Reviews (page 5 of 8)
This was perfectly pleasant mellow electronic music. Great for writing or coding, but nothing that really stood out to me as something I would specifically put on like some other artists I listen to like Nightmares on Wax or Air.
1001 Albums Vol. 0001: Melody A.M. ============================================================ Introduction: This is my first album on this site. I will be reviewing every album and song given to me in this description section on a 1-10 scale. There are some very rare exception in which I will give a song or album an 11 out of 10, but I expect those situation to be extremely rare. I estimate only around 10-20 albums receiving a score that high by the end of this entire journey. Alongside all of this, I hope that my writing ability increases as I go along this journey. I hope for an better, funnier, tone/personality in my writing by the end of this journey. This album was released in 2001 by Norwegian duo Röyksopp. From my research, I've deduced that this album's creativity and continued relevancy comes from the genre-blending it achieved. It manages to blend a downtempo beat with the tight instrumentation of electronic to create something unique at the time. This album apparently helped electronic music reach a wider audience as well. This is a duo that I personally have never heard of before up until this point. Despite this, I have high hopes for this album. This hope may originate from the fact that this is my first album on this site, but I still have high hopes nonetheless. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 1: So Easy - This was an extremely nice song to start off with. Firstly, it is an extremely well-produced track, especially for the time. Many of the instruments here sound so tight and precise. That being said, this preciseness is a common trait I see across most electronic songs I have heard. Don't let that fact downplay this song, however. The sublimation of instrumentation and vocals create a very strange, otherworldly feeling that emanates throughout this song. This sublimation creates a song that feels very laid-back, relaxed, yet oddly dramatic at the same time. I am especially a fan of the rising vocals in the "blue on blue" sections. There isn't much variety in terms of lyrics, but that works for this song since it doesn't seem as if lyrics were meant to be the main focus of the song. This song emanates with creativity. It sets itself apart from most other electronic songs I have listened too very well. Overall, this is an extremely well-made, unique song that deserves the critical praise it receives. So Easy Score: 8/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 2: Eple - This track manages to be much better than the first. It has the same extremely high quality production as the previous, yet the instrumentation and melody is much more creative and profound in this song. This song manages to blend a strange mix between electronic and psychedelia through its unique instrumentation. The high-pitched piano-like sound that plays throughout the entirety of this song is what brings this psychedelic feeling the most. The amount of small details happening in the background of this tightly executed jam makes this song even better. The strange high and low pitching of the melody during the bridge created a strange sense that the melody was traveling up and down through my headphone's channels. Overall, through a very nice blending of genres, a very creative melody that manages to be extremely memorable, and the overall unique mood that emanates from this song, this song manages to achieve a ten rating from me. Eple Score: 10/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 3: Sparks - In my opinion, this song isn't as strong as the two previous. It has the same production value as the previous two, yet there isn't anything that makes this song sound too distinct from the many other electronic beats that I have heard over the years. To me, it sounds like something I would encounter in a relaxed, laid-back game. The melody presented is pretty repetitive and simplistic, this factor being exaggerated over the more than five minute runtime of the song. That being said, this is the first song on the album that contains genuinely complex lyrics that are meant to resonate with the listener. From what I have gathered, this song is meant to convey the feeling of spiraling into grief over a breakup or loss of someone significant. This lyrical meaning blends well with the more monotone melody of the song. This doesn't excuse the music itself from sounding much more generic in terms of electronic, however. On top of the music itself being much more generic, the lyrical meaning too is very generic. The theme of depression after a breakup/death is something that I feel has been explored time and time again in countless songs. Overall, while this song may not be as experimental or as musically complex as the previous two, it still manages to be an influential piece of electronic music. I can hear this effect clearly even on a first listen. Sparks Score: 7/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 4: In Space - This song is an instrumental much like Eple. It isn't as strong as Eple, however. Where Eple had a very psychedelic tone to it, this song has a much more pleasant tone. The production here is a bit off too. The drums don't feel as precise and tight as the way they did in the previous three songs. That being said, this works towards the songs favor. This lack of precision in the instrumentation helps this song create the more pleasant atmosphere it was clearly attempting to create. It's melody almost feels like something you would hear in Minecraft or a game of the like. It's a very nice, well-made instrumental. That being said, it isn't without flaws. Firstly, the melody doesn't feel as personally impactful as any instrumental's should. It does flow with creativity, but not as much so as the previous songs. The song itself isn't all that memorable either. It feels like a simple jam included for the sake of filler. That being said, this song doesn't overstay its welcome like the previous did, its runtime being only three and a half minutes long. Overall, while this song is still good, it misses the magic that made the two opening tracks so great. In Space Score: 7/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 5: Poor Leno - This is the first song on the album that I would describe as being extremely high energy. This is another song that I would describe as leaning toward a much more typical electronic song. That being said, that fact doesn't make the song bad at all. In fact, I would even say that this song is better than the previous two. The song has a very high and loud energy to it that emanates with the lyrical meaning. The vocals to these lyrics themselves are amazing. The masculine soft, perfect, echoing, masculine voice that delivers these lyrics sound so comforting and are perfect in context to the song. Now, I have heard various interpretations of these lyrics. Some of these theories claim pedophilia, some claim that the song is a game of hide and seek between a father; that being said, the interpretation I like to take is that we are listening to a father lecture his nine-year-old son about love, about the fact that he will always be by his side. He will always find him, he will always know him. In my opinion, his lyrical interpretation makes the most sense in context of the melody of the song. One could argue that the wacky melody could indicate a game of hide and seek, yet I believe that it is meant to indicate the magical happiness felt by unconditional love, especially so since this song is from the perspective of a nine-year-old. Overall, my own interpretation of this song allows me to give it an eight of ten. That being said, if the hide and seek meaning is ever confirmed, that score may drop down to a seven or high