Melody A.M.

Come for the beeps, stay for the boops.

While I dont dislike this, never hearing it wouldn't be one of my life's regrets.

Experience being on hold with a modernist Scandanavian cell phone company, or watching a low energy Dr. Who chase scene, or perhaps a languid dialogue-free hand job video from a dubious "educational" VHS ordered from the back of a magazine... Is this where all these electronica tropes got invented? A fair bit of variety, but then a fair bit of monotony within individual songs.

AppleMusic says this album is dance music. I disagree. I think it’s electronic music to somewhat turn your brain off and enjoy the mood. This album is Brian Eno (the airport one) to me, but actually interesting. I listened several times, partly because I couldn’t get through the whole thing at once. I thoroughly enjoyed it more each time. A good find.

This was a pleasant surprise. Awesome downtempo dance music with some very unique sounds. Will definitely go back to it for background music.

Should be used as placed on hold music for a brothel. Garbage.

This was my favourite album in college. It is like a time travel machine, immediately bringing me back to that time, the people and memories. Some bands and albums have lasted the test of time and I have listened to my whole life, and some serve a purpose for a time, and this was the latter. Listening back again though, its a great album, great melodies and 00s synthy beats, maybe even a hint of norwegian disco. I think it got overplayed and used too much in ads, but after a break, it still holds up.

There aren't enough words in the English language to truly express how I feel about this album, all the different emotions it elicits in me, how Sparks still makes me cry without fail. It's such a work of art, no track without reason, everything just beautifully in place. I adore this album and every single memory I have associated with it and its tracks. Just superb.

This is a surprisingly good electronic album. I know it's basic to compare electronic bands to Moby but this album really reminds me of peak Moby. It's got a great down-tempo vibe, killer trip-hop groves, the vocals are sparse and textural, and the whole thing just oozes sophistication. You can tell these guys care deeply about making sure that everything is perfect and balanced. The attention to detail is astounding. This album is a whole feeling and I'm here for it.

Evocative, and very pretty. Some great subtle textures. She's So is gorgeous and warm and is a nice cuddle.

Boring beep boop music. I'm never going to think about listening to this album again. I wish the entire album sounded like the first two songs - they generally get more and more boring as time goes on. I don't know if that's just my ears going numb or actually the music's fault but I don't give enough crap to go and listen again to make sure.

I liked Eple when I first heard it. It’s one of my favourite songs to whistle. Fifty years ago, in an era when catchy instrumentals (like Hot Buttered Popcorn or Outta-Space) could become pop hits, I’m sure Eple would have made the charts. “So Easy” is interesting but they wear out the Burt Baccarat sample, though they elected to sample a version by a Swedish 60s pop-band, which probably saved them $$$. There are a number of well written tracks on the album and a couple are more forgettable rhythm or ambience based, typical of a lot of 90s downtempo. To quote one reviewer: “<Royksopp> combines the haunted atmospheres of Boards of Canada with the more traditional "song writing" sensibility of downbeat specialists like Groove Armada or Koop". With any musical genre, to me, it’s all about the song writing in the end. Boards of Canada got thumbs down from me due to a dearth of song writing, while I like the CDs I have by Groove Armada and Koop – and Royksopp.

Royksopp are Norwegian according to wiki. Norway is fucking cold. So its fucking remarkable that they manage to create quite such a summery vibe here! Chilled out Dance music with soul. not my Genre but a very pleasant listen. Press play and hear the snow begin to melt. 4/5

Stanky-ass bass

It's an OK album with some interesting tracks but nothing too good. You can put it in the background and just forget about it.

Loved this - An amazing mix of Downbeat dance, synths and ambient vocals. A truly outstanding album that I will return to again.

Ultimate music to relax, beeps here, bleeps there and the sun shines

loved it! I've never heard of them before, amazing recommendation

Really liking this. It's hitting all the right spots for me. I can work to this and likely will often.

Timeless. Great Album

Fucking amazing. The perfect house album. Great top to bottom. Super revolutionary.

Awesome, loads of memories around this one. First saw the video to Remind Me early in the morning at Rachel’s flat down in London. Sparks was part of my chill out AV set for Shinobi at Welly. And the album as a whole takes me back to Jodie’s house down Morpeth st. The album stands up well, maybe tails off a little at the end?

Music for wine bar wankers.

Очень крутая музыка для рекламы или для ТЦ. Захотелось аж в лифте покататься, минут 40 примерно.

