Juju

I like this more than their other one on here

Don't you just love it when Siouxsie keeps repeating that one phrase while the guitar is ripping. 7.5/10 Fave track: Spellbound

Hypnotic and neurotic, this is space age dub! Great bass tone, guitar interventions and cavernous drums form the backbone of the engaging production and propel this eerily beautiful album from gothy banger to gothy banger. Favourite tracks: Into The Light, Halloween, Monitor (fk yeah), Night Shift, Head Cut

A delightful journey into the JuJu

I have the vinyl, I'm a big fan, this album is a great way to experience Siouxsie and the sorts of flavors and colors she brings to music. That said, I could see someone thinking that there's not enough variety in this record, and they'd be right, there are other albums that show a wider range.

I loved this. I found myself wanting to listen more than once.

Siouxsie and her Banshees conjure a mesmerizing dark spell of spiraling guitars and tribal rhythms, creating a gothic landmark that continues to influence and enchant.

Mjög mikill og góður flanger á gítarnum, næs og ákveðin beat. Skemmtilegt og töff póstpönk.

Didn't know what to expect. This album was so haunting and fun. I like this band.

Started strong but tapered off. I really enjoyed that start though.

Awesome. How have I not known this? Have heard of Siouxsie over the years but never gave them an intentional listen.

Oddly, I was never a huge fan. I think they're just too frenetic for me...gives me an agitated feeling, and I don't love her voice...it's too harsh. But definitely an influential album in the post punk and goth rock world. Favorite track: Into the Light

Oh yea...I'm into this. And I needed this one today as fuck. Thank you album generator. Favorite tracks: - Monitor

Good album. Monitor & Head Cut great. Voodoo Dolly poor. Definitely more good than bad. Solid 3½. Wife hated it so 4.

Super inventive melodies and beautiful singing. The mixing is a bit too hollow 80s sounding sometimes with everything feeling a bit separate from each other. But still an enjoyable album.

Liked this one! Love the Halloween Vibes and general darkness/spookieness

nice spookycore vibes

Really cool, moody stuff. The drums are awesome. It’s great.

Solid fjarki. Geggjaður hljóðfæraleikur og Siouxsie er geggjuð líka. Arabian Knights besta lagið.

Frábær postpönk plata, flott lög og skemmtilegur hljóðfæraleikur. Siouxsie hafði mun meiri áhrif en vinsældir þeirra gefa til kynna.

I wasn't expecting to like as many songs as I did lol. As a matter of fact I expecting to not like anything at allllll haha. Caught me so of guard, liked it

A very enjoyable, polished and forward thinking post-punk goth rock album. With tracks like Spellbound, Into The Light and Arabian Nights it would seem impossible to maintain the same level of songwriting consistently and while the front half of the album is the better half the second half isn’t far behind. An incredibly dark and passionate album , the vocals are incredible and steal the show on this one. The production and mix on this record excels at creating a grungy gothic atmosphere that draws you in and holds your attention. It goes the line where a lot of goth rock music fails, sounding dark without sounding campy and cheesy. The drums are mixed to perfection and the bass might be the underrated superstar of the album, the bass lines are infectious and unrelenting, what a performance. Head cut is probably the weakest track on the album. 4/5

Really good raw sound, wasn’t the biggest fan of all the singing

The first 3 tracks are the best, but the rest of the album is still really enjoyable. In future, when asked about the post punk or gothic rock albums I like and would recommend, this will certainly be on near the top of the list. Surprisingly accessible, the guitar work is wonderful, as are the vocals. Best track in my opinion would be Into the Light. An easy 4 stars.

Punk and Goth goddess.

mendatory

Officially spellbound by this album

súlyos Patti Smith-vibejai voltak ennek, és nagyon adtam, de azért még meghallgatom fülessel meg nem mosogatáshoz mert nem jött át annyira, mint amennyire hittem hogy fog

Pretty consistent throughout. Lots of cool details throughout. I like the production. Wears a bit thin after a while.

Great beat in the first half of the songs. I was interested throughout.

