adicionar duas músicas como favoritas. Olhar a explicação depois de chegar na metade do álbum me fez mudar de perspectiva. Trip-hop é um estilo que eu não sabia que eu precisava conhecer, e explica muito bem o que é esse álbum. Tenho gostado, mesmo não sendo ainda um dos meus álbuns favoritos

Already loved it and still do. 4.5/5

Wow, that was an epic experience. This is my second time listening to "Dummy". It's better than the first time. Beth Gibbons' singing and sometimes cryptic lyrics help make the album great. Along with Massive Attack, Portishead are some of the heroes of trip-hop. 5 stars, no less.

An eerie but beautiful experience. Unsure if this was one of the first trip hop albums (next to massive attack, dj shadow and aspects of bjork etc). It never gets lost in walls of sound but lets the space of the instruments and focused grooves carry Beth Gibbons voice to transcendental heights. It really does at times sound like someone going through a bunch of old jazz, soul and classical records and revamping them for modern times. I also feel like without this band we wouldn't have acts like Burial or Actress. Favorite tracks are Roads, Glory Box, Mysterons, Wandering Star, Biscuit and Pedestal.

Just an incredible piece of work. From start to finish, creates an atmosphere, smashes it up, takes you on a journey and it still feels as amazing 30 years later. It’s as good sat in the background, listened to in detail on headphones or blasted on the stereo. One of the all time greats.

just grand, so many great songs!

I found that this record has a slow start, but once you get pass the first few tracks its true colors really start to show, especially once you start to appreciate the novel yet immaculate production of this record that combines hip-hop-like production, breakbeat, jazz, along with some wonderful string arrangements and the soulful singing of Beth Gibbons. The final three song stretch is particularly very strong in my book.

By far my favourite discovery of recent is trip hop. There is just something so brilliant about this genre and Portishead really do master this sound. Especially this dark jazz type which I wish I could find more of. Not many albums stick with me so hard as this did especially with knowing very little about the artist (which makes me feel like I have been living under a rock) but something about this album made me feel like I was missing something. I have listened to so much of this now and it is up there with one of my favourites of all time

Amazing album

Love this album

4.5 - I work in Portishead, but they are from Clevedon

Excellent. Probably underrated even still.

Wow. I was not expecting this. For some reason I thought Portishead was, like….industrial metal? But it’s just this incredible vibey electric trip-hop with angelic vocals and atmospheric lyrics?!? Absolutely one of my favorite discoveries so far!

This is an all time classic for me. I was introduced to trip hop by a school friend when I was 16 or 17, but don't think Portishead really blocked with me until a few years later. I was too distracted by Massive Attack. But this album holds up just as well as Mezzanine, and is definitely one of the best of the 90s. I still marvel at how deep the bass sounds on here. One to listen to late at night, in a melancholy or meditative state.

Dummy, by Portishead, is some nice ass stuff. It is classified as Electronica, but it really feels like psychedelic and moody, like a Hip-Hop sample. All of the songs are absolute class, completely perfecting the moody, mystic vibe that they were going for. Whenever the vocals would seep through every once in a while, it would get me so hype for the beat to slowly ride out into the next song. My favorites are Pedestal, Strangers, and Numb. I really wish someone rapped over this stuff. All in all, Dummy is a perfect album. Best Song: Pedestal Worst Song: Its A Fire

i love this album!! trip hop is so sexy and cool

I've heard of Portishead for 20 years now. Loved some songs, kept saying I will get around to listening to the entire album. Boy....was I missing out. Love it! The music is great, the lyrics are just my right kind of gloomy, the singer's voice soothes my soul. The vibe is cohesive, the songs flow into one another, each one different and unique, never changing tone. Great soundtrack for the angsty end of times. Aptly titled. Tight project, overall.

AAAAAHHHH loved it so much. its just so nice. the only one that i even slightly dont like is its a fire. but even then… i really like the kinda freaky spacey instruments put behind beth gibbons’ subdued vocals.

Very awesome very cool

An absolute mood of an album. The other side of the triphop coin from the equally brilliant Massive Attack, every track on this project is sultry, smooth and sorrowful, perhaps mournful. Instrumentation is unique - listening is like enjoying burnt coffee on small platters in dingy French cafés on a diet of nothing but angst and unfiltered cigarettes. A treat for the ears and soul.

Wow… This is basically everything I love together in one masterpiece of an album. Favorite song Biscuit and the end of Glory Box

Classic

Excellent album!