I'm leaning towards giving this album five stars. I don't think I've heard the name Röyksopp before. From what I gather, they are a Norwegian electronic music duo, consisting of childhood friends Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland. Their music is often categorized as downtempo, featuring vintage synthesizers and multiple session vocalists. There's a very analogue approach to their style, and I think it paid off in dividends on their debut, Melody A.M.. The beauty of this album is that there's enough variety in composition track-by-track, such that it doesn't drag or overstay its welcome at a reasonable 45 minutes. For some tracks like opener "So Easy", "A Higher Place", and "She's So", the focus is placed on samples that are rarely used but purposefully utilized in context. Other tracks make the most of the session vocalists, such as Anneli Drecker's restrained delivery over the slowed-down trip hop of "Sparks" or Erlend Øye's easy-listening hooks over rich grooves on "Poor Leno" and "Remind Me". In some instances, organic instrumentation is given the time to shine, such as the cascading harps over sampled strings on "In Space", or the swooning saxophone play on "She's So". Finally, there are the tracks that go for broke with the synthesizer flair, from the tickling keys over a laidback drumbeat on "Eple", to the dreary chords over a stinging guitar loop on "A Higher Place", to the modulated lines over a squelching beat that fade into a spare melody on closer "40 Years Back/Come", and the centerpiece of this record "Röyksopp's Night Out" that's a free-flowing techno-funk experiment over an extended runtime. This album kept getting interesting as it went on, and not once did it feel tiresome or uninspired to me. I was genuinely impressed with Röyksopp's debut here. It was an eclectic electronica experience to behold, and it makes me curious what they've done since.

This is some incredible electronic music. I'm speechless. Great production everything sounds clear and beautiful

I <3 Royksopp -- I discovered them way after the fact, but I'm excited to listen to an album top to bottom; it's really what I need to get today going. Easy 5*, but I agree with others that it peaks early on. Highlights: poor leno, so easy (catchy and understated), eple

Listening to "Melody A.M." is an experience that few albums can provide. It's magical. It's ethereal. It's enchanting. It's all of that at the same time mixed with the beats of the synths. An amazing moment of my life was spent listening to this and i have no regrets.

Love this album

A sound I am more unaccustomed to but nothing to run from. Quite serene.

Some songs sound like it could be from a forgettable 90s video game soundtrack. Maybe 1 or 2 of the songs are fine but everything was very boring for the most part

More bleh 90s electronic

It was fun, but for the most part it faded into the background for me.

I don’t really know what to make of this one. Mostly electronic instrumentals. A couple of songs had vocals. Some of it sounds like porn background music, some more lounge-y. None of it memorable either for good or bad.

Reasonably pleasant meander through some of dance and electronica's mellower moods. Not my jam though, never will be. It almost feels like yacht rock for the beatheads.

I will never be a fan of ambient electro musix

One pf the best electronic albums from one of the best eöectronic bands.

The first two tracks very recognisable but I would never have identified them as Royksopp, that's cool. I liked this a lot. It was a very nice time. Fave Tracks: So Easy, Eple, Remind Me 4.5/5

Great to get an album mostly devoid of vocals, there's not many on the list. Epie is damn amazing. Sparks is beautiful. I can almost feel my anxiety melting away listening to Sparks. In Space is an adventure, hopeful. Poor Leno bops along at great pace. I'm enjoying A Higher Place, too This album is a masterpiece.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to a relisten and a deep dive into the rest of their catalogue.

5 stars by default because it happened on June 22

Great album, already in my regular rotation

norwegische elektronic ambient, downtempo

Very eclectic sound morphing from an almost soft jazz sound into new age and atmospheric mood. Loved every bit of it.

Really like. Probably 4 or 5. Had forgotten about it.

Solid from start to finish

5) божественно

Standout album first listen I was too busy but gave it a second try and understood the mastery

One of my fave albums <3

8. Right off the bat I love how this sounds, basically techno like beats with unique sounds thrown in. The songs have this kind of warble and mutating groove to them which sounds really cool. This is a really relaxing album with sounds that kind of sparks your imagination. If I had to compare this album to something, I would compare it to a similar sound like the Metroid Prime soundtrack, where they both have this downtempo sound with these unique space like sounds creeping up in your ear. Overall this is a really fantastic album, I loved it and will add it to my collection / playlist. And I think everyone should try to listen to this album at least once. Favorite Song: So easy, Sparks Least Favorite Song: Royksopp's Night Out Overall Score: 9/10

I don’t like electronica, but this is the one exception. I found this album years ago; it was the first time I heard something playing overhead in a record store that I had to ask the clerk what it was because I wanted to buy it so badly. Melody A.M. is what I consider fantastic chill out music. Each track is distinctive, but they also blend into a laid-back whole. They put some of my favorite songs at the top, “So Easy” and “Eple.” Both feature a fantastic sense of balance where the song moves through these complex sections without any one part overpowering the others. They also avoid the intense repetition I find grating in other electronica. There are some songs with lyrics, such as “Remind Me,” but that tends not to be the focus. Instead it’s about the moment to moment sounds.

danceable but sonorous, enough unusual sounds to keep you dancing while confroming to the language off music. Spectacular all around.