six. Poor Leno Score: 8/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 6: A Higher Place - This song brings back that strange blend of psychedelia Eple had. It isn't as masterfully executed on this song, however. This song is yet another instrumental...almost. There are a few words spoken during this song's duration, yet I don't consider them significant enough to speak any further on. There is quite a pleasant and progressive tone present in this song, a lot of small elements weaving their way in and out as well. Most of these elements make sense with the melody of the song. There are major, repeating elements that weave their way in as well. That being said, because of how many little things happen in this song, it would take a few listens to recognize these major elements first being weaved into the melody. I consider this to a good thing. There's not really much else to say about this song. It's just a pretty well-made instrumental. If anything, my main critique would be the random moaning sound that the duo decides to sample throughout the song. Other than that unpleasant bit, I have nothing major to criticize about this song. A Higher Place Score: 8/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 7: Röyksopp's Night Out - This song felt a bit too ambitious for its own good. It's yet another instrumental that manages to blend sounds of jazz and funk with electronic. That being said, it does so over the course of eight minutes. Like I said, this track feels a bit too ambitious for its own good. That being said, it's not bad at all, yet the melodies being noticeably weaker than previous songs along with its excessive length drag this song down. In my opinion, it is the weakest song on the album so far. There is some great bass work towards the middle of the song, but that's around the extent that I found myself to be really, really enjoying. This song attempts to feel dramatic in a somewhat weird way. Most of the sectioned melodies that we heard in the first seven minutes of the song: screechy horns, weird horns, and bass all come back in the last minute alongside aggressive crescendos to attempt to make a dramatic finish. That being said, this section just comes off as weird. The song didn't really have any impact on me either. Overall, there isn't much to say about this song that I haven't already. It's still good, but the weakest so far. Röyksopp's Night Out Score: 7/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 8: Remind Me - This is another song that contains a lyrical meaning. It appears to be sung by the same singer as in Poor Leno. The music compliments the nostalgic tone of the lyrics well. The melody is slow, repetitive, and single-noted in certain aspects in a way the reflects the depressing, longing lyrics well. This is the first song in a bit that doesn't try any form on genre-blending. It solely uses aspects of electronic music to make its melody. This song's lyrical meaning seems to depict a man coming home after a long time away; however, after his arrival home, he finds that most of his life has left him behind. The people in his life have left him behind. He no longer feels important or loved by those around him. This song's lyrics seem to have a connection with the natural human need to feel connected to those around us, the natural need to feel like we belong. As stated before, the melody reflects this depressive tone in a successful way. Overall, this is a nice song that managed to have somewhat of an impact on me. Remind Me Score: 8/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 9: She's So - This is yet another song that felt too overbearing for its own good. It's another instrumental as well. The ideas presented on this song feel so loose and as if they weren't explored enough to make something cohesive and logical. It felt as if many different ideas came to the duo and they decided to act on these ideas. This song doesn't really have anything special that we haven't heard before either. If this had been placed earlier in the album, it may have gotten a slightly higher score from me, but I feel inclined to give this uncreative and unmemorable (Albeit still good) piece the lowest score seen yet. She's So Score: 6/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 10: 40 Years Back \ Come - Well, it's unfortunate that the duo had to pack the weakest two songs at the end of the album. This song is yet another instrumental, and one that I genuinely consider to be bad at that. The melody in the first half of the song feels so random and unmemorable while the one in the second half feels to unoriginal that literally anyone with a guitar and good enough production could replicate it. There really isn't much to say about this song besides what I've stated above. 40 Years Back \ Come Score: 5/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: For being my first album, I think it was a pretty good one. Up until this point, most electronic songs I've heard have consisted of simplistic melodies with even simpler lyrics. This album felt complex in almost every song. Even the weakest songs still felt as if they were attempting to flow with creativity, the want to experiment. The constant experimental blending of genres on this album helped propel its creativity and ability to resonate with me to a certain height that just electronic alone wouldn't have done. It's genre-blending felt well-executed in most parts of the album. Lyrically, the album is obviously lacking. Most of the tracks here are instrumentals with a few exceptions here and there; however, this isn't really that big of a drawback in regard to this album. The extremely well-produced and experimental sound alone is enough to have a pretty substantial impact on the listener. When a song does contain lyrics, while the lyrics are typically repeated a lot, they often speak of themes that have a deep meaning to them. They typically dive deep into human emotions such as sadness and love. These songs that contain lyrics are typically complimented well by the melodies too, only propelling the lyrical delivery into even higher regard. The lyrics presented in these songs are just vague enough to be up to multiple interpretations as well. You are allowed to make you ideal version of a song in this album. On a side note, I find the singer's voices on the album to be incredible, especially on Poor Leno. On top of all of this, the production of this album is absolutely incredible as well. Overall, I personally find this album to be an extremely pleasant start to this long journey. The amount of songs that I found myself genuinely enjoying for both casual and artistic purposes is far greater than I estimated. I went into this thinking that I was probably going to initially get a streak of terrible albums followed by one good before jumping back into trash. That did not happen here. I was introduced to an artist that seemed to have genuinely wanted to experiment with genres in an artistic and enjoyable way. I definitely do not think that this will be the best album I listen to on this journey by a long shot, but I do still find this work to be incredibly pleasant. There are a few tracks on here that I could see myself revisiting time to time as well. Great start to this long journey, hopefully I see more stuff like this on my way. ============================================================ Melody A.M. Score: 7/10 Song Average: 7.4/10
Mellow electronic music, an enjoyable record to use as background music.
Some fun ones and some boring ones.
Pleasant background grooves
An exquisite audio screensaver.
Works wonders after a stressful day.
I liked some of the melodies here. Not overly pretentious, but still innovative in some ways.
This too was a unique listening experience. A completely new one, but a pleasant one.
Interesting but some tracks made me sleepy.
Angenehm, aber nichts, das meine Aufmerksamkeit allein auf sich zieht. In Ordnung.