This rocks pretty hard. Great singer, too. But there's something I can't quite put my finger on that just doesn't do it for me. This project, if nothing else, has helped me identify what I DON'T like about particular albums, but this one leaves me a bit stumped. 3.5* rounding up to 4, though. Maybe I'll enjoy it more if I come back and listen a few more times.

I can safely throw this album into the ever-expanding category of "Bands I've never heard of that I now wonder why I've never heard anything from and want to hear more from moving forward." There's probably a way better title for that category... Anyway, you get it. I've never heard of this group or their albums. Sometimes when that happens, I assume I HAVE heard one or more of their tracks without know who it was. But they don't even fall into that category for me here, either. Complete blindness is what I went in with. This was so cool. I mean for one, the number of female-led bands or female solo artists on the list as a whole is drastically, tragically small. So the fact that this is a female-led group earns it points off the bat. The fact that it's actually good gets it an easy four stars. The attitude, the driving sound, the aggressiveness, and the sheer force behind some of these songs is awesome. I did think it was kind of funny that Siouxsie's voice sounded a little like Geddy Lee at times, but it didn't turn me off from the record at all. It's such a dark, forceful album that it almost feels ahead of its time. I wouldn't be shocked at all if grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were all influenced by this record. The album as a whole is great and I would love to hear more of them. Four stars. I guess a better name for the category would be "Unheard of bands that struck a chord." Standout Tracks: Spellbound, Arabian Knights, Halloween, Monitor, Head Cut

A post punk/goth rock album that continues to shine years later.

I totally rock with this one, and I even liked the remix bonus tracks, which is rare for me. Contrary to Tyler's preference, I found the vocals to be really strong, but the instrumental aspects are what did it for me: very interesting guitar rifts and intricate and unusual percussion. Best songs: Night Shift, Arabian Knights

This is my favorite album so far. Favorite Song(s): Arabian Knights-12' Vocoder Remix, Spellbound Least Favorite Song; Sin in my Heart

I really enjoyed. Of the ones we've listened to so far, it's the first one that I didn't feel bored listening to. Fav song - Sin in My Heart.

Arabian Knights is pretty incredible, cant believe it took me so long to properly listen. The guitars are INCREDIBLE to listen to!

Origineel, en af en toe best wel cool. Af en toe ook niet.

Nicht schlecht. Favoriten: Spellbound, Nightshift

This was great, thoroughly enjoyed this. Most notably “into the light, Arabian nights, Halloween, and fireworks “. Half a star up to get above the rest of the “4’s”. 4.5/5

Man this is such a good album. And it was a great trip down memory lane. Spellbound and Arabian Knights were on routine play mix tapes for me back in the 80s, but the rest of the songs are great too. The bombastic drumming and guitar stylings are unconventional, so unique and make for a great pairing with Siouxsie’s vocal delivery. No doubt setting up a sound that remains all their own to this day.

What an album, I feel silly for not knowing this one. As others have pointed out, this is a great mix of goth/punk/80s pop. I’ll be wearing this one out next October.

I don't know if Karen O has said Siouxsie Sioux influenced her music but dang they almost sound one and the same... and that's a good thing. I really dug this album. Admittedly not very familiar with the band and was expecting more straight forward punk. Good stuff. 4/5

Finally something to feed the dark monster inside of me. One of the earliest albums that pioneered the sound of Goth Rock. No skips, one gothic banger after another. Punk music's ethos combined with dark gothic themes and rich heavy guitars. John McGeoch's phenomenal guitar gels well with Siouxsie's sharp vocals. The writing progressively gets darker and creepier as the album progresses. The three-song-run from Halloween to Night Shift is just so great. And the grand psychedelic trippy 'Voodoo Dolly ' is just a perfect closer for a perfect album. I felt like one of the bats from that video of hanging bats filmed upside-down, having a ball at the goth nightclub.

I don't think I would have liked this when it was released (I was 12) but I really enjoyed it. Good album I will definitely listen to it again.