Oooouuughhhh… I love electronic music so muuuuch

elettronica ambient spacca

Another album I was happy to see. I would listen again

Not from this world.

A surprising listen, the songs were different enough from each other it kept me interested all throughout

Als würde man mit Noise Canceling Kopfhörern nackt in nem warmen Bergsee liegen und sich den Sternenhimmel anschauen - 5 Sterne

Chillige Low Tempo Elektromusic, gefällt mir gut. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Keine

Groovy interesting and cool synthesized sounds and beats. Varied moods between tracks. Cool album, I’d listen to it again. Probably quote original for its time.

So relaxing and so catchy. It's a while since I've gone back to this album, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it.

A heady slice of early 2000s nostalgia this one. Remind Me is one of my all-time favourite songs, and tips the balance on this solid album from 4 to 5 stars.

This album takes me back to my early 20s and the early 2000s electronic scene. This was such a breath of fresh air. At least here in the US, the electronic and rave scene was really blowing up and becoming very commercial. This created a culture where most of the music was focused on trying to be the next big thing, driven by glitz and an obsession with pushing boundaries. During this time, I gravitated towards downtempo music because it separated itself from that flashy appeal and was meant for lounging and relaxing. This was one of those standout albums that truly had its own unique sound, bringing soothing comfort. Even today, this album still sounds just as fresh and enjoyable as it did over 20 years ago.

Really, really loved this. Reminded me of a mix between ambient Brian Eno-esque music and Daft Punk... chiller, but accessible, melodic and fun just the same.

Enjoyable electronic

Kind of surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I started out thinking it was solid, and I had never heard it, and I'd give it a four... and then it grew on me over the remaining tracks... it's a mood for sure, and honestly, several moods, which is a challenge given what they are using in terms of instrumentation and vocals. They aren't using evocative things like a strong emotional vocal, or an orchestra with swelling and dwindling strings... they are using electronics, and getting the maximum out of them. Cool stuff.

Another group I've never heard of. Another great find. This album is exactly the type of stuff I like to listen to while working. I'll be checking out the rest of their catalog. The album generator does me a solid, again.

If this was my first time hearing this, I expect I'd be giving it a 4. However, I'm already very familiar with quite a few of the tracks on this album which speaks to both the reach they've had in the UK mainstream over the years and how much it aligns with my taste. There's an atmopshere evoked in their music, especially on this album, that is very comforting and welcoming once you're familiar with it.

Excellent

Coole Musik, entspannend, mitreißend. Bisher die spannenste Entdeckung der 1001 Alben. 5/5

fuck yeah

This is a low 5 at this point. But I listened once and really liked it. It gave me some Avalanches vibes minus the extent of the samples. I look forward to continuing to explore this album, this is the payoff I was looking for when doing this 1001 thing. A lot of the songs just gave me good vibes and reminded me of some other, newer songs that I really like. A bit repetitive with some songs but it's got that electronic vibe that lets you phase out without losing interest.

Esses dias eu cai num limbo do youtube e fui parar num vídeo chamado "2000s computer room 🌐 🐠 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘹𝘱 𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦/𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦" que consistia num compilado de músicas, trilhas sonoras e sons que remetiam aos computadores na primeira década do milênio, como o som de inicialização do Windows xp , trilha sonora do the sims e assim por diante. Um dos comentários descreveu que enquanto os sons de computadores dos anos 90 eram "escuros e aconchegantes" (dark and cozy), os do anos 2000 como "leves e aerados" (light and airy). Esse álbum tem exatamente essa energia de sons dos anos 2000, especialmente a segunda música. Esse aspecto é tão real e está tão intrincado na minha memória que o álbum me trouxe algo de nostálgico sem eu nunca sequer ter ouvido falar dele. As músicas tem um instrumental muito agradável e meditativo, um trip-hop misturado com um monte de sons eletrônicos que poderiam ter sido tirados de um jogo do PS1. Definitivamente recomendo a escuta, e recomendo também ouvir o vídeo do youtube que mencionei. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzFgVCbw7Rg&t=2929s

Oh man this is wonderful. I bet you this was a butterfly flapping its wings that eventually gave is Hylics.

Rather lovely

Good ambient sounds! I gave this a 5 simply because I don't know what better ambient music could be like

Super chill and fun

I liked this one a lot! There’s actually quite a bit of variety here. The mood can go from dancing to chilling in two songs. Very good electronic record! More like this please!

sounds, sounds, sounds… LOVE IT. sounds like if Subnautica had its own personal album.

These were some chill ass beats and I loved it. "Poor Leno" and "Remind Me" were my top.

Bekannt und gut.