It's alright got more into it by the end
Still learning to love house and EDM, so this lack of familiarity may have caused me to miss something, but nothing here really wowed me as anything new or unique. That said, I enjoyed the album. A good, but not great record.
Is it a problem that I kept forgetting that I was actively listening to this album. I don't want to listen to this again but, if I did, I probably wouldn't realize it anyway. If that's what they were going for, then I give it 5 stars.
I was today years old when I realized Royskopp and The Knife are not the same thing. I can dig some Royskopp.
This didn't suck as bad as most of the Dance/Electronic offerings from "1001 Albums..." Decent background music for working/multi-tasking. I might actually revisit this one from time to time. 3 stars.
So Easy 3.3 Eple 3.4 Sparks 2 In Space 3.2 Poor Leno 3 A Higher Place 2.2 Röyksopp's Night Out 3.1 Remind Me 3 She's So 3.2 40 Years Back\Come 2.6 Score: 2.9
Favorite Track: Remind Me
I cannot believe this boring shit is on the list. It’s just naughties furniture shop music. It made me want to buy a sofa.
Not bad!
Not my favorite type of music but it wasn't bad or annoying.
It was good background music while I worked. I could see this being music for a travel vlog.
Interesting, but not something I would choose to listen to.
Sounds a bit too much like N64 James Bond video game soundtrack music.
Early 00s advert music. Make of that what you will.
This album has a smooth, atmospheric quality that makes it an easy listen, but it can also feel a little too comfortable for its own good. The duo’s blend of downtempo beats and soft electronic textures creates a warm, almost weightless mood. It’s the kind of record that slips in quietly and sets a tone, more background than centre stage. Tracks like “Eple” and “Poor Leno” stand out with their bright melodies and crisp production, giving the album its most memorable moments. The rest often drifts by pleasantly without leaving a strong impression, more about vibe than punch. It’s consistent, but that consistency sometimes comes at the cost of variety. Melody A.M. works best as a mellow, late-night listen. It’s beautifully produced and easy to get lost in, but it never really pushes beyond that comfortable space. A solid, enjoyable listen, just not one that hits especially hard.
Royksopp put together a very palatable, smooth electronica album. I don't think we have anything particularly special here but listening to these chill melodies in the wee hours of the A.M. was nice. Made the drive to work a relaxing one. Smoke Mushroom gets 2.55 stars for this debut.
Interestingly enough I was familiar with Royksopp through a Geico caveman commercial and a friend in college quite a while back. I enjoyed what I had heard, but hadn't delved into their albums. Glad I was given an excuse as Melody A.M. was a very pleasant listen. I really vibed with the chill electronic beats and soft vocals. The album was just the right level of engaging and cerebral without asking too much from the listener. The last two songs slowed it down too much and were a little empty, but I really enjoyed 80% of this album. Melody A.M. was mostly delightful and I'd be interested in listening to more by Royksopp. 3.44 stars
One time, in the days before smartphones, Youtube, and shazam, a song showed up on a Geico caveman commercial during an Eagles game. My annoying uncle heard it and loved it and made me look it up based on a small snippet of misheard lyrics. It was this song, and I will never forgive them for that. 3/5
lovely soundscape.
Chillax
Uma mistura de muitas batidas que criam cenários imagéticos na cabeça.
A consistent pleasure: kinetic energy with sweeping vistas and melodic turns of techno
I didn’t get it at first. I thought it was mid techno but too mellow to dance to. But it grew on me. Midway through the album on “Poor Leno” I think I caught the Röyksopp vibe. The mellowness seeped into me and I grooved. “A Higher Place” was a cool track, great outro. “Röyksopp’s Night Out” put me in a trance with a funky flange guitar. Who knew Norwegians could be weird too? I’m glad to have listened to this album.
Started out strong, some of the songs I didn't care for the vocals. Royksopp's Night Out was probably my favorite.
kinda werid pre easy listening though good midday vibe
Not something I'd usually listen to but not bad. Had some "oh, I know this" moments, which is always cool.
Electronic dance/pop music. I enjoyed the album overall. Favorite songs were Sparks, In Space, Remind Me.
Reasonably pleasant and occasionally interesting electronic music. Didn’t hold my interest for very long though. A bit too placid. Reminded me of shopping at dsw.
Enjoyed it, probably not listen to again
Good vocals nice vibe very produced tho
there's better trip hop out there
Mellow, reminds me of the 90’s (even though this just creeped into the 2000’s…. That signature tune was in every coffee shop and bar back in the day…
Electrónica con mucho sintetizador experimental. Me ha llamado la atención siendo yo poco de este estilo por lo que valoro su calidad.
Very chill EDM. Almost on the lofi side of chill. Good, calm music. Something to listen to around a campfire or on a quiet night.
This is really cool. I like this one a lot. Reminds me of some of the other experimental electronic from the period, including Kid A, and Music Has The Right To Children (Or Geogaddi but less scary).
Not usually my type of music but this was very chill funky and interesting. James bond movie esque
ohhhh very good yes
Decent listen.
Very chill melodic album. Hard to classify.
Geico commercial!
Okay.
Easy listening downtempo electronic, this was an album I was into back when it was released and owned it, however, I hadn’t listened for many years so it was great to revisit.
Was expecting to despise this. Turns out I did not. At a couple points, my body just started moving. Is this what tripping on molly at a rave in Oslo feels like? Maybe I can like electronica, and maybe all it'll take is a couple of cutie pie Norwegian goofballs. Fave songs: - So Easy - Eple - Sparks - A Higher Place - Röyksopp's Night Out
Soothing electronica I guess
Soundtrack to a softer-than-hell James Bond movie. Depending on your taste, that might sound like just about the worst thing ever. But I can assure you it's not half as bad as that might make it sound
I gotta say, starting off your downtempo album with a quote of the Prodigy's intro to *Music for the Jilted Generation* is a pretty audacious move. Too bad the rest of the album lacks any of that bravado, instead laying down the sort of turn-of-the-millennium Rainy Day Music that sells luxury cars and coffee. I recognize that this sort of music has its place, and this is even a good example of it as far as it goes. But I gave it two times through and still don't remember any of it. I don't know, maybe it's me.
