Reviews (page 2 of 8)
That must be at least top 3 best new wave albuns of all time without a doubt
Fantastic 80’s goth-pop-new wave. The vocals are the best maudlin theatrical belty style this side of early U2/ Bono
Straight yummalum. Scrumdidiliumptious. Love love love echo and the bunnymen and their vibe.
This is an underrated gem of The 80s
That sound. Students and angsty teens everywhere loved it. Ian McCulloch’s voice, like Lloyd Cole and the Waterboys, was what all creative arty people were into. The jangly guitar sound. The sophisticated lyrics. We felt clever because of it. And it just sounded so great
Classic Dark Wave record! Fantastic stuff
This is #day610 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… funny how just yesterday, when I got a country album, I wrote that this list sometimes feels like a competition between country and post-punk. Well played, random generator, because here we are... My third and final record from the Bunnymen. Quite possibly the epitome of mid-'80s post-punk and alternative rock with a big orchestral soul. "The Killing Moon" is, of course, golden. Also, I've always loved the album artwork. Happy to own an original German vinyl copy. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day611.
I'd buy this album and not regret it. That's enough to earn it a 5.
Big time post punk classic for me, I love the way the Bunnymen are really insanely esoteric in their lyrics but don't really make a big thing of it, instead setting it against this amazingly catchy spiky songwriting with these little moments of euphoria that burst through the gloom.
Love it as much as I did in high school
must be my love of the cure/the smiths spilling over into my love for this album, but its really good
5 for killing moon just itself
Another great album by a band I love. There’s definitely a lot more I haven’t listened to on here than have. Probably my least favourite of their albums on this list but it’s still 5 stars. I find it’s a bit more disorganised and I get mood whiplash between songs. There’s the darker songs (e.g Nocturnal Me and Yo-Yo Man) and then there’s the brighter songs (like Silver and Crystal Days) and they’ll be right next to each other. That said, love most of the songs on here. Seven Seas makes me happy and I think it has their only great music video. Of course, I think everyone should listen to The Killing Moon at least once. I wish I could re-experience hearing it for the first time, and that first time not being while moving boxes in a dusty shop. A side note on The Killing Moon: I get the Ocean Rain of it all but the moment I heard it I immediately pictured running through corn fields at night, past sinister scarecrows, with only the moon to guide you. The water aesthetic with the music video bothers me because I don’t associate the song with water at all.
So sophisticated and mysterious. Great album to enjoy a glass of wine and forget about the life
I thought I knew the Bunnymen. I’ve seen them live (wife’s fault), I know the singles, I know the coat‑and‑cigarette vibe. But this is the first time I’ve actually sat and listened to an album all the way through and… excuse me? Why did nobody tell me it was this good? Honestly, I feel like I’ve turned up late to a party that everyone else swears they invited me to. Verdict: Blown away. Mildly annoyed at myself for not doing this sooner.
4.5 - Great
I had never heard of Echo and the Bunnymen up until now and was surprisingly pleased to do so. The record feels like a mix between the eccentricity by Talking Heads, the drama from The Smiths and also some of the music from The Cure. Loved the orchestra the haunting feeling of these songs (recommend listening to it at night as its mores fitting to the overall vibe). Standout tracks to me were Silver, Nocturnal Me (my absolute favorite) and Seven Seas.
7 seas
This is probably the most lauded album of the sister rock genre. Anyone surveyed that has a sister has a great love for this. I think the Murphy family was no sisters didn’t know about this record, but I think they’re coming around to it. I’m not sure if Crystalyn has a sister, but we’ll find out.
Excellent
Album # 2 Echo and the Bunnymen: Ocean Rain Before I started listening to the 1001 album list, I had listened to around 400 albums, most of which came in the last year and a half, as before that, I would tend to only listen to albums of bands that I truly became infatuated with through individual songs. It was rare for me to become obsessed with a band to the point that I would desire to listen to all their songs in album form; it was a feat that only seven bands were able to achieve in the first few years of my actively listening to music. At the time, I was only really familiar with the most famous bands of all time, the Beatles, ACDC, Led Zeppelin, etc, so any band, even a notch lower in popularity, felt like finding a hidden gem. Now that I am more knowledgeable about music, I expected to see at least 5, and likely 6, of those 7 formative bands on this list. I now write this having heard around 401 albums since this is only the second album I have had generated, and to my great surprise, it is an album from that very seventh formative band, whose inclusion I would not have anticipated on this list, Echo and the Bunnymen. It is not that I feel they are unworthy of this list, as they are no doubt one of the most important and influential post-punk bands of all time. But I suppose their lack of cultural impact within my generation has led me to become naive about just how high they truly do rank amongst the musical hierarchy. I was first introduced to the band, like many, through their iconic single "The Killing Moon," which is, for my money, one of the most entrancing and magical songs of all time. Hearing it for the first time compares to my experiences with songs like "Made of Stone" by the Stone Roses, and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" by the Smiths. A song that once you've heard it, you just know that it was made for you. Listening to Ocean Rain in its entirety became the only natural conclusion after hearing a song with such a timeless quality to it, to the point that it remained in my top 5 most listened songs in each year since I've heard it. And the album absolutely does not let down its shining star, like so often with one-hit-wonder albums (which Echo and the Bunnymen most certainly aren't). Beautiful poetry layered with enchanting instrumentals that pull you into this dark yet exciting world. Never a dull moment, and not a single bad track, and if you think otherwise, you must be a c-c-c-cucumber. Though I have heard almost every Bunnymen album at this point, Ocean Rain remains my most cherished, and holds a definite spot in my top ten albums of all time, the album which enhanced my love for 80's music and introduced me to the idea of post-punk. A very warranted inclusion in the list, and I have a feeling it will be a while until something compares to my second album. Best Tracks: Killing Moon, Nocturnal Me, Angels and Devils Worst Track: None Score out of 10: 10
First Listen: 4.5 I already knew The Killing Moon quite well, so I was excited to hear the whole album. It could likely become a 5 with a few more listens. On second listen: yeah, this is a 5. I'd say this is more of a night album
This album is an absolute masterpiece, and its the best record to come out of the entire post-punk movement. The Killing Moon alone is one of the best songs of the 80s. The whole album feels like a dream state, full of darkness, melancholy and sadness. Instead of being a rock album with some strings in the background, the orchestral compositions is fully woven into the music and blends with the band perfectly. To create something that is truly outstanding and beautiful.
Excellent, I only knew The Killing Moon before but I enjoyed the rest of the album to a similar degree, I liked Nocturnal Me the second most
I haven’t got a lot to say. This is simply great music.
Schöne 80s/Post-Punk-Songs. Überraschend poppig.
The new wave style of this album is similar to that of Terry's, had he not been a Christian artist, that is. My favorite track is Nocturnal Me.
Wow. What a gem.
great album! liked it a lot.
All time favourite
Their most famous record for a reason. “The Killing Moon” really is by far their best song. The whole album is quite beautiful too, though.
Whole album was a solid listen, enjoyed this one a lot
big fan of them since i watched perks of being a wallflower when i was 12
Some really catchy, good stuff. Emotional, raw, and really well produced. I'm really into it. There were a couple of songs that didn't really hit home with me like Nocturnal Me, but they're still alright. Just a bit overly theatrical. I'll be listening to this album again and again.
Their masterpiece.
Lovely soaring post-punk!
Page refreshed and I've lost everything i wrote but it was just me gradually realising this album was written for me specifically 9 years before my birth. Highlights being: talked about liverpool, talked about pulp, added a track to my clown playlist, looked up some bass tabs. 5 stars this is going on heavy rotation immediately.
Got into Echo by randomly finding Crocodiles in a local record store. The atmosphere, vocals and guitar was impressive. Ocean Rain took it up 5 notches.