Portishead's biggest and most celebrated release feels like floating through shark infested waters, but like the sharks are on your side or sth...

A real walk down memory lane. Stands up very well and is clearly timeless. The roots of Trip Hop are here. Really enjoyed this album.

Fantastic album.

Love this album. It is one of my favorites so funny it was my first 1001 album. Beth’s voice is like a soothing witch with a DJ. This introduced me to so much music. Love Portishead!

Lovely

Cracking album

Man I love this album. I bought this on CD in 1994 and have loved it ever since. I am giving this a five star rating knowing full well that I gave The White Album and Pet Sounds four stars and I don't care in the slightest. I am ranking these albums based on my personal feelings about them, not on some imaginary ultimate scale of quality that I am somehow able to tap into because I am so uniquely discerning. This is one of my favorite albums and I love it. It is hard to even pick a favorite song off this album because there are no tracks that I don't think are great. Five stars.

love this album. so moody and sultry… giving twin peaks.

I had a gut feeling that a familiar album would show up today…. This is one of my favorite albums of all time, end of story.

This album has been a go to for me since my college years, many many years ago. It's hard to believe this came out in '94. It still feels fresh today. Infusing Hip Hop production with beautiful endearing vocals, it's a match made in heaven. The sampling is top notch and the atmospheric vibes deliver and experience of driving down a highway at 3 am with the windows down and the breeze in your hair. Incredible start to finish. Standout Tracks: (These were really difficult to pick but if I had to choose..) Mysterons, Sour Times, Wandering Star, Roads, Glory Box

This was way different than what I was expecting, but it was so good. Her voice was perfect for the style, and the "triphop" was a jam the entire time. It does fall just short of a 10 for me, but it is darn close.

💕💕💕 One of my favourite albums

Beautiful mesmerising album. Beth Gibbons smooth sexy and slightly spooky voice is a highlight.

A classic. One of the best of the 90's. Defined a genre of music.

SUPER ENTRETENIDO. Los beats llenos de sonoridad, los vocals no se sienten forzados y las letras son sencillas pero a la vez te transmiten exactamente lo que tienen que decir. Una sorpresa que la canción del final fuera Glory box. Una canción bastante famosita por ser literalmente la canción sexo antes que existiera deftones. Brillante, divertido, bastante relajado y sexy. Muy buen album. 9/10.

exceptional

I like it

Absolute stone cold classic album. They created their own distinctive sound with this album that so many artists tried to copy. Berth Gibbons vocals are sublime.

Been a favorite for thirty years; still holds up. Easy 5 *

With the clear bias that this is the music I grew up with a solid 5/5

God, Trip-hop was good wasn’t it? The whole album breathes, like it’s a living thing. Numb is a prime example. Amazing.

Rating: 9.5/10 Amazing album, breathtakingly gorgeous from start to finish. The production is amazing, all of the instruments sound fantastic and the dynamics that were used created a beautiful atmosphere. The drums and samples sprinkled throughout were influenced by hip-hop but the other instruments and the production create a completely different vibe. The vocals are incredibly beautiful and really complement the instrumentation; Beth Gibbons always knows when to supplement the instrumentals with her voice and when to add a bit more volume and range to showcase her talents as well. There are some overlapping ideas between the songs so it can sound a bit same-y but it is so well done that this is not an issue for me; this is a classic of the trip-hop genre for a reason. Favorite songs: Pretty much all of them. Least favorite song: Strangers.

Beth gibbons' voice gives me gender envy.

Bob Christgau described this album as "Sade for Androids", as though the electric sheep dreams of Androids don't require a trip-hop masterpiece of alienation and misery. Humans need this, too, for the cold and rainy days, for weed, for booze, for pills, and for the sheer existential performance of pensively staring out of window, smoking cigarettes, and expressing utter ennui. This is the album for these sour times.

My vote for most sublimely produced album ever. I feel extremely privileged that I got to experience having my eardrums stress tested by that bass live in 2011. I still use 'Roads' every time I set up a sound system, and it doesn't hurt that Beth Gibbons delivers one of the best vocal performances ever.

There are few better produced albums available worldwide. It’s purified beauty. “Pedestal” is in my list of songs I always use to test speaker systems. I could get lost in that bass all day.

I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. Not perfect, but better than a 4.

Simply a game changer.

again not for me

I revisited Portishead and Massive Attack a few months ago so its great to see this on here. Still great as it was.