A classic for me. I’ll never forget seeing the Spellbound video on MV3 after school in LA.

Need to relisten but overall has great potential and is more my thing

Very cool goth/post punk record. Siouxsie's voice is cool. It had some interesting production very evocative of joy division but the playing/production and arrangements are a lot weirder (like the Cure). I only bring up comparisons because it's my immediate thoughts but it definitely has it's own flair to it. The playing, in my mind, is what sets it apart. Halloween is cool, Spellbound is a perfect opener. Monitor has some great riffing on it. Need more time as I do with most of these albums but I can see this band growing on me more and more.

Favorite Track: Halloween

that was sick but idk how to say her name (i think it's pronounced like susie) voodoo dolly was awesome too. 9/10

I got The Scream here a few months ago and it didn’t do much for me, so I was kinda bummed when this popped up. But this is so.much.better. This is great! So close to a 5. Now I get what people are talking about when they say how amazing this band is. I’m not 100% there yet, but things make more sense now.

01) Spellbound - 8,0 02) Into the Light - 8,0 03) Arabian Knights - 8,0 04) Halloween - 7,5 05) Monitor - 7,5 06) Night Shift - 8,0 07) Sin in My Heart - 7,5 08) Head Cut - 6,5 09) Voodoo Dolly - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,56 (76/100) Current ranking: 179/377

No private session used for Spotify. I have certainly listened to and loved some of this bands songs, but have never sat through a whole album...not including best of. I have always enjoyed the guitar work on Monitor, one of many solid hits on this album.

Enjoyed this a lot. I don't think it quite matches contemporary post punk albums like Joy Division or Nick Cave but I think the groomy, grimy, bangers are completely my vibe. Best Tracks: Monitor Worst Track: Voodoo Dolly

Very important college radio album - very unique sound.

This had my foot tapping. The second song has no low-end. This put me off. Apart from that, I enjoyed this dark, lively album

What can I say Siouxsie and The Banshees have always been a big favorite, love this album brings back great memories

Really great stuff. Nice rock sounds, great vocals, high energy -excellent.

Siouxsie And The Banshees evolved a lot since their debut The Scream. Much more refined, this is one of the best albums of this genre, musically and lyrically. Still a pleasure to listen to.

pretty good and probably the influence of a ton of female singers

Vintage new wave, with gothy undertones (and overtones) adding both dark shadings and a likable spikiness. “Arabian Knights” is a song for stylish, fashionable people whose good taste extends somewhat into the musical sphere (but might overindex on fashion generally, or drugs [both of which are fine, of course]). "Halloween" and Monitor are also good. Does get a little droney toward the back. Is Karen O the closest contemporary analog to Siouxsie? One is inclined to think so.

Great album. 4.5/5, will probably round down to 4 on the site.

I heard this for the first time a couple years ago whefn I did a complete album dive on Siouxsie and The Banshees, it was and probably still is my favorite album of theirs. It's dark yet melodic and it set the tone for 80s goth... Love it! (8.9) ★★★★

Enjoyable album, if not my favourite style, but there are some enjoyable catchier elements among the goth here. 4 stars

This album is pretty great. One of the best examples of gothic post-punk and one of the finest albums of 1981. The tribal drums and flanged out guitar parts make for a really cool sound. "Into the Light" is awesome and one of their best songs. 4.5 stars

4.5

Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Singer was great, production was solid. Songs had a solid voice but were varied which kept it engaging.

Kylmää mutta silti jotenkin lämmintä. Ehkä alan tykkäämään tästäkin bändistä samoin kun kävi JMC:n kanssa 4/5

Hienolla tavalla tummasävyinen ja jopa uhkaava levy sekä komea ääni laulajalla. Tätä varmaan tulee tulevaisuudessakin kuunneltua. 4/5

Fantastic album, still feels fairly fresh. This has earned a spot in my permanent rotation.

Always a big Siouxsie fan.

Singles are good, last few tracks not so much. Can see lots of influence in much more modern post punk tracks

They knew exactly what sound they were going for and they nailed it. Not exactly what I would have wanted to hear but it's very effective.