When I started this I had the idea that I should review every album in a vacuum, on its own merit. But that was like 700 and some albums ago, and I’ve heard so many stinkers that it’s hard to still do that. I forget what I gave the other Echo + Bunnymen, I think it was 4. I liked that one more than this one, but this time I was more struck with “in the big picture, these guys actually really rule.” So this is maybe just a 4 star album, but on the list, they’re a 5 star band.
A Dark and beautiful record. I really enjoyed listening to this.
Good
amazing album, crooning and orchestral delivered with 80's indie energy
My second album from the group, and what growth. Everything that sounded nice but empty in Crocodiles is still here in Ocean Rain, but now filled with beautiful imagery and orchestral backup. Something about this album makes it a perfect soundtrack for long walks at night, sky watching, chilling at the beach in the off-season, and the like. I haven't tried it yet, but now I wish to. Maybe it's the echoing effects on the vocals that give the impression of wide space. Maybe it's the vague poetry of the lyrics that teases the imagination (especially the "c-c-c-cabbage" songs, of course) without being too serious. Anyway, I love it.
I started listening to Echo and the Bunnymen this year. They're another legendary band hailing from Liverpool, who carved their own legacy in the post-punk movement through employing moody atmospheres and poetic lyricism. Ocean Rain is probably one of their more notable releases, after I came off lead single "The Killing Moon" in Rock Band 3, and second track "Nocturnal Me" in the first season of Stranger Things. I consider both tracks to be stunning, so how does the rest of the record stack up? This album can be described with one word: beautiful. The lush string arrangements courtesy of the accompanying orchestra, the intricate guitar melodies, the cold yet striking rhythm section, and the touches of reverb in the production all coalesce behind Ian McCulloch's haunting vocal delivery. Combining that sonic quality with the poetic prose of the lyrics, utilizing some striking imagery while leaving it just vague enough to open interpretation, the result is a listening experience that grew on me in its deviancy. I honestly don't have much else to say when Ocean Rain is simply this delightful. I'm curious how the rest of the Echo & the Bunnymen records on this list hold up in comparison.
love this one 🥰
The greatest Echo And The Bunnymen album because it has the greatest song they have done. I know it is just my opinion but I think that "The Killing Moon" might be the best songs from the "new wave" era.
the greatest album ever made
Fantastic album.
Excellent!
I love Echo and the Bunnymen sm Overall: 5/5
Ocean rain over me because the Bunnymen are legendary.
I still listen to this album several times every year. It’s strange how musically simplistic the songs really are but they feel so rich and complex. Ian McCullough’s voice is uncharacteristically beautiful. I don’t know how he pulled this off when his live performances sound terrible. I admit to being obsessed with this album for nearly 40 years, it stands out as something greater than almost anything being produced by their 80’s peers.
Haunting experimental and dramatic
4.5
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. The second I saw this was yet another early 80s British post-punk / new wave album, I just felt kind of “meh” about it – I understand that new wave took over the world, but I feel like there are more genres & styles from the first half of the 1980s that are worth putting on the list over yet another post-punk / new wave band. I’m not a hater, it just feels oversaturated. That said, I knew going in that as long as it hit all of the right tropes, and had a banger or two, that I would still enjoy it regardless. Really, at the end of the day, I just really, really wanted an album that was worth writing about. Thankfully, I do have an album worth writing about, one that certainly hits all the right tropes & more – classifying this as “post-punk” feels like an incorrect label to me, because it’s much closer to a bridging gap between the style R.E.M. would make famous & the folkier, guitar-driven sensibilities of what would become Britpop a decade later. Hell, it even dips into some of the more bombastic forms of Britpop that Oasis would bring in, via the really cool orchestral work throughout this album, giving each track a gravitas it may not have otherwise. For 1984, this album’s general mood, soundscape, lyricism & overall vibe feels far, far ahead of the curve, more so than it has any right to be. There are certainly some complaints I have – I think the lyrics are broad at times, and for as good as the vocals are, I think they could be a little more “expressive” on some of the earlier tracks. There’s also “Thorn of Crowns”, which sticks out like a sore thumb, but is at least a bizarre enough track to be an interesting listen & not just boring. When this album really clicks though, is whenever it finds its zen state (ala a Cocteau Twins album or Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks”). This album REALLY finds its zen state over the course of the last 4 tracks, with the entire stretch of “The Killing Moon” to “Ocean Rain” acting as some of the coolest post-punk / new-wave “vibes” stuff I’ve heard on the list so far. It helps that the lyricism / vocals hit a really high point on those 4 tracks, compared to some of the looser / broader stuff earlier on the album. It’s the main reason this is getting the bump up to a 5, because I got really entranced by them. There’s some more scattered praise I have, like our lead vocalist channeling everyone from Bono to Michael Stipe to David Bowie to “accidental Elvis” on Thorn of Crowns, & the incredibly cool 2000s indie vibe feel of “My Kingdom” clicking as nicely as it did. It really is a surprise to me that this is 1984, because it just feels like a 90s album, through and through. It’s not gonna play well for everyone, especially if the earlier tracks don’t click like that, but for my tastes, I’m pleasantly surprised that this was as good as it was, and I’m certainly happy it’s on the list. It’s a 4.5 that I think is worth bumping up to a 5.
I loved this. I loved the sound, it feels so timeless. Captures desert blues in a rock and roll way
Fantastic album with possibly the best song ever written.
Killing Moon, Crystal Days, The Yo Yo Man,Silver, Ocean Rain. Fantastic ride.
Pre-listening thoughts: well this is strange! Spotify literally has been recommending me songs from this album on the search page on those “Discover something new” tabs that function kind of like tik tok. Like literally yesterday 2/3 of those tabs started with songs from this album. And I was like “nah I won’t listen to these yet cause I know this is on the list” but hey the universe must really want me to listen to this album rn cause here it is! Bizarre Post/during listening thoughts: I like the song where he lists the vegetables and says cucumber because cucumber is my favorite vegetable :) 🥒/10 *EDIT: okay but like I heard this album calling to me after I listened to it the first time. The strings!!! I love the instrumentation so much. This is a really beautiful body of work. It's very much a product of its time but if you isolate these backing tracks they would make an insane video game soundtrack. I mean that in the highest regard. I feel like a really cool pirate rn. Bumping this bad boy to a 5 from a 4. DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: well no I guess not Fav tracks: Silver, Crystal Days, The Yo Yo Man, Thorn of Crowns, Seven Seas, Ocean Rain Least fav tracks: n/a
Already heard this, I love how instrumentally it’s quite simple, but the use of strings and uncommon instruments really gives it a real sense of atmosphere and personality, I think that’s why it’s called. ‘Baroque pop’ or something. Lyrics are also amazing, really surreal at times, especially songs like the yoyo man, which I think is what stuck out to me at like 7 years old or whenever I first heard this. Its the kind of thing where even if the song doesn't totally jump out as being great, you can try to like it, because there's amazing stuff throughout. Overall I feel like this album creates an amazing atmosphere, while still being a 'pop' album (not in a derogatory way). Favourite songs: all of them. Overall around 9/10
Ne bi reka da je ovo najbolji echo ali je svakako najelegatniji. I ima killing moon jebiga
Pocos grupos tuvieron el empaque, calidad e imagen de los Bunnymen. La voz de Ian McCulloch, heredera del mejor Morrison, y la guitarra de Will Sergeant, elaboraron una discografía excelsa (no solo en su primera y más exitosa etapa la de Crocodiles (1980), Heaven Up Here (1981), Porcupine (1983), Ocean Rain (1984), y Echo & the Bunnymen (1987), sino en aquel fabuloso regreso en los 90 con Evergreen, What Are You Going to Do with Your Life? (1999), Flowers (2001) y Siberia (2005)). Consiguieron que se hablara de otra banda cuando se citaba Liverpool. Hallaron la fórmula justa entre The Jesus and Mary Chain, Joy Division y The Cure. Lleva un disco suyo era sinónimo de elegancia. No fueron ajenos a las críticas, que les tildaban de tomarse demasiado en serio a sí mismos (aún no habían aparecido Héroes del Silencio, que se estudiaron cada milímetro de los Bunnymen). Este Ocean Rain, otro título y portada para recordar, es el 4º de esta tacada, y no es un título menor, es el mejor y más equilibrado. Nocturnal me, con esas cuerdas siniestras, oscurece el brillo de la inicial Silver, single junto a Seven seas y The Killing Moon. Crytal Days y The Yo Yo Man (presentada meses antes como Watch Out Below en las sesiones con John Peel en la BBC) suenan sin duda, a los Doors actualizados. Thorn of Crowns (Cucumber) es otro blues crudo, que en directo suena aún más áspero, y cierra la primera parte del álbum. La cara B abre con la canción por la que es y será siempre recordado es, la mejor de toda su carrera y una de las mejores de los 80: la eterna The Killing Moon. Solo por este tema ya se jusitifica el álbum (y toda una carrera). Seven seas es otro de sus clásicos y My Kingdom es una fabulosa canción, con una melodía y orquestación de lo mejor que llegaron a hacer. Cierra la maravillosa Ocean Rain, que finalmente bajó revoluciones frente a versiones anteriores, con mejor resultado. Cuatro temas para una cara realmente prodigiosa.