Melody AM Haven’t listened to this in years, but listened a lot when it came out and when it was very zeitgeisty. Blue on Blue plus a great bass line equals the excellent So Easy, and Eple is fantastic. I’m not sure anything else quite reaches the heights of those, but there are some great euro-disco-Daft Punk-Air-funk-electro pop atmospherics throughout, and a couple of very good tracks; the downtempo Sparks, the disco-dance of Poor Leno, the dramatic Royksopp’s Night Out and the arresting 40 Years, with what I think must be the bass from Jump into the Fire by Harry Nilsson slowed down? In between those the songs are fine, if not totally memorable. Overall it’s a fine album with some very good tracks and some nice moments, but as a whole it never quite catches fire, neither quite hitting the Gallic charm and flair of Air or Daft Punk or the broodiness and immersive atmosphere of BoC, Bonobo, or Portishead. I would probably listen again, but likely in another 10 or 15 years, so I think it lands as a 3. 🕢🕢🕢 Playlist submission: Eple
There really are some glorious moments, not least the first two tracks and the Erland Øye collaborations. But its Boards of Canada mimicry becomes something of a millstone, and I can't quite fully shift the feeling of the band striving track-by-track for anything that will please the audience.
Pretty boring. This got me moving in a couple spots but not really much there. Pit it on the three side of a 2.5.
Not a big fan but it’s ok? The best way for this album is to turn the volume to the lowest before you sleep. Soothing..
Even if it was on a commercial I saw countless times growing up, Remind Me is such a jam. Otherwise this album is pretty middle of the road. I’m more and more convinced by this list that Europe got ahold of the techno bug in the late 90s/Early 00s and never looked back.
this is how Wall-E feels
Not bad at all, pretty solid overall. Good beats, some decent melody here and there, not too repetitive.
Maybe if Norwegians had taken over the top 40 instead of Swedes, pop music would be a bit more wacky and fun now. Who knows. Fun to imagine.
В молодости я очень любил эту группу, но даже тогда я находил этот конкретный альбом довольно средненьким. Итс окэй, и это довольно универсальная музыка, которую можно просто врубить вечером с партнером, кем или чем бы он(ао) не был(ао). Лучшая песня - Eple.
One of the better electronic albums on this list. It still suffers from some things in the genre that annoy me (stupid lyrics, overlong/repetitive songs), but this is far more pleasant than many of its genre mates.
он норм но очень быстро надоел, возможно потому что это вайбы всякой грув армады из тех времён
Huh. This is an interesting one. I generally like Royksopp quite a lot. But this came hot on the heels of Nightmares On Wax, which I found dull, and it made me realize that perhaps this album is not a million miles away. It's definitely better than NoW a fair bit. Eple is a strong standout. And there are maybe days where I'd feel more into this (and I also think I like later Royksopp a bit more). But today this is a strong three, not quite a four.
Rento elektroninen, välillä ambientin suuntaan menevä platta.
I love this, it’s going to go into my regular rotation. I truly don’t know if I would put this on a must-listen list, though. It’s the most inoffensive and easy-to-like thing I’ve heard in a while, which is…not amazing?
I really liked So Easy, and this album has encouraged me to go off and listen to the rest of this artist's work, so a big win in my books. The rest of the album was okay, not worth downloading but a fan change of pace and nice sound. 3/5 stars.
I liked this one but it didn't blow me away. Not my usual genre though. Going to give it 3 stars.
I first heard Remind Me on a 2006 Geico commercial: the caveman on the airport moving walkway. This is fun elevator music, I remember thinking. 19 years later, listening to the whole album? Yeah, my teenage take holds up, but “elevator music” is selling it short. If Eple, In Space, or Poor Leno comes on at the club, I’m dancing to it. See you there 🕺🪩 💃
Chill beats to study to, but, like, good. Has some songs that are a bit too ambient for my tastes, but there are more pleasant beats and melodies. Not something spectacular, for sure, but it's nice. 7/10
Perfectly good, bite-sized electronic music. It's not going to stick with me even an hour after listening but I also didn't turn it off. Let's assume by its inclusion that it's influential, so you should give it a try; maybe it's your jam! For me, it's fine.
I see where a lot of TV shows got their music interludes from. Nice background music but nothing memorable 3*
The album was pleasant to listen to. A couple of well known songs I never knew were from them (So Easy & Eple). More downtempo throughout with some catchy tunes.
So Easy is catchy and familiar because of TV adverts that have been etched into my brain. Mixed feelings on this album. There is a time and place for slow tempo electronic music. Elevators. Trippy movie scenes. Advertisements. Something to have on in the background. Poor leno picked up the pace but it seemed like fairly generic dance I've heard a million times before. For reference, Daft Punk released Discovery in 2001. Different dance genre but that is an example of an iconic album back then. I won't be revisiting and I don't see this being anyones favourite album but I can kinda see why it's on the list. 2.5/5. Raising to a 3.
This is a pretty good album, but I don't know if I'll ever revisit it. Maybe if I need some chill background music for something.
6.8/10
I do like Röyksopp, and I do like this album, but it's not their most engaging in my opinion. It's a chill time, and it's put together well enough, but it seems to lack a little bit of oomph for me. I way prefer something like 'Junior', which has a lot more about it. There's some good tracks in here, but not sure there's any actual stand-outs. 3.5 rounded down.
I quiet like the funky electric-ish tunes that these two lads make
Good to walk in the sun to
Interesting futuristic sound but nothing more than that.
Not horrible but not amazing. Would be good background music for studying or similar
god I love norway
I'm ready to be crucified for not 'getting' this album, but it does feel like a CD you'd get with an early 2000s hip-hop magazine.