Veers into the overly-spooky freaky at points (voodoo dolly), but I mostly enjoyed the gloomy jangle of the tighter tracks (spellbound, into the light).

It's messy, exciting and a little spooky. She has such a great voice. Female lead rock bands rule, I just wish there were more on this list.

good rock high energy

Awesome female 80s punk rock. Voodoo Dolly was a little too weird for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the rest!

Very groovy I liked

4/5. This is definitely a listen to multiple times kind of album before I get it. Yes, it was actually good post-punk, always a nice surprise. A better descriptor feels like pop-punk considering the catchy lyrics and mostly steady beat. The first half was definitely better, not really a bad song except for Halloween which was a little eh. I liked most of the second half and it wasn't even the trippy last track that threw me off. I feel confident I will like this one more than I did now so in lieu of that, I will give it a 4. It may go down or up depending on how I feel at later dates but it was good and I would recommend it. Best Song: Spellbound, Arabian Knights, Night Shift

Fuck det er nice! Køligt og energisk på en gang. Hvis der er én ting jeg har lært i det her projekt, så er det hvor meget fedt Post-Punk jeg burde have kendt. Det er så tydeligt at disse bands har influeret de bands jeg hørte i 90erne. Og på det her album er det tydeligt at Siouxsie har dannet skole med sin vokal. Utrolig mange senere alternative sangerinder lægger sig op af hendes måde at synge på.

das isch seehr cool. i like this. sehr new wave aber sie singt zimli cool und s isch unruhig uf e gueti art. into the light hani etz weniger speziell gfunde aber immerno cool irgendwie. erinneret mich aöpis. sie lieeebed chorus gitarre. arabian knights wird afoch langsamer uuuuh dasch geeeil. moll i like. halloween au wieder trommeli sie gern trommeli. bumbum. ich ha no denkt obs mit the police pberschniidige git wegem giti sound und jo de produzent het die erste 3 police albe au produziert. ich hoff monitor goht um en konzert monitor type. glaub aber nöd. s goht no los finds nice. die tüf hässig gutarre isch seeeehr geil. flanger/chorus üüüberall. night shift wieder sehr uuuh dark goth aber de refrain slappt ebe. d gitarre am schluss geeil. sin in my heart au cool wird mega schneller sehr nice. ich mag sie sehr als sängerin. voodoo dolly und au de song vorher hani sochli semi gnosse. jetz sehr viel noise und vorher sehr viel monotonie

okokok fangt sehr cool ah iwie tönts recht modern für 1981? schlussendlich hets mi nöd megaaaa abgholt aber hans gfühl amene konzert würd das megaa abgah into the light funnyy ohh megaaa weirdi giti aber ich hans seeehr gern halloween findi au wieder d gitarre extrem cool monitor erinneret mich de ahfang recht ah nu metal? fühl mich wie wenn jede moment en guy mitere rote chappe fürrechunnt ok night shift mal chli en andere ton wos ahschlönd HÄ ICH SCHWÖR ES ERINNERET MICH IMMER WIEDER EIFACH ES BIZELI AH NU METAL also rein musikalisch, nöd ihri stimm hahaha voodoo dolly findi macht als closer mega sinn megaa starchs 4i, ich glaub es het nachli de "hit-faktor" für mich gfehlt aber ich hans es megaa spannends album gfunde

This is not really my style if I compare it to other artists. I like more from the era, like Janis Joplin. I find that guitar to be weak and I'm not a huge fan of Susie's vocals.