Interessantes Album mit dem gelungenen aus Klassikelementen und 80er Punkrock. Beeindruckende europäische Tango-Rhythmen in „ Nocturnal Me“, guter opener in „Silver“ und tiefgründige Spannung in “The Killing Moon“. Das Album brauch sich nicht hinter R.E.M oder Simple Minds zu verstecken. Sehr gutes Werk 😀
I love this album so much. One of my favorites.
Echo and the Bunnymen departed from the gloomy, isolated rock of their previous album, "Porcupine". That release felt like it existed within someone's depression. "Ocean Rain" in contrast, is huge and cinematic, without losing the dark edge. It's like coming out of the winter into a rainy but beautiful spring time. Arguably, it's their best album and contains some of their best songs like "The Killing Moon" and "Seven Seas". But there's loads of experimental and diverse elements as well, which flow perfectly through the entire album. It took me some time to really appreciate Echo and the Bunnymen. If the other albums on this list got me interested but this one made me a fan.
The greatest album ever made 5⭐️
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I love Echo & The Bunnymen. I especially love The Killing Moon, a high point on an album I already enjoy. Yeah, this is a biased review, but music taste is subjective, right? I'm happy, that's what matters.
The soundtrack for my teenage years.
80s perfection.
Ocean Rain is one of those albums that has followed me quietly for years, changing shape depending on when I come back to it. It feels reflective in a way that never nags, like it understands melancholy without trying to explain it. When it starts, I always get that familiar sense of being drawn inward, as if the outside world has dimmed slightly and made room for something deeper and more personal. What I love most is how it allows emotion to unfold at its own pace. The grandeur is there, the strings, the drama, the sense of scale, but none of it feels performative. Ian McCulloch’s voice carries a kind of weary confidence that resonates deeply with me, especially on days when I feel both fragile and defiant at the same time. The songs do not rush to comfort you or push you toward resolution, they sit with you, acknowledging the weight without trying to lift it. By the time it ends, Ocean Rain always leaves me feeling steadier, not happier exactly, but understood. It is an album I reach for when I need space to think, when words are hard to find, when I want music to feel like company rather than distraction. Few records manage that balance of beauty and emotional honesty so completely. A clear five out of five, and one of those albums I suspect will stay with me for the rest of my life.
12/10
WOW!
Love this so much! It’s lush and elegant and just perfection. This might be THE new wave album. Crisp and incredibly produced, over the top and melodramatic, but never boring, never uninteresting. Killing Moon is an all timer.
This is by far Echo's best album, although personally I like Porcupine on the whole better. This one has everything going for it, just amazing songwriting, and I pretty much love every song on it. Pinnacle of their career and never made an album close to this. 4.5/5 which rounds up to a 5.
One of the finest album I've ever heard and it just gets better and better. I could listen to this everyday for the rest of my life.
Some of the best songs ever recorded are just there.
Randomly, I heard The killing moon on TV yesterday and wished it would pop up on our album list. Amazingly, what I wished for came true. This encapsulates so many memories from my teenage years. Wonderful in every way. So good I played it twice.
# Playlist track - Silver # Notes - I stumbled upon this album a few years ago, and it was an incredible experience. Listening to it again, I'm glad to say it still feels the same. - The delivery is cool, the album got an interesting rhythm and under 37 minutes, it's gone before it starts to drag itself. Good call.
I bought this when it came out, but haven't played it in ages - a big mistake. Probably the band's peak, and definitely 5⭐
Brilliant orchestral neo psych post punk with a big Beatles and Doors influence.
Such a great vibe! Happy to have been able to see them live this year.
SO good. 10/10
Excellent! A beautiful range of instruments, creative jumps through the album to keep me engaged. I didn't think very highly of the other album of theirs on this list - Porcupine, but this was a great surprise. The kind of indie rock that I love.
First four E&B albums are 5-star classics. This is number 4. It is hard to say which of these albums is better. Compared to their previous album the singing has toned down a bit. Overall, the quality of their pop songwriting might be the best there was in the 80s. (I also thought those two recent books of Will Sergeant, together covering the first couple of years of the band were worth reading.) score: 10/10.
Good
The Killing Moon.
Fun
Wow! Heard of this group but never really listened to them. Well composed, intersting to listen to. The orchestra really fills out the sound. This one goes on my buy list.
back to Uni days with this one, still sounds great
The Killing Moon is one of my all time favorite songs.
Love the first four echo albums. This one is more orchestral and the production is lusher which I think they never pulled back from as they moved forward, but so much cool stuff on this. Probably the most hooky Echo album, nonsense lyrics and all (cuh cuh cabbage). My kingdom I swear starts with an opening that was an influence of Ian Broudie pre-lightning seeds, but I guess this album he didn't produce. Once again, Will Sargeant is just an absolute genius.
Very Cool.
Took me too long to realize Kyles played them before. The Killing Moon. Nocturnal Me - “oh take me internally”
Lemme grab my Oxfam coat. 10/10 would 80s again.
This is a stunning album. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-ocean-rain-by-echo-and?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Beautiful 🩵
This was so good, I didn't see this coming. It sounds 10 years ahead of it's time, like a precursor to the alt rock of the '90s (I'm hearing an early R.E.M. sound at times, but that's probably underselling it, I also got The National at times). The sound is big and orchestral, but the singer isn't overwhelmed by the background instruments. They manage to pull off this ambience that's slightly unsettling or haunting, while still being incredibly enjoyable to listen to. Ian McCulloch's voice is awesome, dramatic and powerful. The biggest knock on this is that there's a bit of a weak stretch on songs 3-5. It starts off great with "Silver" and the really uneasy sounding "Nocturnal Me", but then the next three songs are a bit weaker in comparison ("Crystal Days" is ok, I don't actually like "The Yo Yo Man" all that much but the plinking sounds in the middle are weird and interesting enough to hear again, similarly the guitar riff on "Thorn of Crowns" is pretty cool). Although I'm listening a second time and they're still pretty decent, weaker than the rest but there's still something interesting happening on each song. The B-side is absolutely top tier though. It starts with their best-known song "The Killing Moon" which is iconic (fateeeee....up against your willllll). "Seven Seas" is almost just as good though to follow, and "My Kingdom" and "Ocean Rain" are beautiful to finish. I also really like the album cover, the purple background is cool. This was really awesome, a perfect example of what I've loved about this album thing. This is making its way into the rotation for sure, I hit play again as soon as it ended. Favorite song: The Killing Moon Other: Silver, Nocturnal Me, Crystal Days, The Yo Yo Man, Thorn of Crowns, Seven Seas, My Kingdom, Ocean Rain 3/16/24
Немного напомнило атмосферой Morphine. При этом как-то музыкально очень круто в меня попало. В целом хочется запомнить сегодняшний момент:)
I knew this album was going to be good, but I don't think I was ready for how brilliant it was. Start to finish, it never drops, and the peak of Killing Moon is fantastic. What a great collection of songs this is. The final two tracks pack an emotional heft that other similar bands simply can't find. If this Project does little else, I reckon it's confirmed EATB as the finest band of the 80s for me.