Smooth groovy electronica that may be good to zone out to or have in background while painting or something.
Geico song slaps, some others are groovy, some more atmospheric. A little too tame for the most part.
Sounded like that one episode when SpongeBob went to the future
Better than most electronic on the list. Maybe it's growing on me a little, or maybe I've just gotten better at tuning out during these albums.
Different. Kinda of cool, but somewhat expressionless and no really engaging. Not sure if there is supposed to be some type of story coming through, if so I think I missed it.
Another decent but not life changing electronic album.
Another one that’s just fine, inoffensive but I just don’t care about it or care to hear it again
Blind album and artist. Interesting style for sure and it peaked my interest, but not my typical music or style and not something that blew me out of the water. Glad I tried something new I never would have before for sure!
Fine background music
Pretty chill vibes.
More fun than I thought it would be
bela música de elevador
AGUARDE MAIS UM POUCO! NÓS DA EMPRESA TCHUMBLIOUS TECHNOLOGIES JÁ VAMOS TE ATENDER! *toca esse album como música de espera* piadas a parte, num eh ruim não. background music bem decente!!
Another fabulous piece of electronica.
Beep boop did not finish
Another electronic dance album. At least this one had a little more substance. There were a couple of songs I genuinely liked. But not enough to give it more than 3 stars.
Nice. Cool vibes and pretty good music and beats. I was very worried this was just going to be an hour of boom-chick beat drops for da club. You know, the electronic music I don’t like actively listening to. But it wasn’t. It had more substance and even had some four star moments. I’m not mad I listened. I probably won’t revisit, but who knows. I could see just chilling with this on in there living room.
Surprised to see a primarily trip hop/lo-fi record on this list. Maybe this was the first of its kind to really hit the mainstream? I can't confirm that. But what I can confirm is my reaction to what I just listened to. It is as advertised: ambient, downtempo European electronic music. Most of it blends together and there are some vocals here and there. A wave of nostalgia hit me upon hearing "Remind Me", as many will recognize that from that GEICO caveman ad from the mid-2000's.
Chilled, downtempo dance music. It is very good, very listenable, but very much passive, background music. I have heard, and enjoyed the album before, but didn't recall an awful lot of it.
Decently fun ambient electronica, I don’t feel too opinionated about it
Good but not for me
A fine album for background music, but nothing really stood out to me. High 3.
Few great songs, others just felt like they were doing too much. Be low key/chill or super upbeat but doing both is jarring
Its fine. Competently produced, some real songs. Not sure why it was such a hit with the bri'ish
Nice.
Not really my genre. It's pretty pleasant and atmospheric for the most part but I find it a bit boring. 3.
Pleasant and tasteful. I could work to this and let it sink in more. Recognised a couple of tracks but a 3 feels right on a first listen.
cool electronic album.
A pleasant enough sounding album. However, nothing particularly groundbreaking on offer here
Really enjoyed this. Gave it two spins and used it as work music as well. Something sort of innocent about this type of electronica. This is from twenty years ago. Makes me nostalgic.
Didn't think I knew this one, but it turns out I had heard three of the tracks before. The music varies a little between Portishead and Moby. I think 3 stars?
I remember when I got a few genuine nerds at a dance night on the floor for the first time in their lives dancing to EPLE, because that was the music that played when they installed their Mac OSX
I love this band, I don't think I've listened to this album all the way through though. It feels a bit shaky compared to their later albums. All the elements are there, but it just feels timid? I don't know about 2/3 the way through it seems to kick in though. Not what I was expecting but good. Hopefully this isn't their only album on here because I don't quite think this album gives them justice.
I liked this
Weird, decent
Nice enough
Spacey, electronic soundscapes. Minimalist vocals. Not really catchy or anything but had an interesting vibe. She's so had a jazzy, pink floyd style feel I liked
Super cool! Heard parts of this album when it first came out, but never listened to the whole thing through. Such a treat 🍬
Scandinavian chill-out techno is better than non-Scandinavian chill-out techno.
This was a first listen for me and I enjoyed quite a bit. Chill electronica with some interesting elements sprinkled throughout. I’ll definitely listen again.
Remind me og poor Leno er noen av mine favorittlåter generelt. Albumet flyter relativt godt og kan gjerne spilles i sin helhet. Noe av musikken er litt heismusikk. Det er litt kjedelig. Sorry Norge.
I wasn't expecting much from this, as I don't generally like electronica albums, but this was pretty good. Atmospheric, but with melodies. Pleasant surprise.
I know some other Royksopp tunes and collaborations, but I've never listened to one of their full albums before. Good, chill, electronic tunes abound.
I tend to dislike core electronica/techno but I didn't mind this. Tracks like Poor Leno drove me nuts, but there was plenty of what seemed like hip hop / break beat influence to make up for it. Dig it.
I doubt I’d ever listen to this again but it was largely inoffensive with a few interesting hooks and melodies.
Está bien, pero me gusta más Junior.
Very average album, quite subpar electronic sound, that is not showing anything new or exciting. Boring and disappointing.
I was surprised to really enjoy this album. Very contemplative and introspective. Thanks!
Chilled happy dancey vibes akin to early air. A lot of it is really vibes and pleasant. Some of it is a bit wishy washy.
Great vibes. Glad I listened to this one. Loses some interest toward the end but will be listening to it again
Chilled out dance 3/5
This was cool. I listened to it while washing the dishes and found myself grooving along to it. I thought it was going to be darker but it was light and playful. I had heard lots of these songs before and they were all stored somewhere in my subconscious. Is it one of the greatest 1000 albums of all time though? Not sure
On par with the Beatles
Pretty cool
Roy Kristoff Sopp - session musician for Houmous & Chutney and all round lovely guy. 3.0
Funky, dance trip. This was a pleasant surprise. Awesome downtempo dance music with some very unique sounds.