Un album thématiquement réussi (quoique un peu daté sur le plan culturel). Siouxsie a manifestement influencé beaucoup de chanteuses, comme Karen O. Dramatique, grondant, mais toujours entraînant

"Be a carcass… be a dead pork… be limblessly in love" barked Siouxsie Sioux over a thunderstorm of drums and guitar on my favourite song from her band's first album: "Carcass", from "The Scream". It was harsh, jagged, primal. Where does one go from there? Well, to my delight, fourth album "Juju" sees the band dialling up the tempo further and further. While I enjoyed a lot of "The Scream", I found myself a bit swamped by the doom-laden slower material, and wished the band would rock out a bit more. Here, they do just that, and it's everything I'd hoped for. Opening "Spellbound" sets a great galloping pace and also happens to be their biggest hit. "Into the Light" and "Arabian Knights" boast surprisingly memorable melodies, and "Halloween" is what it must feel like to drive at seventy miles an hour, through a haunted cemetery, into a hurricane. But it's "Monitor" which might just be my favourite: that great, grinding onslaught of a riff feels like it outdoes Radiohead 25 years early, and I'd have been happy for it to stampede through for double its length. The not-so-secret weapon here is guitarist John McGeoch, who had been brought into the band a couple of years before. His playing is some of the best I've heard in the genre: the locked-in, almost funk-leaning riff of "Monitor", his frenetic chords in "Halloween", his fondness for clusters in "Head Cut." Even "Spellbound" is mostly made by McGeoch's performance, with those introductory arpeggios and absolutely frantic rhythmic accompaniment. Drummer Budgie (Peter Clarke) also does incredible work, playing like his limbs depend on it and very much not afraid of cymbals any more (they're everywhere). Bassist Steven Severin is better the fewer notes he uses, allowing the other players to dance around him and keeping a thudding, thrumming foundation. Finally, Siouxsie's iconic howling vocals are always perfect, even if her limited range and delivery doesn't always help distinguish the songs from each other. The lyrics, though, are often a bit trite (see the pretty weak rhymes in "Sin in My Heart", or the approaching-parody-levels-of-gothic "Night Shift"). Still, these are small criticisms for an album which has otherwise floored me. "Juju" absolutely excels in its dark, ominous tone, and its uptempo outbursts of primal savagery. Siouxsie is bellowing, her Banshees are wailing, and the world is burning. All in all, it's a most fitting listen for the Halloween season. 9/10 for now, maybe a 10 by next year.

I am no expert when it comes to gothic adjacent rock. It’s rarely a space in music I delve into, and often I reserve that kind of music for when it gets colder out. That vibe doesn’t really fit spring and summer all that well. What I do know is that Siouxsie is fucking badass. I love that woman, and she is just as much of an icon for gothic music as Peter Murphy, Ian Curtis, Peter Steele and Robert Smith are. Thankfully, the weather has started to get chillier, especially today, and my allergies are kicking my ass. So an album like this is perfect for the environment. I love this very transitional period of music. The 80s is when risk taking in music really became prevalent, and people like Kate Bush and Talking Heads started making waves with their music. It’s not that there wasn’t any of that during the 70s. It’s just that people knew what worked and what was successful, so the number of artists or bands like Bowie or Television were far outweighed by the amount of generic copycats. Of course there is also plenty of that in the 80s as well. But it gets overshadowed in my mind by the successes of amazing records like this. Now, enough yapping. I want to talk about the music itself. This wasn’t my first time hearing this album. I’ve had experience with a few of these songs in the past, just because I was interested in this album. And something about the way this sounds scratches a very particular itch in my brain. It’s wholly unique and I rarely hear other bands come close to replicating it to the same effect. Siouxsie is undoubtedly an impressive vocalist, and I think she captures the energy and purpose of gothic music like few other people can. Like many of their contemporaries, the drumming is incredibly unorthodox. It abandons what most would consider the regular conventions of rock drumming, and creates a consistent beat for the music to follow in less obvious ways. The use of cymbals as a driving force is specifically very lacking. The rhythm section really is sublime as a whole. And man, that guitar is something else. Potentially one of my favorite uses of effects ever. McGeoch’s style feels solely focused on creating something really sinister and creepy with tone, and his choice of chords when playing just adds to that element. As far as I’m concerned, the five songs that make up the A-side are flawless. I have zero complaints there. The rest of the record isn’t bad at all. Definitely leans more into the experimental side of things, but it still hits all of the same notes. This is without a doubt a goth rock essential. If you are interested in this kind of music or are a fan, and by some miracle haven’t given this group a chance yet, do yourself a favor and throw this album on. Rating: 8/10