I've listened to this album before in the past and it didn't really stick. Glad I got to give it another go because I really enjoyed it. The Killing Moon is so good, it feels like a resolution to a story. Still some weird / boring tracks in there but I think it's worth it.
I wish I found this album in high school
This album gets better and better every time I hear it. Rating: 4.8
I realized that I mostly knew Echo and the Bunnymen from 80s movie soundtracks, including "Lost Boys" and "Pretty in Pink." This album is one that I wish I had had back in the 80s, as I know it would have been a favorite. "The Killing Moon" is an incredible song I've not spent enough time with, and "Silver" is a new favorite. I've always liked Ian McCulloch's voice, and I really loved the orchestration of this music. It was interesting and enjoyable and made me quite happy today.
I have loved the song The Killing Moon since I first heard it shortly after its release. It’s such an incredibly-crafted song - one of the very best of the 80s. Somehow this never translated into my listening to this album. As a fan or orchestra in pop I really missed out. The lush strings give the album a darker, cinematic tone. Still there are lighter cinematic moments to enjoy. Crystal Days had me happily be-bopping along, but that orchestra lifts the song above being a lightweight 80’s confection. I love it! This is one of my favorite albums of the 80s. I’m glad I found it even if it took nearly 40 years.
Såg dem -83 i nån jympasal i Hultsfred. Då var det bra och nu är det bra.
Dásamleg plata. Emo meets nýrómantík. Mikið orchestra. The Killing Moon eitt af stórkostlegustu lögum 80s.
Ei nyt yhtään missään järjestyksessä, mutta mulla on surkea mieli ja halusin kuunnella jotain tuttua ja turvallista ja aidosti hyvää, joten tää, halaa minua kuin lämmin peitto, on ollut rakas alusta asti ja oon monet itkut tätä kuunnellessani itkenyt, muistan yhdenkin kesän Ateenassa, 40 asteen helteessä hikoilin ja itkin - en enää muista mitä itkin, mutta Ocean Rain auttoi silloinkin.
Det är ett så stabilt album. Detta är allt the smiths önskade att de var. Det är deppigt det är gitarrigt det är poppigt utan att vara sockersött.
British 84's post-punk. The band's fourth album. Since 1984 the album has been certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry. Great! Will listen it again many times.
Uno de los momentos más bellos del pop de guitarras de los 80.
It was ok.
Discazo de New Wave. No sobra ni falta nada. A la altura de los mejores The Cure. Bajo espectacular, buenas melodías y bien instrumentalizado. Y encima incluye The Killing Moon..
Geweldige band en fantastisch abum!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uqh1BfOYIs&ab_channel=Breees._.edits
Fantastic! I’ve liked everything I’ve heard by them but this is the best of their albums.
I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. Porcupine was just okay for me. This felt like a step up. The tracks here are just way more interesting. It’s definitely one of those albums that gets better the longer it plays. "Nocturnal Me" is a big standout for me.. Decent vocals.
This takes me back to high school. Nice album.
143. Ocean Rain - Echo And The Bunnymen (1984) Variety: 4 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 4 Emotionality: 4 = 4.4 rounded down to a 4 "You kill when you talk and the enemy weakens/ Your words start to walk when you're not even speaking/ If my heart is a war, its soldiers are bleeding" Just under two months back we reviewed Crocodiles (3.8 rounded up to a 4) and I ended up liking it quite a bit, to no surprise. I've listened to their first four or five some years ago, and mostly liked what I heard, with the current album coming out on top in my memory, in no small part because of the general upping of the band's melodic game, and of course the big hit. As much as it was. Not sure it ever charted in the U.S. at all ( I checked later and it did not). As I mentioned before, I think this band got on a lot of people's radar via two soundtracks - both decades apart, both for horror/ horror adjacent movies. Their cover of "People Are Strange" by the Doors was featured prominently on the Lost Boys (1987) Soundtrack, and "The Killing Moon" on the Donnie Darko (2001) soundtrack. I think this first instance is the first time I probably heard them, though there's a chance I may have seen Pretty in Pink first which featured another song. I would have been too young to care much at all about the names of bands or songs at that point. It was the second instance that I distinctly remember taking notice of who the band was, and by then it was much easier to start tracking these artists down. This album I'll predict will get no less than a four, but will I like it that much more? THE TRACKS "Silver" - The first thing I notice hear is right away is how approachable and radio-friendly this sounds. Catchy vocal melody, and memorable guitar and string elements, and a snappy clean production feel that is up there with the best of the 80s Cure stuff. McCulloch seems to have more or less shaken off his Jim Morrisonisms, and overall the sound is a lot more lush, and less murky than on Crocodiles. We are somewhat out of order here, as the third album on the list - Porcupine - probably showed some of this evolution in progress. That will be an interesting look back I guess when we get around to it. "Nocturnal Me" - I think there might be a lot more acoustic work on this album. Certainly there's a much stronger sense of arrangement and cohesiveness. This and the last song definitely sound like they're from the same album. This one has a bit of a theatrical bent to it, and the enormous bass drum, the strings, and what I think are harpsichord or piano elements put me in mind of a lot of the carefully arranged stuff Nock Cave would be doing in just a few years. There's an operatic, over the top aspect here that the crunchier, guitar heavy stuff on Crocodiles sounds a million miles away from. I am really enjoying this hard lean into a still dark but luxurious orchestral sound. "Crystal Days" - The strings are used as back up here and aside from the prominent cello bit, it's mostly alternately stuttering and brightly ringing guitars. There's a little bit of the psychedelic here, but it's much more of a cousin to the Paisley Underground jangle pop that was coming out of the West Coast of the U.S. around the same time, with bands like the Bangles and Dream Syndicate than it does with any of the harsher, more reverb heavy post-punk and goth-adjacent stuff that the Bunnymen usually get lumped together with. "The Yo Yo Man" - There are some strong sea shanty vibes on this one, and McCulloch's Morrison tics are back a bit. The harpsichord ( I think) along with what may be a plucked harp(?) help to give this a very archly baroque flavor. The production throughout has had a bit of an echo, which while it serves to tie everything together with a similar atmosphere, is making it hard to identify some of the instrumentation. "Thorn of Crowns" - What sounds like a sitar, along with the chugging guitar, the Bo Diddley beat, and the stuttering vocals make this one a bit more psychedelic and slightly sinister. Good fun, but a bit scattershot, and leans into the more self-indulgent ""Father?" "Yes, son?" "I want to kill you!"-esque Doors style. A mixes bag, but where it shines is when the pace is steady and we're not sitting around waiting. "The Killing Moon" - Finally the centerpiece of the album, and I'd argue, their entire career. These guys are not one-hit wonders by any means, but as much as I like a lot of their stuff, and as catchy and hook filled as it is - none of it approaches this one as far as pure pop perfection. Beautiful core melody and an equally catchy sing-along chorus all rest on some of the band's most fantastically urgent playing, and McCulloch delivers emotionally here where he's more detached elsewhere. It's a shame this never busted the charts over on this side of the pond as it seems tailor-made to appeal to the same ears that would make a cult out of bands like the Cure or Siousxie and the Banshees. I do know that the band was very resistant to touring here, and promoting themselves ( even back home), and that seems to have been handicap of many an otherwise great band who failed to break America. Top tier stuff and makes it into my all-time best of the century canon for sure. "Seven Seas" - The twin to the last track, this one is as ebullient and playful as that one was murky and threatening. Both are a little witchy and full of the kind of nonsensical, mysticism that make pinning down any sort of message a mug's game. This was bouncy and catchy and full of live and brightness that it easily