Za długi. Momentami monotonny. Dwa-trzy dobre, klimatyczne utwory nie rekompensują trzydziestu minut przeciętnej elektroniki. 6/10
Great chill vibes to have on in the background, already added some of the songs to a playlist. The vocals, when used, matched the atmosphere of the instrumentals well especially on Sparks and Poor Leno.
Decent PS2 music
Just get on with it
Chill, down-tempo record with interesting, electronic soundscapes. Standout Tracks: She's So, In Space, So Easy, Eple
I enjoyed this, a genre of music i like, some good tracks i recognised and no massive drop iff into the album tracks.
dance. down tempo, 2001 -> 3
Not bad
I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. Some standout tracks ("Remind Me"), and an overall consistent vibe that I give a good to great.
I always thought this would be one of those slam dunk albums where I'd love the sound of this one but in reality... it's just cool downtempo without much more for me to bite into, it sounds nice and the more house songs in this are great but I can't say I care much about this one on the whole. Something about the sound of these guys is just not as interesting to me as other downtempo type stuff I've heard really, it can feel a bit too measured for what would be a cool album otherwise. I think it may grow on me but I'm not entirely sure
3.5⭐️/5 [11.29.2024] 01.08.2026
i don’t know, is this special? it doesn’t seem that special to me
I have a fair amount of nostalgia for this one (especially 'Remind Me') but found this was less captivating listening all the way through - and feels very much of a Stereolab / Groove Armada / Zero Seven moment that isn't bad, but definitely not timeless. Junior might be the better album - poppier but also more songs that hook you.
Good background music
Mid house music.
No idea what I was getting into here, but did not use a private Spotify session. I did take a clue for the album's title and listened to in the morning, maybe AM part meant after midnight when all the cool kids are just starting to head out.
Fine. Very much of the time. Just a little dull when you listen to an entire album but beautiful background music
Not bad tbf recognised the first two
Good selection of tracks and enjoy having in on while driving or working.
This album is the song Mr Krabs wanted to hear again. There are some interesting things going on here. Would probably just come back to the highlights. Favorites were Poor Leno, Remind Me, and She’s So.
1. eazy - 1.5 2. eple - 1 3. zparkz - 2 4. zpace - 1 5. leno - 1.5 6. place - 1.5 7. night - 1.5 8. remind - 2.5 9. zhez - 2 10. come - 1.5
Pretty mellow and chill downbeat vibe today, kind of reminded me of Air. It wasn't too bad, I think this was a 3 for my mood today.
Very pleasant, and evocative of a particular time. Great for background while working, and some fun tunes here. Having said that, I have this on CD somewhere and haven't played it since the year it came out, I think. And may not play it again for another 20-odd years.
Nice chilled album
3.5
Not bad as background noise, ahead of its time. Overall not for me
Couple of good ones on here, but don’t need to hear it again
Groovy and mellow. Good background music.
This is groovy background music for work
Such a surprise entry! Had a lot of fun with this. 3.5/5
Uz thivery St Germain i Gotan Project neizostavni klasik pozerluka ranih nultih
I like most of Melody A.M., it sits halfway between trance/edm style and electronica and hits the right spot in general. The first two tracks are the strongest, so the rest of the album feels a bit disappointing and a few times where it creeps into music you'd hear on hold calling the doctors or something, but it's a fair 3, not one I'd go out of my way to listen to again but would happily hear when it comes on.
Some familiar bits to this, particularly at the beginning, and it's quite a nice vibe. A little too gentle in the most part for me, really - the opening couple of tracks plus Poor Leno are just about able to retain my attention but much of the rest of it fades into the background all too easily. Scrapes a 3.
Apart from my initial disappointment that it wasn't post-rock, it was nice
I've never really gotten Röyksopp. To me they just sound like a more chill "The Knife" (which I love). Still this is a nice album with a few recognizable hits like "Eple". Solid album but not really my taste.
I kind of like Eple, Remind Me
Whatever. A few entertaining songs.
Light 3
As I normally don't listen to that kind of music, it's hard for me to review it to be honest. I love some of the slower songs, they are dreamy and kind of pull me into an imaginary world. Some if the songs I dislike and other I find okay, but this is just completely subjective.
Un bon album d'électro ambiant. J'ai bien aimé malgré que c'est le genre de musique qui est un peu trop "passive" à mon goût normalement. 7/10
Was best oke
Je décèle l'influence de Bowie et Eno (particulièrement l'album Heroes). Me rappelle Morcheeba et autres groupes électros. J'ai été surprise que ce soit considéré comme "Dance" dans Apple, ça m'a semblé plus ambiant.
Late 90's/Early 2000's electronic dance-pop. The kind of music you'll be sitting on the beach with far too many 18-30s surrounding you - either drunk, high or both. Not always a bad thing of course, but not for a Sunday night. It's inoffensive. Best Tracks: So Easy; Elpe; Poor Leno
Weird but some decent songs
A 2001 dance record, on the same list as Abbey Road. Alright. Let's see what you've got. I mean, Poor Leno is a funny title, though. For an American at least. Who cares about late night variety shows. Don't tell me what it's about. This wasn't bad. At least there were some dynamics to the musical ideas here. The songs went to different places. One of the better dance records on this list.
That was nice. That sound/genre isn't really my bag, but I enjoyed having it on. Album cover: B-. I like the typography, and I could see this being a great cover, but the execution fell flat. I don't like the offset white border.
The first song I'm truly enjoying is Poor Leno. This one is engaging, the others have been too slow and ambient for me. Röyksopp's Night Out is also fun, even if it did run longer than I like. Remind Me is nice. I like listening to his hushed whisper singing. Ultimately this album was not very engaging. I definitely don't dislike it, but it does very little to draw me in. I don't love slow paced ambient electronica too much, and this falls into that category for me. I liked the songs that were more upbeat and had some singing. 5/10
The album is an enjoyable listen, but why would I ever need to hear this album before I die? Another baffling choice for this list.