01) So Easy - 10,0 02) Eple - 10,0 03) Sparks - 10,0 04) In Space - 9,0 05) Poor Leno - 10,0 06) A Higher Place - 9,5 07) Röyksopp's Night Out - 8,5 08) Remind Me - 10,0 09) She's So - 9,0 10) 40 Years Back\Come - 7,5 TOTAL: 9,35 (94/100) I am looking forward to this one, know the singles ("Eple", "So Easy", "Remind Me", "Poor Leno" and "Sparks"), hope the rest of the album is as good. It turns out, the rest IS good enough for me to say that this is great album which I would definitely listen to again. Didn't expect that, but this is another 5 ★ album for me. No wonder it was named the best Norwegian album of the 2000s :-) This is my album no. 100. So far I have distributed my marks like this: ★★★★★ - 13 albums (including this one) ★★★★- 42 albums ★★★ - 30 albums ★★ - 7 albums ★ - 8 albums I would listen again those 4 and 5 ★, wouldn't listen to those with 3 if I don't have to, and would prefer never to hear again those with 1 or 2 ★... 3,45 is my average rating. I guess I'm on the generous side... Bring the next 100!

Another 4.5 rounded up because Remind Me is freaking FIRE. Love the rest of the album too though.

Since this is "electronica" I was not expecting to care for this. I was pleasantly surprised; it is great.

Rocked my world way harder than I expected soft electronic to ever do - after a couple of these types(ish) of albums I can confirm the only way to listen is to be stuck on a train with volume up and thoughts a-wanderin’

Oooo! Looking forward to this one. Very, very pretty. Really enjoyed this.

Great sound landscape

pretty sick!

Man, what is this album? I wanna talk to myself about two things that are of note with this list. I generally dont know anything about the next album, and I dont read reviews/wiki, I jump straight into it. I prefer to form my own, unfiltered opinion, and maybe afterwards there are things that could alter some parts of it. The second thing is that the vast majority of the albums I listened to from here were very mediocre at best. By my own stats, I didnt care for 38 out of 60 albums so far, and I have added only 2 to my library. Sometimes I wonder if this fact affects how I feel about the next record. If I probably will not like it, will this idea actually make me more likely to not like the album? With some degree of confidence, I think I can safely say "no". Because when I first saw this album - as mentioned previously, I dont look any info up - I thought "hm fuck is this shit, hope its not too awful". Then I started listening to it. First track was instrumental, and I assumed thats how the rest of the album would go, but that didnt bother me. Which is surprising, because I am quite lukewarm about instrumental albums/music. There are some genres that I prefer, like witchhouse/EDM, but generally, I dont particularly care for just electronic/instrumental stuff. So why did it not bother me? Why did I like the first song? Why did I listen to the entire album in one sitting, enjoying every song? How is it different from all other ones? I dont know. But this album is really fucking good. Significant 23/61 Liked 10/61 Added 3/61 YYY. What a pleasant listen/surprise. After I write my Very Important thoughts, and give a preliminary rating, I usually go look the album up, to determine its "historic" significane. Doesnt look like this was a groundbreaking album, but I think its significant enough to check out, if you are reading this.

Simple, smooth and a great listen.

Funky

Fantastic debut album got me hooked back in 2001 and I've been a fan of their music ever since.

Amazing album, one of the best electronica debuts

I really enjoyed this one, it's very chill and just generally very pleasant to listen to.

overall rating: 9.9/10 favourite song: in space ( 10/10 ) runner up favourite: eple ( 10/10 ) least favourite: poor leno ( 7/10 ) album cover: 9.5/10 vocals: 5/10 instrumentals: 10/10 would i recommend ? : definitely if i knew they liked this genre other: oh my god its a norwegian duo im learning norwegian. kinda reminds me of aphex twin.

Never getting old although being used as background tune to some afternoon telly Shows …

I was initially skeptical about this record as I had assumed it would be more like late 90s/early 00 trance music. However I was completely wrong. This album seems like it would have been a big influence on Destroy Rock And Roll by Mylo (which i rate), but i think this album does what that album does, but does it better. The vibe is ambient and chilled out, the songs are familiar, especially So Easy and Eple, the two songs that kick off the record. It is the perfect background music, but it's too good just to be in the background. It's relaxing but always interesting and it's no surprise the album has sold as many copies as it has. I don't think i could fathom the idea of someone thinking this album was bad, it does what it does to a such a high level. It's fantastic. I'm between a high FOUR or a FIVE, but I think it's closer to a FIVE. I will revisit this album for sure.

Definite relisten potential. Smooth grooves that are great to put on, let your mind drift off or focus on a particular task. Prior to listening to the album, I think my only exposure to Röyksopp was "Remind Me", which is a killer down-tempo track. I really liked "She's So" and "So Easy" but honestly the whole album is a treat.

Premium electro

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: So easy, Eple, Sparkle, Poor Leno, A higher place