Dark and atmospheric Trip Hop. Love this album so much because it's so easy to just lose yourself in. From the very beginning to the end it's a masterpiece of sensual songwriting. Hauntingly beautiful vocals and mellow beats makes this such an unnervingly comfortable listen. I've been listening to this album on and off for many years and won't be stopping anytime soon. Timeless classic. Already have and will continue to revisit.

listened to the album late at night for the first time in a long time (prob 10 years or more) and enjoyed so much i listened again immediately upon waking up. mix of eerie backing and brittle but smooth vocals and sound textures keeps it all interesting.

Excellent. This captures a certain mood that is hard to pin down but I love it. I see why it's so acclaimed.

Low-fi awesome!!

Gorgeous. 4.5

Holy shit this takes me back. Everyone my age fucked to this album. And, if you had a CD changer, OK Computer was in the same rotation. I can’t say anything bad about this one. Listened to it a thousand times when it came out. There was a PBS/Unplugged concert around that time, that was even better. This definitely deserves a place on this list. It’s a classic, front to back.

#143. Portishead sounds like a type of venomous fish or something. Never heard of them before, I think. I do quite like this though, it'll probably end up in my regular rotation, for sure. I've heard the song Glory Box before, but I didn't remember from where, so I looked it up. Turns out it was in about 20 different movies, including one called B Monkey that was played on IFC every three and a half minutes or so when I was in high school and I've probably watched like 8 or 10 times, which is where I recognized it from. I'm pretty sure I thought it was a Spice Girls song or something at the time though. Whichever. I still dig it. 5/5: this probably realistically is not a 5 star album, but there's no adults here, so I can do what I want.

This CD spent a lot of time in my player.

Omg imagine opening your debut album with Mysterons? God tier move honestly. This was a remarkable debut album. Everything about this album gave me the shivers. Halfway through I knew I wanted to listen to it again. Highlights for me were Mysterons, Wandering Stars, Numb, and Glory Box. I am officially a Portishead stan even though they have a bad band name.

The greatest downtempo/chill-hop album ever made. The blueprint, though it has never been able to be duplicated.

Måske den nemmeste 5er på listen indtil videre. Jeg er proaktivt sur over Claus' rating

L O V E Portishead. And from reading about them, so did a lot of others. I can only hope that they get it together and put out some more amazing music.

Yeah, man. I still listen to this ALL THE TIME.

Easy 5

Beth Gibbons is mother

GOOD

I've loved this album for years, unique, gritty, genre-defining

V I B E

Love this album. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere.

Masterpiece!

I loved this album when it came out but got sick of it as it seemed to get played out in every cafe in the world alongside sub par Cafe Del Mar compilations. Ok so that shouldn't diminish how amazing the album is and I wish I could time travel back to 1994 to hear it for the first time.

From a pure musical point of view this is a great album but Beth Gibbon’s vocals elevate it to another level

👍👍

Love it!

Beautiful trip-hop

One of my favs- solid the whole way through

I loved it since I knew it. One of my favourites.

Yeah

The album is a bit one note moodwise and the album art is probably the ugliest in the whole book. But Roads is one of my favourite tracks ever and the album still has a moody mysterious allure.

fantastic record - brings me back to my high school years.

Absolutely phenomenal album. Puts me in a very specific head space which, when I want to be in it, hits the spot like nothing else.

NOBODY LOVES ME LIKE LIKE YOU DO

This is really, really good! I'm about 1/2 way through the album and just groovin' with it. and another one goes on my rotation!

One thing I've learnt thanks to this project, is my love for 90s trip hop and electronic music. I have such a nostalgia for this era, and the fantastic atmosphere these genres create in my head. You can heat the influence this album had on one of my favourite video game composers, Darren Kirby, especially his work on Transistor. Another reviewer compared this album to a city and it's a perfect comparison, a quiet loneliness floating over a busy and dirty foundation. For me it's a winter album, sad and cold, but sometimes thinking of spring. 28/01/24

Oh fuck this is good. Mysterions makes me feel like I’m underwater. I could see this being my favorite song. Album has a shoegaze feel to it. Mixed with early synth pop. I am always on my toes, not sure what will happen next. Vocals incredible. Roads is amazing, feels like the moment you walk out of a warm event hall into the cool rain outside with the echoes growing distant behind you. Glory box is beauty. Awesome album.

One of my favorite albums ever. Maybe a couple weak points, but completely forgivable by the rest

Stumbled on this the long way around. It quickly went to the top of my modern music ists.