Music for a spy thriller, enjoyable though. 3/5
This is a fine electronic album, but I don't think it belongs on this list. Favorite track: "Röyksopp's Night Out."
It was fine.
This album is full of very cozy electronic songs. I enjoyed the album but I really like Eple
atmospheric & easy to listen to. doesn't blow me away, but not really much bad to say about it.
It's not bad, it's just forgettable.
Some hilights and some fillers
Nice. I'm not too attached to it, but I could listen to this.
It's ok. Like a lot of electronic music, there's nothing challenging and it winds up feeling as if you've heard every song on the album once you've waded through the first three or four.
I'm so relieved to be listening to an album that is actually enjoyable. The last week has been a slog. Comparatively, this is a phenomenal album. Realistically, it was just alright. Poor Leno is a standout for me as not as enjoyable as the rest of the album 3.0
Bueno
I like the atmosphere. Good background music that isn't stale and gets me through tasks, warrants at good 3/5
Pretty. Dreamy. Back in my pot smoking days, this would fit the bill nicely. Unfortunately, I’m sober and alert. Relaxation is a no go.
OK!
houseambienttechno.
Lovely background music
it felt like waiting room music i cannot understand why it's on this list. utterly inoffensive.
houseambienttechno.
Mids
Relaxing and pretty, but unremarkable.
Background music
Neat
A couple decent tracks, but not my usual style of music
Some very cool soundscapes, this usually isn't my type of music but I found myself drifting off in it. Some of the songs have that aspect that can sort of take you somewhere else, transport your mind in a way. Pretty cool stuff.
6 / 10 Un poco de Chillout para empezar la mañana. Nada especial.
A bit of a different entry today with more ambient music, almost like something made for a simple video game. The calmer songs reminded me a lot of recent "lofi" music (you know, like with the anime girl studying at her desk) -- a driving yet unimposing beat underneath simple chords and melodies on synth/piano/guitar/bass. This has more vocals and weird sound effects though, and it goes in unexpected directions more often. I wasn't enjoying this at all until something clicked and I randomly "understood" it a bit better.
Another album by a band I didn't know anything about, much less played - it completely passed me by at the time of release. Anyway, this is a nice enough album of downtempo electronica, but not particularly exciting.
I like the Caveman Insurance song.
Nice
For me, music is best when it makes me feel something and the easiest way for that to happen is emotion through vocal, lyrics and instruments imitating the human voice or something where you can feel the human emotion underneath if that makes sense. With a lot of electronic music or whatever you want to call it, it seems the goal is to strip as much of that away as possible and make it sound mechanical or robotic. This album does that but it also very calming and peaceful which was nice but still not for me.
A lot better than I remembered it, to be honest. Unfortunately, the incredibly great Karin Dreijer feature is not on this album, though.
3.5
Another “interesting” album. I gotta find a new word. Anyway, not much to say, it feels a bit like a relic. Music that was once modern and is now old hat.
It was okay. Some of the songs were much cooler than others.
Röyksopp is the first Swedish group I’ve listened to. Going into it, I very much had a stigma against the Electronic genre, but I must say I was surprised. To be fair this was barely electronic, but it still is good for the most part. My favorites are She’s So and In Space. In She’s So, there may be no words, but the instrumentals are so nice, and it really fits the song title well, as if the music is really describing the perfect girl. All in all, Melody A.M is an alright album. Best Song: She's So Worst Song: Eple
A blast from the past and a bit of fun
I know this is Röyksopp's most famous album but personally I like a lot of their later stuff more. Still killer stuff here though. They blend together a lot of styles really well. Very chill and downtempo while still making you want to move.
Fun to listen to but not for too long cos gets tiring after a while!
Great as background music. Didn't really excite me however.
I actually used to listen to this quite a bit back in the early 2000s - but I'm not sure it's particularly stood the test of time. Compared to most stuff released in the early 2000s this is by contrast a pretty decent CD. It is very much uninspiring but competent background music.
Been a very long time since Ive listened to this, so it was an interesting contrast against my recollection. Opener with the cool “Blue on Blue” sample is as strong as I remembered and does a great job giving it a jaunty reimagining. The rest was pleasant enough, but looking back only “Röyksopp’s Night Out” could I recall distinctly. Maybe that’s not the point with this kind of album. I should listen again before 20 years go by.
listened 2x. decent sound 3.3/5
I liked this album overall. I let it play a few times. I might revisit this. "Remind Me" is on an old playlist I've been listening to for almost 20 years so it was weird to hear a bunch of songs I didn't know with one I know really well. Kinda like a lot of CD purchases in the 90s. Anyway, vibes are cool but this is not music that will change your life.
Was hoping for more but sadly it was too repititive for my taste. Still few likeable and calming songs but there was so much more potential to fullfil
Has it's place. Moody. Electronica. Not the type of thing I should be listening to Monday morning before I have my first cup of coffee.
I'd be very surprised if someone told me they disliked this album. I'm not saying you need to love it, but it's such a smooth and easy listen that I can't imagine anyone getting worked up about it. Doesn't leave a super strong impression though, but it's a nice time.
Mostly mid beats over funky basslines, surprisingly bouncy for 9am when I choose to listen to it
Firmly in the Groove Armada mellow dance world. Pleasant.
This is a tough one. I actually thought it was great background music, but not an album I would care to give my full attention to. Trying to judge it fairly means thinking of it in the foreground, and I'm just not that into Norwegian electronic music, I guess.
Another ambient album. Pretty good. Will keep in rotation
Relajante. 3/5.
ancestral lofi beats to study/relax to
Nice surprise. Very, very chill.
Very cook
Decent electronic
It’s dance music. Not exactly an unpleasant listen, but not something I’ll be giving a repeat listen.