made its way up to the number two spot for me. "My Kingdom" - The moment the chorus hits on this one the song lifts up into overdrive it approaches the best sort of similar feeling on some of Robert Smith's most joyous songs. Loved the harmonium or synthy imitation at the beginning, and I think this one had my favorite acoustic guitar work of any song on the album. The guitar and bass dancing around each other provide the core to this, and it almost feels like a lost Stranglers track at points, with McCulloch sounding very much like Hugh Cornwell at points. Go listen to "Skin Deep" right after this for comparison. Great stuff. "Ocean Rain" - We end strong in low, slow and moody territory, and a revisit of the not quite overarching theme of the ocean, both its perils and appeal. But even when the lyrics are drowning in a morass of gloom, we get moments of prettiness in the instrumental breaks. I'm sure Mculloch never met a metaphor he didn't like, but it's very atmospherically successful. Even if the lyrics are all soft, waterlogged wood that falls apart into mushy pulp when you grab hold to steady yourself. HIGHLIGHTS - "Silver" - "Nocturnal Me" - "Crystal Days" - "The Yo Yo Man" - "The Killing Moon" - "Seven Seas" - "My Kingdom" - "Ocean Rain" MIDLIGHTS - "Thorn of Crowns" LOWLIGHTS - FINAL THOUGHTS Over all this was just a good, if not better an experience than I expected it would be. A much stronger, well polished, and thoughtfully arranged and cohesive version of what we got last go around. And the lean into the jangle poppy orchestral sound pushes a lot of my musical buttons. With a few more listens under my belt I could easily see this breaking through to the high 4s and getting rounded up. There's barely anything here to complain about, though if I had to I might call out the somewhat shallow well of emotionally affecting content throughout. McCulloch dips into it occasionally, but is a bit more restrained than I would like given the lushness of everything else around him. But then maybe that would be gilding the lily. Otherwise, the band has no problem climbing up onto the bench with the likes of the Cure and their ilk. Though they might be a bit further down, and not as likely to see as much court time. These are not garbage time players though, Far from it, and I'm looking forward to filling in that lone remaining spot, and in catching up with more of their stuff besides. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS FURTHER LISTENING - Script of the Bridge by the Chameleons - Aural Sculpture by the Stranglers - The Head on the Door by the Cure - Starfish by the Church - Mirror Moves by the Psychedelic Furs - A Pagan Place by the Waterboys
Très très solide
Probably the best EATBM album I've gotten in this yet
"The Killing Moon" is one of my favorite songs of all time probably. Fantastic song. "Silver", "Seven Seas", and "My Kingdom" are great too. Overall a very good album. Nice use of the strings.
This album has some really delightful songs, one of which is an 80s classic: Killing Moon. It's a strange song, but beautiful nonetheless. There were two other songs that quite surprised me. Crystal Days and Seven Seas both have that quality that 80s post punk used to have that is difficult to imitate nowadays. This gets a welcome and slightly stunned 4 from me.
Easy to make fun of in hindsight, but this takes me back…
Really nice album enjoyed it worth more listens i think
uh-um 🥰🌚🌘✨🔮
The Killing Moon
Highly underappreciated and brilliantly produced. Much like Kate Bush's work, this is an album focused on storytelling as opposed to just pumping out hits, and honestly it pays off in shed-loads, creating vivid imagery and evoking plenty of introspective emotion. I'd only ever heard The Killing Moon before thanks to its appearance in Donnie Darko, but I'm glad to have finally listened to the whole thing. Well worth it. Favourite track: Thorn of Crowns Least favourite track: N/A (It's all great)
One of my all time favorite 80's records, mostly for its amabition and mystery. It's unfortunately not the greatest sound; the orchestrations are muddled in the back of a lot of the songs and only come through on a vinyl copy. But there's so much packed into each song, such drama and eerieness with 80s guitar pop, that it stakes Ian McCullough's immodest claims of being the greatest band of the decade. Over time, it's clear it was the first to smash the door open for bands like The Cure, The Smiths, Depeche Mode and U2 to dig deeper on their end. But this one always has a soft spot in my heart, flawed as it can be.
Dark, moody lyrics with some excellent musicianship and synths underneath.
6/29/26. Might be one of my favorite 80z records so far. Great blend of alternative rock and pop from this era that keeps the BF s interesting throughout with nice arrangements and vibes.
𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘯 was a pleasant surprise. I already expected a strong post-punk album, but I didn’t expect to enjoy its lush, orchestral sound as much as I did. The strings and rich arrangements give the record an almost cinematic atmosphere without ever overshadowing the songs themselves. What impresses me most is how naturally those orchestral elements fit into the band’s sound. Rather than softening the music, they add depth and emotion, giving the album a character that sets it apart from many of its contemporaries. Few post-punk albums of its era sound quite like this. 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘯 shows that the genre could be ambitious, elegant, and richly orchestrated without losing its identity. It’s a combination I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did.
This project is going to stockholm syndrome me into liking 80s brit pop isn't it. Because explain to me why I like this album? Am I being transformed? Will I soon sport a union jack and smoke a pack of cigs? Will I like beans on toast? Time will tell.
“The Killing Moon” is such a legendary track that it bumps this otherwise Pretty Good gothy new wave record into something special.
4 out of 5. Very likely my favorite album of theirs, at least so far. The Killing Moon is a classic.
The Bunnymen never quite made the perfect album but this might be as close as they got with, for me, their best set of songs.
shit being an alt girlie in the 80's must've been the best. very dope, i like most every song quite a bit, but The Killing Moon is tough to beat. solid 4
THE ATMOSPHERE! The vibes are quite dark but not in a depressing way, feels more nocturnal. The Killing Moon is an all timer. The rest of the album is also really great. I love the guitar work, so beautiful.
Ocean Rain is not trying to be everyday post-punk. It is trying to sound like moonlight hitting stone. It wants elegance, mystery, melancholy, and a little decadence, and it gets there more often than not.
Surprised how much I liked this, great album
This was really good
When to listen: Dusk, not too warm and not too hot. I imagine it on a beach, even if this music isn't particularly island-y. I'd heard of the band but never heard their music, pretty darn good! Had to go back and re-listen to The Killing Moon because it didn't make an impact first time around, but the second time I really liked it.
Favorite track(s): Nocturnal Me, The Yo Yo Man, Thorn of Crowns, The Killing Moon
8.5/10 I'm not familiar with their music but I really enjoyed this! Ian Mcculloch is such a great vocalist.
I didn't think I would but I ended up really enjoying this album, I love the general vibe.
Echo is a band I missed out on. I’ve enjoyed every listen.
I don’t find a band more enigmatic thank Echo and The Bunnymen. They look large in 80s music but without a truly major hit. And they sound like a lot of other artists, but they are a band that when you look at when albums were release you realize that their influence was deeply felt. It’s an enjoyable listen but rated higher for influence and quality than iconic songs.
8/10 "The Killing Moon" is an all time favourite and stands head and shoulders above bit just this album, but most 80s alternative. Rest of the album is still great - inventive, atmospheric, interesting.
Top notch. First listen, thank you!
Good arrangement with the strings
I have listened to Ocean Rain a few times before because I am quite fond of some Echo and the Funny men songs, like the Killing Moon, which is on this album. Speaking of the Killng Moon, it's by far the best song of the album. It stands out the most and sounds the most unique, I think. The rest of the album is solid, but I've never been overly invested in it. A lot the other songs do sort of blend into one in my head. I do like the musicianship and singing though. I'd give this a 3.5 if I could.