An amazing album and one of the best triphop albums

AHHHH 5 ich musses nedmal lose eif 5 fertig danke ade merci. Ich bi mit dem ufgwachse und es isch eif soo guet?? There‘s nothing like it 1A. Ahh sour times isch so guet the way she sings ‚ nobody loves me‘ gooosebuuuumps! It could be sweet isch definitiv mit Abstand de schwächscht track, cha gar nütt meh sege, aber de rest sind so bangers dasses eig chasch ignoriere. S cha halt niemer perfekt sii oder Roads- riese banger. Eif soooo schön??? Portishesd schaffts eifach soviel emotione id lieder z packe ich liebs Glory Box isch SO ES STRONGS LIED zum s Album demit eif abschlüsse isch INSANEE

fuck also das schwankt starch zwüscheme 4i und 5i. kei ahnig was trip hop isch aber die wunderschöni stimm, paart mite warme beats und sehr reduzierte gitarre, synthi oder sogar strings isch eifach nur insane. iwie isches sehr melancholischi, mengisch fast mysteriösi, aber au unglaublich schöni musig. ((ich wett am nick drake es 5i geh, es tutmer leid nick)) mysterons und roads hend für mich speziell ussegstoche FUCK S SOLO VO GLORY BOX I guess ich muss mal chli trip hop lose?

Dummy is everything. The tremolo of the opening chords on Roads alone is enough to give me frisson, and when Beth's "Oh..." comes in, I just melt into a puddle of weepy nostalgia. It's perfect.

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Portishead. Impressive, atmospheric, amazing vocals.

Amazing album. Everything is perfect, the singing, the production, the samples, the James Bond esque guitar. It sounds like a dark smokey dingy club in the best way possible. I will never get tired of this album.

Never heard of them before, and this album didn't disappoint. I listened to it twice in a row and the second time I enjoyed it even more. Might be my favorite new find from the list so far!

Real nice, for some reason I always imagined this is what Bjork should have sounded like.

This is why we do this. So good. 5

Oh man, this is great music. It's spooky and captivating to be considered art but it's also chilled enough to be lounge or dinner party music, like a James Bond theme or something. Every track is a bit different but they also have a collective consistency, which is quite an achievement. Beth Gibbons vocals are awesome, sounding sexy and vulnerable at the same time. And I love the occasional sound effects / samples. Magnificent.

This album changed everything for me, it let me undertstand that there was more to music than gutairs and sent me down the helter skelter of rave culture and electronic music. Ill never forget hearing it on the radio and thinking what the hell is this, never heard anything like it. It's aged well and sounds current, the whispery parnoid vocals and dystopic sounds make it so atmospheric.

Deservedly iconic, everything music should be - innovative and evocative and sounds great!

My teenage daughter has been hating on Portishead lately, but I just can't bring myself to dislike it, it has so many happy memories tied up with it. I love the melancholy, the mash up of old and new, the vocals and drum and bass playing together. Glorious!

Sexy music.

I've never listened to Portishead. From their name I thought they would be like Tool. However this album is very Massive Attacks and I absolutely loved it. I live the kind of ethereal sound. Because it felt like a complete album the individual songs didn't stand out as much on first pass but I really liked the album as a whole.

Amazing album. Loved it.

I had forgotten how good this album is. It's something we used to listen to while getting mellow. It holds up even when not under the influence.

in my wheelhouse.

I didn’t think I had ever heard of Portishead but the 2nd track was definitely familiar. I enjoyed the whole Album.

Wowww. An amazing, experimental, and unique body of work by Portishead. The artistry of this band is very creative while still very much being listenable and vibey. Best track is Roads.

Dummy. the debut album from Portishead, changed the trip-hop landscape. It was more atmospheric than many of trip-hop albums of the time, setting a stage for evolution of the genre. The lead off track, Mysterons, is a prime example. Sci-fi sounds, mingle with Beth Gibbons' torch song vocal delivery to create something as akin to ambient as it is to trip-hop. The rest of the album is just as inventive.

I’ve heard this before but never enjoyed it as much as this time.

THE BEST

I loved this. Very cool and unique. It’s own universe. Dope.

One of my all time favorites to have on. I love the contrast between the rhythmic soundscapes and the haunting vocals.

One of my all time favorites to have on. I love the contrast between the rhythmic soundscapes and the haunting vocals.

Surprised at this one! Really enjoyed it. Cool female vocals over some grunge/smashing pumpkins esque sound.

Dark, mesmerizing, and hauntingly beautiful. I’ve heard bits and pieces of their music on trip hop playlists but was blown away by the quality of production and editing on this album.