There's some fun stuff on here. I recognize Remind Me from a Geico commercial of all things, but wasn't familiar with anything else on this album. Wouldn't mind listening to it again. 3/5
Thought this was ok, but didn't really do a lot for me, honestly. It was nice enough background music. 2.75/5
Not really my thing, but that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. It’s incredibly well-crafted and has tight af production, enough for me to appreciate it, even if I’ll probably never think about this album again. C
Another unfamiliar band to me. Nice.
More electronic... this one was more bearable than some of the others on the list. I enjoyed that there were music elements and that it wasn't super repetitive.
houseambienttechno.
Such a clever and well-crafted album. It's a bit trip-hop, especially Portishead, at times, it's a bit coffee table dance, but there are some lovely melodies here that really nail this down as a pop album. Gotta look to the remixes for anything to actually dance to.
Instrumental music isn't really my cup of tea, but this is a solid album of the stuff. (Well, there are some snippets of vocals, but it's largely an instrumental album.) There's good variety of chill, smooth, dance-able, and in between. I'll be keeping it in my rotation for listening at work. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
This must be Royksopp's beige album. Not a lot of highlights.
Not my kind of vibe, but they seem to do chilled electronica quite well, so I'll be generous today.
A peaceful listen, but not too memorable.
Interesting variety of songs.
Great as background music and something I can revisit if I need to focus. Little too repetitive and slow for any other enjoyment.
Nr. 88/1001 So Easy 3/5 Eple 3/5 Sparks 3/5 In Space 3/5 Poor Leno 3/5 A Higher Place 2/5 Röyksopp's Night Out 2/5 (2x) Remind Me 3/5 She's So 3/5 40 Years Back/Come 2/5 Average: 2,64 Listened to this while cleaning. Was nice background music, although overstaying it's welcome a bit.
This would be right up my alley but I didn't care too much about it. It's nice background mood music but not something I would actively listen to. I instantly recognized the song Poor Leno as it's featured in SSX3 although it's a remix of the song.
I bought this when it came out as I liked some of the less vanilla down tempo dance stuff back then, such as Portishead, Air, etc. Loved the first 4 tracks, especially the dreamy 'In Space'. Was never a fan of 'Poor Leno' as it is heading into full on House territory, but now it sounded ok. The rest of the album plods on in a chilled out sort of way, with its good rhythms and the odd squidgy noises. It gets a high 3.
3.5
Fun electronic album. Down tempo, relaxing music with some fun faster section sprinkled in 3 stars
Remarkably unremarkable. Forgettable even. Really not much to say here. There are some relaxing and mildly interesting tracks. It's not off putting. But there is nothing that is attention grabbing. Very middle of the road for me.
Reminds me a lot of the Cafe Del Mar scene that was popular in the late '90s/early '00s. It's nothing life changing, but pretty chill.
Different. Definitely not a normal listener for me.
Солидан ко Богдан 5/10
not really my thang.......
Совсем не моё, хотя пара треков показалась симпатичной
2.5 - It's not bad, but not entirely up my alley. It's chill, and I can appreciate that. Maybe a relisten would be beneficial?
Not what I usually listen to but a couple songs I enjoyed, like 'So Easy' and 'Night Out'.
Good working music.
This album has like this electronic chill light jazz club feel, but with a bit of a creepy vibe. Gets weirder toward the middle and end of the album.
Boring coffee table electronica
Started off well before turning into call centre hold music
I think it was funky and interesting but it was interesting in 2001 not really as much 2023. I think the experimental songs weren’t experimental enough to justify the lower listening quality.
Snooze
houseambienttechno.
Never heard of Röyksopp. Really happy that I found this website and can discover new music. Nothing I will listen to daily but a pleasant change.
Even though I don't tend to gravitate toward electronic music, I think this album has a lot going for it. I particularly like the more up tempo dancier tunes. They have an allure to them that feels less like a forceful "you must dance" and more like a chill "take it or leave it" invitation. I like that. The more downtempo songs were a bit less successful for me. But this duo has certainly caught my attention.
A far less dreamy Boards of Canada. The tracks with vocals take me out of the trance, and sort of ruin the experience for me.
I like the song "Remind Me" and first heard it in a Geico commercial waaaaay back in the day and since then heard a few here and there but nothing ever really grabbed me a ton. They are an electronic group that kind of does a lot of different styles which feels a bit scattered for me. I respect it, but not my type of electronica.
Definitely different to most electronic albums on here, but I probably wouldn’t listen again
Of the albums in the electronica/instrumental dance in this project this is one of the more worthy as it has some tunes, and indeed some singing, but ultimately it's incidental music.
Very mellow
They took trip hop and removed its dark and moody atmosphere. They also took electronica, and removed the urgent and explosive energy in it. As a result, they made something that lacks the charm of both.
Well, this is in my genre, so I feel like I'm more judgy. hey glass harmonica. nice. Beepy. Sparks: Lofi Trip Hop with Jazzy vocals. Feels like a lost Persona track. In Space: Oh now we're talking <3 Ok remixed seagull i creeping me out Swear I heard a phantom of the opera piano in there. Night Out: is uncomfortable. Is that come sail away sample? Steel drums always good. She's So: I almost like it, but the tone shifts are disorienting almost nauseating Oh fuck that microphone fry. Nope.
A nice listen. Nothing great, nothing bad.
Perfectly fine for this kind of thing, but not my bag. Would throw it on the background for working or studying 100%. 3.5 stars
Nice easy listening album
Cool
was ok
So Easy // Eple // Sparks // A Higher Place // 40 Years Back \ Come //
As a casual Röyksopp fan this one left me a little high and dry with all their characteristic flair frontloaded info ‘Eple’ and not much else. While enjoyable, the back half was giving low key Boards of Canada vibes, and I think I was hoping for a more upbeat listen today
A rather enjoyable album here. No grating noises that could be found on other electronic albums to be heard here!
Pleasant but didn't like it enough to buy the album
Kinda hypnotic and toe tapping. Not too shabby.