It took a couple of listens to really get this, but I'm glad I took the time to listen more than once I was familiar with Nocturnal Me already and I thought most of the album would be like that. I'm glad it's more reminiscent of The Cure though, an entire album of that style may have gotten tiring. Nocturnal Me is great though, it's like spooky mafia music Highlights: Nocturnal Me, My Kingdom, The Killing Moon
Opens strong. Quality drops in the middle imo but when you find yourself wavering about 15 minutes in just know that they save the best for last. The last 4 tracks do the heavy lifting here, especially The Killing Moon and Ocean Rain. It’s a collection of different influences but Echo & the Bunnymen definitely do their best with the “small orchestra with a drum set” sound in this album.
Enjoyed this one and will probably be back for some repeat listening and a rummage through the band’s back catalogue.
Mto bom, mas preciso ouvir com mais atenção
Such a pleasant surprise, especially seeing the year this came out. Ahead of it's time for sure
Killing Moon is such a good song. this whole album was good but it had standout moments.
The Killing Moon!! a goth dance floor classic!
I love this album and this band so much. They just get better with age. Truly, a remarkable sound.
Mall goth! Pleather romantic! Black eyeliner and a chain belt.
Ніколи не чув про цей гурт. Я таки чув хіт з цього альбому)
Already knew the Killing Moon. Liked Silver, Nocturnal Me, and Crystal Days the most of the other songs. But the whole album was pretty vibey. Also 9 songs in 37 minutes, very efficient. Almost a 5 but I don't think I can give it that last star.
This was good but I wanted it to be better
My kind of 80s music...with a weird little twist.
That was a lot of fun - far less synth based than I'd presumed. Making me nostalgic for the early 2000s when Donnie Darko was definitely my jam.
A warm and textured post-punk album that I've been meaning to listen to for ages. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Excellent stuff.
Fílaði þetta sánd
Pretty good, but not life-changing or anything. The album did seem to drag a little towards the end but generally quite an enjoyable listen
에코 앤 더 버니맨 - 오션 레인 (1984) 총 9곡 수록, 37분 이제부터 년도를 씁니다 사유: 멋져보임 슬슬 장르 이해를 멈추기로 함 음악은 우선 받아들이고 그 뒤에 정의하는 것이야 좋네요 1984년 작이라고 믿기지 않는 새벽 취향곡 근데 제 취향이 늙었을수도 앨범의 모든 곡이 좋냐: 그건 아님 특히 마지막 곡인 오션 레인은 너무 지루하다는 느낌이 있음 그러나 그 전까지의 노래가 듣기에 좋고 오션 레인 전 곡인 마이 킹덤은 즉시 북마크할만큼 마음에 들었음 한줄평: 시간은 숫자에 불과해... 취향: ★★★★☆ 재방문:★★★★☆
je commence à aimer ça les jingly/jangly guit et le 'new wave/post-punk' je sais pas si c'est un syndrome de Stockholm. Peut-être qu'à force de me shooter du rap 90s début année 90 ça va aussi se développer. J'ai trouvé une similarité avec le Radiohead de The Bends notamment pour leur single The Killing Moon. Un groupe que je connaissais pas, mais je suis curieux d'en savoir plus!
4/5
I like this band more and more with each album I listen to. The second half here is fantastic. Love the vocal inflections and the guitar work is solid. Favorites were Silver, Thorn Of Crowns, The Killing Moon, and Seven Seas.
Finally the Bunnymen album that actually deserves to be here. Favorite track: The Killing Moon 3.5/5
I liked this, 80s and melancholy and good.
Really grew on me as I listened
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Listen again
Feels like they are ahead of their time. I’d like them to be the soundtrack to my coming of age 90s indie film.
A few dirges, but it does contain The Killing Moon. So it's great. Pretty sure that's Wooky Hole.
Great enjoyment was had with this!
Echo & the Bunnymen are really good at gothic, gloomy rock and they do it again on Ocean Rain. McCulloch sounds great here but there are moments he almost seems to be doing a Jim Morrison thing and it actually kinda works. This album is awesome but it’s not as consistently awesome as Porcupine, still great stuff though. 4 stars
Very nice album, I loved it a lot. I wasn't too familiar with them, but already really like the killing moon before listening. The rest was also very enjoyable.
4/5 I'm such a big fan of post-punk, and I really liked Echo And The Bunnymen already, so this was a treat to listen to. The Killing Moon is obviously the star of this album, but all other songs were also really nice.
Good album, I've only ever heard their big hits but I looked it!
Super cool album! I was impressed especially because this is not usually my style of music but it’s strikingly beautiful, moody, catchy, and grand.
# Album Name: Ocean Rain # Artist: Echo And The Bunnymen # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: I thought this was a good listen. Solid timing. Not too long. Killing moon the obvious standout. # Top Tunes: Silver / Nocturnal me / killing moon / 7 seas # Would I listen to it again? Yes
There was something about this that was really good and interesting
was only familiar with Seven Seas & Killing Moon. really enjoyed rest of album. the addition of orchestral instruments creates a different, bigger sound & goes well against the vocals.
This is so good. Love the orchestral feel, it really suits their style. Never really paid much attention to them back in the day and it’s been good to catch up
I was very surprised by this, the dark ambiance mixed with the new wave sound was excellent. It deserves another listen or two.
Very good
Quite liked this, it hit well. Nocturnal Me, The Yo Yo Man, and Thorn of Crowns were the standouts. Could have sworn it was mid-00s indie music. Sort of shows how forgettable they are - this is the third Echo and the Bunnymen album on this list I've listened to. A strong 3.5.
This is more what I think echo and the bunnymen sound like. Killing moon is great. The opening track too. Some of the rest is on the verge of being too 80s for me. Still good though 3.5
I really enjoyed this one. Thought it was very atmospheric. I liked the style of it a lot and could definitely see myself listening to it again. Fav song: The Killing Moon - also liked Seven Seas and My Kingdom Least fav: Thorn of Crowns
Their first four album covers seem to show a journey the band are taking together and the music of this album makes me feel like I'm on this quest with them. I'm not certain where we're going but I think we're going to make it! Favourite song: Seven Seas Least: Thorn of Crowns (bit too odd at points but I still liked it!)
Clasdic 80s New Wave. Killing Moon is a highlight.
Relaxing
Nice. That's all. The New Wave vibe works wonders.
Overall a good album. Very representative of the DarkWave music of the time. Some songs are great. Some are too earnest by half. But always a fun listen.
The Killing Moon Seven Seas
It's got that 60s psychedelic vibe mixed with 90s/2000s alt-rock, all while keeping their post-punk stuff, but made bigger and better. "The Killing Moon" is amazing, and the whole second half, from "Seven Seas" to the closing title track, is killer. Some parts are a bit weird, like "Thorn of Crowns", but that's what makes it cool.
Underrated gem from the early 80s, with the requisite synths, strings and lush arrangements. 'The Killing Moon' needs no introduction, but I was less familiar with the other songs. No particular other standouts, but they are all good, with clever lyrics, beautiful music and great vocals.
The Cure without the depression
V good
Enjoyed that more than I thought I would
Was only familiar with The Killing Moon, rest of the album slaps
Ka e vitsen med å høre på det her når man kan høre på The Smiths? Eller omvendt, æ vet ikke.
Outside of their cover of "People Are Strange" and "The Killing Moon", I've remained ignorant of the band. I wouldn't have gotten it when I was younger, but I dig it now.
I knew and really liked Killing Moon before this. Hadn't heard the rest. Good stuff.
Better than other echo and bunnymen albums. Killing moon is great and there are 1 or 2 other songs that were interesting but the rest was pretty forgettable
A bit more pop. Probably the peak of the band's output. An enjoyable ride even if it isn't one that I will likely be spinning too often.
I had a vague idea of EATB and knew Killing Moon, but I wasnt expecting it to be so goth! Some nice choices of chords and instrumentation. Killing Moon is very much the standout, but the whole thing worked nicely. A good 4.
Innbyr til gjenhør, syntes det var mye fint og bra. Stemning. 3-4
195/1001 Echo and the Bunnymen - Ocean Rain Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ Having thoroughly enjoyed Crocodiles earlier, this continued my enjoyment of this band. I've always loved The Killing Moon and honestly don't know why I never did a deep dive into this band. The combination of post-punk and goth go hand in hand and this is more fully realised by the band here.