Really curious vibe. Sour times. Strangers. Glory Box. Definitely worth a deeper delve, I dig it.

i already loved this one, its great what else to say, such good vibes

I didn’t even know trip-hop was a thing but I’m here for it

Hade bara hört Glory box sedan tidigare och även om den är jäkligt bra så blev det här ändå en stor överraskning. Älskar viben/stämningen genom hela skivan. Hennes low key-röst komponerad av väldigt välproducerade beats och samplingar gifter sig verkligen och ger ett grymt och unikt (?) sound. Redan vid första genomlyssning är det bra från första låten och hela vägen in i mål, vilket inte händer särskilt ofta. Kul!

Turns out I'm a Portishead fan. I had no idea.

An unexpected surprise. Definitely one of my favs now

Listened five times in a row.

Great album and it's been one I've listened to regularly for at least 25 years. I love the sounds, pace, Beth's voice. To me it still sounds timeless, where other trip hop albums from the same period very much take me back to the early 90s.

I dug this!

Great

fantastic record

Been a minute since I heard this album. I remember liking it, let's see if it holds up. Holds up. 5/5

Portishead is dope.

One of the greatest triphop albums of all time. 5/5

Extremely good trip hop! nothing like a genre double feature to immediately clarify what the good stuff’s supposed to sound like

top tier record

Every second of this whole album, from start to finish, is absolutely excellent! :)

Great!

really enjoyed this; sweet and dreamy

I’ve listened to one Portishead album before (Third) which I was told was great, but I didn’t really like at all. That leaves me somewhat apprehensive about today’s album. I truly want to like every new album I hear, and try to go in as optimistic as I can. Let’s listen with fingers crossed! Songs I already knew: Sour Times, Glory Box Favourites: Sour Times, Numb, Glory Box Apparently this album is considered to be what pushed trip-hop onto a lot of people’s radars. I’m more sure exactly what that is, but I can say that I enjoyed this album a lot. It was very mellow but without ever getting boring. It felt like sitting in a smoky jazz room at times, but a little more contemporary. Perhaps that’s what trip hop is. I’ve no idea. This was good though, so listen to it.

First day of one album a day, I had no expectations for this album but I kind of like it. It's trippy and soft, easy to listen to and weird at the same time. Pretty enjoyable overall.

somewhat forgotten in recent years, but WOW - what a banger album. era-defining.

So fucking good. Like what logo hip hop instrumentals would’ve been in the 90s, except way more authentic sounding, and with super cool soft and serenade-y vocals

I have to say. This album was way better than I was expecting it to be. While I still haven't listened to a rap record for this project yet, this album does have hip-hop-esque production. That production, by the way, is really well done. And I mean that in the good way, not the steak way. This whole album just has immaculate vibes all throughout. The use of sampling suits the album very well. The singing is oddly fitting for an album with beats like this one. Speaking of beats, they're really good as well! This album's mood is perfectly executed, and there really isn't a bad song. This album gives me similar emotions to Violater by Depeche Mode, another album I've listened to for this project. Honestly, I should've given that one a 5 in retrospect, and I think this one deserves a 5/5 as well.

Certified classic. No skips. Especially when it’s sadboi season

Weirdly great vibe, especially for the cloudy day that I had today.

Still as sexy and haunting as when it was released. Ten stars.

Unique, original, excellent

This is from the 90’s…so not the vibe that much. Listening to it is uncomfy but I could give it a chance at a later time

That's my jam

Un magnifique album à la sonorité planante. Un mix d'électro-jazz frôlant la perfection. Un album qui peut aussi bien se mêler au décor que faire l'objet d'une écoute attentive.

It's a close one, but I enjoyed every song, and felt engaged by every song.

Music that makes you want to crawl up and die. Amazing

Weirdly smooth gooey goodness with dreamy vocals that can make my day any day.

I first tried listening to this on my morning walk to work and thought it was such a bummer I wasn’t as big of a fan as I thought I’d be. I tried again at home, windows open into the night, no distractions and holy shit it’s actually SO good?? Just needed the right vibes for the reverberant, trippy melancholy.

All time classic !

Really enjoyable and attractive music. Standout songs were It Could Be Sweet, Numb, and Glory Box

Finally an album I would be happy to add to my library. Never heard of Portishead before, but it was a very plesant album. Very nice and crunchy beats, atmospheric instrumentals, hauting vocals. Gets a bit simple by the middle, but has a very strong finish. I am not certain as to the significance of the album, but it was exciting and interesting to me today, so must have been quite special in 1994. Significant albums 13/29. Albums I liked 6/29. Albums I have added to my library 1/29. Significant, liked, added. This one: significant, didnt like, didnt add.