I already knew The Killing Moon but that was it. I think I enjoyed the rest of this, gave it a few spins, obviously not a record that reveals itself on the first listen, but left me wanting more.
Endelig et album med dem her hvor sangene passer perfekt til hans stemme. Stor 4
It's one of the albums that I own and do like a lot. On listening again, I'm not sure about the song Thorn of Crows. The yelping/hollering doesn't do it for me. However, this is more than made up for by the incredible double punch straight after of Killing Moon and Seven Seas. 4 out of 5 stars for this.
I mostly enjoyed this. I think the only thing I had heard off of here was "The Killing Moon" but also enjoyed "Seven Seas" "My Kingdom" "Silver" and "Yo Yo Man"
Huh; wierd 80s theme rock, but I dig it
Autant que je veux chialer, je dois bien avouer que l’album était une coche supérieure à la moyenne d’album post-punk de la liste. J’suis juste ÉREINTÉ guys, un peu de variété c’est tout ce que je veux dans une listes des 1001 MEILLEURS ALBUMS.
For a vibe its okay
Killing Moon is an amazing song, maybe one of the best "rock/pop-rock" songs ever written/made. However, most of the album is just good to very good and doesn't really rise to 5 stars for me, even as a fan of the band. Unfortunately, despite loving the band, there's only one album of theirs that I think is 4.5-5 stars, which is actually their 2001 album, "Flowers," as it is unshackled from their 80's output and creates something fresh and beautiful. For their 80's to 90's songs, I prefer their "Greatest Hits" to get all the peaks from the albums.
Alright good chill album
Perty cool
Not my favorite Echo & the Bunnymen record but still great. Crocodiles is by far the best record for a whole host of reasons but primarily because the edges had not been sawed off in the production. By this record the sheen of the new wave had been grafted onto the production making for a smoother less angular Echo. Ian’s voice is spectacular with the vocals slightly back in the mix which makes this a more poppy leaning record. The record still has some classic tracks and arguably their best know track - The Killing Moon which is still a great track no matter how many times you play it. And perhaps that is the sign of a true classic- no matter how overplayed it may be you still enjoy the track. There are several equally terrific tracks, that didn’t receive popular radio play but deserve to be heard along with The Killing Moon, including Ocean Rain, Silver which is a terrific opener and sets the mood for the record, Seven Seas which follows the Killing Moon, and Thorn of Crowns with it’s exotic rhythms and angular guitar work. Will Sargent is really the music engine in this band and the guitar work is spectacular accentuating each song and working in concert with Ian’s singing. I get the Jim Morrison comparisons especially on songs like Crown of Thorns, but the guitar work truly is a distinctive and so unique it is instantly recognizable. Much like Johnny Marr’s work with The Smiths. As Always, one must ask is it perfect? Unfortunately, no. Yo Yo Man is a bit of a let down - just an average track perhaps to make use of the Orchestra but it stands out as a little weaker amongst these tracks. To be honest it sounds like it was written by Julian Cope, who Ian was in the Crucial Three with Pete Wylie prior to forming Exho. Overall 9/10
What a nice album to start the year with! I recognize the cover, but not the music. Reminds me of some wavyer Cure or sth?
Solid 80s vibes
Album 1002 of 1089 Ocean Rain - Echo And The Bunnymen (1984) Rating : 3.5 / 5 This is a band I’ve always enjoyed when I heard them, but one I never really spent the time to sit down with and get to know. This album helped change that. It was a smooth, easy listen that moved along quickly and never felt like work. There’s a strong mood running through the whole thing - dark without being heavy, atmospheric without being overbearing. The songs flow together nicely, and the production gives everything a cohesive feel that pulls you in rather than demanding attention. Nothing here feels rushed or forced; it all unfolds at a comfortable pace. I remember seeing Echo & the Bunnymen on the charts back in the day, but for whatever reason, I never sought them out beyond the radio. Listening to Ocean Rain now makes me realize that was probably a miss on my part. The songwriting is solid, the arrangements are tasteful, and there’s a confidence to their sound that holds up really well. This is one I’ll definitely go back to. Nice songs, nice sounds, and a consistent tone throughout. A very pleasant and rewarding listen.
A low 4/5, at first it was just ok, a straight 3/5, but after a while it kind of grew more on me so as of now it's a low 4/5
One of the most iconic 80s songs and a bunch of other moody 80s songs. 7/10
Lovey the orchestral sweep of this with the indie vibe. Killing Moon is rightfully a classic.
Brilliant, perfect, moving album by Echo and the Bunnymen. Killing Moon of course the classic track that’s now overused in movies and TV. Much of the music of then now is outdated, but this one is still fresh to my ears! 5⭐️
Only know the band through the singles. This is a strong offering showing a lot more. Pretty well produced and the track ordering works well.
8/10 Favourite: The Killing Moon Least Favourite: Crown of Thorns
First of all, easily one of the best album covers of all time. Really encapsulates the beautiful, dreamyness of the music. That said, generally this album isn't really my type of post-punk. It's a little too upbeat and happy for my tastes, but starting at Thorn of Crowns, the album really picks up for me, particularly with the song The Killing Moon. So yeah, took a while for me to get into it, but once I did, it's a really great record.
- This album is definitely a vibe, atmospheric and dark, for the most part. - It definitely turns very Nick Cave around the middle, and I prefer the other tracks that are more pop-tinged and feel more uniquely Echo and the Bunnymen. - Killing Moon is the biggest banger on here, and yeah, his voice is very Bono here. Seven Seas is also really great. - The lyrics feel a bit forced.
8/10 pretty good
Great atmospheric album. Liked the production, and the lyrics too. Probably need another, more careful listen, to appreciate it fully.
interesting
Real enjoyment out of this macabre, 60s meet unwavering album. Also killing moon
Wasn't in any way blown away by the album, but I liked it. Some great tracks, the hit single 'The Killing moon' is one to cherish.
A shorter review today as I don't have the time to write more. When alternative radio came to Pittsburgh in the mid-80's (where I lived and still do), The Killing Moon was one of the songs that got me hooked to the alt scene. I have been there ever since. I haven't listened to this album in many years, but I loved it then and I love it now. Thorn of Crowns isn't my favorite song in the world, but it doesn't take away from the rest where there isn't a trackI don't thoroughly enjoy.
Sounds like this could have been released in the 90's, not 1984. Loved the orchestrations.
This is a pretty good new wave album. It's certainly better than some of the other new wave albums on this list in terms of songwriting. Tracks like "Nocturnal Me" and "The Killing Moon" have a foreboding, melancholy quality to them that, while far from unique, works well in this context. However, it does have some weak tracks("Thorn of Crowns" is terrible).
Good variety. Creative
Schönes Album. Fällt für mich leider zum Ende hin etwas ab und verliert Schwung.
Let's be honest, "The Killing Moon" is enough quality by itself to get an album onto this list. That said, there's a lot of great stuff besides that. Top album.
Enjoyed the variety on this album
Got into these guys relatively recently after doing a deep dive on 80’s synth pop, new wave and new romantic music. They have a couple of solid albums but this might be my favourite one.
love them always have, Ian Mcculloch is a great songwriter and this album was so nice to come back to and listen all the way thru.
As a whole, it's OK, but a couple of tracks like The Killing Moon are great!
drei bis vier
8/10
First time listening to these guys, and I was not disappointed. Feels a bit like The Cure meets Arcade Fire in places. Love the string arrangements. Also, the vocal melody line in Crystal Days reminds me of the track 'Veruca Salt' from the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie. Interesting fact. Favourite tracks: Silver, Nocturnal Me, The Yo Yo Man, Thorn of Crowns, The Killing Moon.
not too bad, pretty chill and fun
A lesser version of the Cure that is still pretty damn good. I don't know what any of their other albums sounded like but ¨Ocean Rain¨ is an all time classic. I get what they were trying to do here and I'm here for it! ¨The Killing Moon¨ must be one of the best British songs of all time. Best songs: See above + ¨Seven Seas¨
More of a 3.5 - I really like a couple songs (nocturnal me and the killing moon) but the rest are mostly meh. But it gets rounded up to 4 on the strength of those highlights
“The Killing Moon” is an all time great song. So much so that I think it stands out on this album heads above everything else. Not that the rest is bad. It’s just a collection of some good songs and one masterpiece. 4/5
Great band. Great album.
Very Good album. Having been a fan of they guys since "The Pictures On My Wall", I recall buying this album and thinking it was a bit Mainstream. Listing in 2025, it's definitely the transitional album - still with the soul of a bunch of scallies from 'pool...but with an eye on what was selling and what would be popular. Recommended.
Great album, probably my favourite from the band.
The album with Silver, Killing Moon and Seven Seas - songs which have stood the test of time Recording in Paris with a 35-piece orchestra takes them far away from their Liverpudlian roots, but also propelled them into a unique place in the early 80's music scene
Nice to listen to something familiar, yet different
The 2020 reviewer who said "Back half is phenomenal" is absolutely correct. I was debating my feelings about this. I love their sound, I love a couple of tracks very much, and I felt like something was off. The front half is kind of meh, but the back half really is inspired. All together, I go 4.5/5
I wasn't sure what to expect. The only song I knew was The Killing Moon which is fantastic. The album as a whole I really enjoyed. Has some vibes of The Cure (I guess the same era).
Music for the snart-sniffer and I'm in the game for some gastromatherapy
Almost a 5/5 but nothing else on here is as amazing as the killing moon
Another one of those bands I've known of for years, have always liked their singles, but have never listened to the albums. Really like this one. The opening track, "Silver" is killer. Some songs better than others, but nothing approaching bad anywhere around. Faves: "Silver", "Killing Moon"
This post-punk genre stuff, and particularly the goth rock they edge against, has been a positive discovery for me. This is more approachable than The Cure for me. I love the verbose style and tone and the shredding with driving rhythm.
No gimmicks, just a fantastic post punk album all the way through. Every Echo And The Bunnymen album I have had so far I have enjoyed a bit more, so loving this album definitely makes me excited to revisit the others that I enjoyed a bit less.
4 stars Such a wonderful, huge, sweeping record. It sounds larger than life and it is a fun ride. I’ve grown to love middle tracks like “Yo-Yo Man” and “Thorn of Crowns” but I recognize that they are weaker and the album drags a bit. But “The Killing Moon” is a bonafide classic and the rest of the album is a fitting frame for it.
One of those bands that few may know by name, but most have heard their influence.
For some reason, I’ve always confused Echo & the Bunnnymen with the Psychedelic Furs. I like this album! There’s a couple forgettable tracks, but “Seven Seas” is an all-timer for me.
Wow did not know this album and glad I do now - consistent quality throughout with their own musical style that draws you in
Not as gothy as I expected. Enjoyed it though. 3.5/5
This was pleasant and I had a nice time but nothing super stuck out to me. I like the dark sound to it but there's something about it that just didn't really catch my attention so much. The first time I was actually excited about a song I was listening to was when the album ended and a song from one of their other albums came on...
83% Best: Silver; Crystal Days; The Killing Moon; Seven Seas Must-Hear? Sure
Ocean Rain sounds like it was released last Friday or next year, which is to say it sounds as modern as modern gets. Flawless production. Tasty guitar playing by Will Sargeant, passionate vocals by Ian McCulloch, solid drumming by Pete de Freitas and distinctive bass by Les Pattinson. The music really sounds like the iconic cover art. Ocean Rain belongs in every post punk fan's collection as does everything else they released in the 1980s including Ian McCulloch's solo debut from 1989.
Love it
Really enjoyed this. Feel like we’ve had one from these lads before that I didn’t like as much, but I can’t remember and this websites search function is a nightmare. The Killing Moon is a toon. Simpsons: No
I think this is a better album than Crocodiles. It has an orchestration and just a better feel that the band was certain of what they wanted to sound like and the songs they wanted to write. I don't know if we get another Echo and Bunnymen in this book but this is a really great album that gets to the heart of what the band sounds like and was about. I liked these songs the best: Silver Nocturnal Me Crystal Days The Killing Moon (possibly their best song in my opinion) Seven Seas Ocean Rain
I'll admit to something a bit embarrassing for a British 80s indie kid - Echo and the Bunnymen are, truthfully, a "greatest hits" band for me. In other words, I enjoyed their singles, but never felt invested enough to buy an album, and I seemingly haven't changed that opinion. It's my kind of vibe, and I like all the elements; I'm just not in awe of the non-single songs (although I did like My Kingdom). I'm still giving it 4, though, because they sit so perfectly in my favourite genre, and the singles are such great tracks. I feel like Ian McC was really enjoying his vocal capabilities here, and I love that they went with an orchestral backing, rather than moving in, say, a punkier direction.
This album presents one of the greater rating challenges of this exercise: a good album with one of the greatest pop songs of all time at its centre. I think The Killing Moon is remarkable enough to boost this to a 4. Take or leave the rest, which does have good moments.
I enjoyed this greatly
The album really reminds me of the era when it came out, and it’s got a whole vibe. Not such a special album, but I’d go back and listen to some of the songs again. Top tracks: Silver, The Killing Moon, Ocean Man
4/5. Vocal forward post rock, with muted, almost shoegaze instrumentation. It is an interesting choice and creates a more accessible record than previous Echo albums. Almost akin to The Doors at times but if they were post rock instead of blues. It definitely felt like a stronger record but it may be due to the production instead of the actual songwriting. But I would say this was a great record overall, definitely better than the other ones I listened to. Best Song: The Killing Moon, Nocturnal Me, Crystal Days
A good transitional album between Manchester post-punk and later neo/psychedelia/indie rock and thus it's an important record in the history of music. They were one of the most influential bands from Liverpool in the last decades of the previous century. Great arrangements, haunting vibe, I liked this album.
Fínt stöff, strax ágætt við aðra hlustun. Tæpur fjarki og áfram gakk.
this was a solid post-punk/new wave album. the killing moon is an iconic banger, but there were other notable songs here that i've never heard anyone talk about (in the U.S., at least). oh wait ghost did that cover of nocturnal me, that was tight. anyway good stuff here. favorites: silver, nocturnal me, the killing moon, seven seas
4 - great album
This was a good album, but I can't shake the feeling that it's a sort of off-brand David Bowie
Really enjoyed this one. Gives a similar vibe to the Cure with a fun, flowy sound with a melancholic backdrop.
could i write poetry to this? y
Probably a 3,but Killing Moon bumps it up
I'm generally a fan of the band, and this is one of their better albums for sure.
A trippy, mellow vibe. Would listen again.
I think, im becoming an echo snr the bunnymen fan. I always had the impression they were miserable eighties scousers, which may still be true but i really enjoyed this I think its the rhythm track and the orchestration that lifted this for me, plus some really good pop tunes and a real consistency across the album.
Definitely my favorite of the four Echo records I've heard. McCulloch's vocals and lyrics are top-notch throughout, and overall, the band crafts a relatively unique sound. It's grander than their previous albums, undoubtedly aided by the orchestra, but it rarely (if ever) veers into any comically big 80's production. It's still quite accessible and somewhat intimate. I really dig that the orchestra doesn't just exist to provide ~sweeping textures~, instead offering some pretty interesting and weird dynamics. Overall, it's a decently diverse affair that would most certainly make my top 10 albums of this year. 4/5
Liked this more than I was expecting. Silver and Killer Moon are both great. Something about their sound makes them stand out a little more from other 80's UK New Wave, but it's hard to put my finger on why.
Good, not great? I enjoy it, but it isn’t my favorite from them.