If I had found this album when I was 20 it would have blown my MIND

kickass, mellow and deep

I'm not sure how an album this lyrically dark can be so damn sexy. It defies physics somehow. Dummy feels simultaneously retro and ahead of its time. Beth Gibbon's voice is fragile and powerful at the same time. This album is full of contradictions that somehow work perfectly. What a classic. Faves: Wandering Star, Numb, Sour Times, It Could Be Sweet, Roads

I've been listening to this record pretty consistently for almost 30 years and it still sounds so fucking cool. Spy soundtrack guitars, Isaac Hayes samples, Beth Gibbons' haunting vocals; everything about it is perfect. I wrote a screenplay years ago called Wandering Star, partly named after the biblical verse and partly because it's my favorite song on this album.

The progenitor of low-fi hip hop The steady beats and wide variety of percussive elements vibe well with the haunting alto

Every songs a bond anthem.

An amazing album, one of the best of the 90s

One of the defining albums of trip hop. There's so much going on here. The vintage/film noir sound, the unconventional instruments and recording process, the incorporation of hip hop techniques seemlessly throughout. On top of that, Beth Gibbons' voice is gorgeous. She sounds like someone whose been crushed by the weight of the world and come back slightly jaded but stronger than ever. This is an easy 5 and one of my favorite albums of all time.

Not the usual type of music I listen to, but it was really good. I would totally put this on as calming background music. This reminds me of the Cibo Matto album Viva! La Woman 5/5

The unique thing about this album is the brilliant sonic construction of space. There's a glossy shimmering surface: pulsating synths and ephemeral keyboards, vibrating tremolo/wah guitar lines, squiggly turntables, and a high hat heavy drum part. The bass is often part of this, high up the neck and melodic, but then drops down low for a big hit in tandem with a bass drum, and all of sudden the depths below the surface reveal themselves - they do this over and over and it's exhilarating in a blissed out chill way. The vocals move across these layers, soaring high and dipping low, breathy and intimate then angsty and ethereal. The exemplary album of a weird shortlived fusion electrorock mini-genre - thoroughly of it's time and place but transcends them and still stands out 30 years later.

Love this album, though I think I like 3 even more

Very easy listening Indie Pop, where every track is a Standout.

A bit samey-same throughout, but it’s such a cool and unique sound.

Brilliant. How have I not listened to all the recommendations before! Sexy last song too

Funky chill hip hop. But also sounds like should be in a bond film

One of my all time fave records

ELECTRIC AND GROOVY 5/5

Incredible, innovative offering. Nothing like it before, or after. Brilliant.

5 stars, no notes

"Dummy" is definitely an "album out of time." I feel it could have come out any time in the last 30 years and feel just as unique and fresh. I have a hard time saying with Portishead album is my favorite, but their first definitely has the impact from being the first to introduce their unique blend of elements. Gibbons voice is beautiful and haunting, and the music is a perfectly sparse landscape with a light touch of trip-hop.

I could describe this as the pinnacle of nocturnal records, it's very easy to imagine driving down the interstate at midnight with no other cars in sight. Very beautiful singing on all tracks, instrumentation comes together with it seamlessly most notably on Heads, very incredible which ties together a tight album that you won't even notice repeat with how well it flows.

Dummy by Portishead is and was a compelling listen with layers to the music and an overall mood and ambiance to the album.

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It has been in my top five albums of all time since I first heard it in 1994. When they arrived, nothing was like them with their heavy beats, unpredictable sounds, and Beth Gibbons ethereal vocals.

Perfect.

I love itt. Totally a vibe

Masterpiece.

Amazing album! Havent heard it in years and am wondering why I ever stopped.

Incredible! Found a new band I love and I listened to all of their stuff over the weekend.

good

When this came up in my feed, I'd heard the name Portishead and figured I'd probably heard their music on the local radio station back when they were popular. Other than that, I'd probably not even thought of them for over 20 years. I recognize some of the songs of this album ("Sour Times" for sure I remember liking when it was on the radio) but never really payed them any attention. Which is a shame. This album is amazing and I now want to hear the rest of their stuff.

idk what i expected portishead to be but consider me impressed

Super lo-fi and relaxing. Very nice female voice. Cool beats. Includes mild scratching. Super nice organ parts, string parts and sax parts.

Perfection