Punk? Goth? Whatever the label that voice is amazing

this looks cool i like the album art a lot ts rocks i love it. great atmosphere and production, definitely gonna return to this someday. its exactly what i would want from a 80s gothic rock record

Goth as a genre is occasionally misunderstood and unfairly dismissed as overly theatrical or bleak. Yet, it produced some of the most compelling music of the late 70s and 80s, with artists like The Cure, Bauhaus, and Siouxsie and the Banshees crafting dark, unforgettable anthems. By the time Juju was released, Siouxsie and the Banshees had already secured their place in goth’s pantheon, but this album took them to another level—it cemented their status as pioneers, laying down a blueprint for the genre's sound and aesthetic. On Juju, Siouxsie Sioux stretches her vocal range, alternating between eerie, ritualistic chants and powerful, defiant bursts. Her voice is far from mainstream but remains both mesmerizing and menacing, perfectly shaping the atmosphere of each track. "Spellbound" highlights her ability to be melodic yet forceful, while "Night Shift" sees her delivering chilling, almost spoken-word passages that add a sinister edge. Throughout the album, her vocals guide the listener through a hypnotic journey—whether it’s the seductive pull of "Arabian Knights" or the primal intensity of "Voodoo Dolly." Musically, the album is propelled by John McGeoch’s masterful guitar work. His intricate, swirling melodies on tracks like "Spellbound" and "Into the Light" are instantly iconic. McGeoch’s playing elevates every song, turning even the darkest moments into something mesmerizing. His influence is undeniable, shaping the sound of artists like The Smiths, Radiohead, and Interpol. The band’s tight cohesion and ability to maintain a brooding atmosphere is evident throughout Juju. Some modern listeners might find the drum machine-heavy tracks and reverb-drenched guitars dated—hallmarks of early 80s post-punk that can feel cliché today. Yet, these very elements give Juju its distinct, haunting character, enhancing its eerie atmosphere. While it may not appeal to everyone, these production choices suit the album’s dark themes and make Juju a goth classic that still holds its power today. Juju is a key moment in goth music, an artistic statement that influenced an entire generation. Siouxsie and the Banshees crafted a record that not only cemented their legacy but also set the stage for the future of alternative music. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Yes Would this release make my personal list? Still to be decided Will I be listening to it again? Yes

Amazing, raw, cannot believe this is from ‘81

Essential post-punk goth rock! Guitar and vox are amazing.

The flow van het album is heel lekker en de sound ga ik ook wel goed op. Niet echt naar de tekst geluisterd, maar Arabian Knights vind ik komisch. Ik had het geloofd als dit op de soundtrack van Cruella had gestaan

I liked this a lot more than I thought a would. Held my attention all the way through.

I thought I hadn't heard of this group prior to today, but everything came back to me with the first track "Spellbound". I've definitely heard that track a few times, as it's usually included in any "best of" post-punk playlist. The rest of the album is pretty unconventional and unique for its genre, immediately heard in the very next track of "Into the Light". I don't think I've ever heard guitar effects quite like what were featured there and elsewhere in the album This is a VERY fitting album to get in October, as there's this dark and haunting aura felt/heard throughout (plus a track literally titled "Halloween"!). The aforementioned guitar playing and Siouxsie's smooth, yet equally distraught vocals definitely play parts in that feeling of mine. I was very impressed with this album and it's ALMOST a 5 for me, but I think the album loses some steam in its back half. But man, those first few tracks were strong.

Thoughts before listening: I am not overly familiar with Siouxsie and the Banshees music. I know that Siouxsie was part of the London punk scene from the earliest days, but I feel like her music is more new wave/80s pop than punk rock. I also get the sense that her music can get a bit out there sometimes. Review: So I guess what I have always categorized as "out there" is just "goth", which is a post-punk subgenre that I don't typically love. With bands like Bauhaus the darkness pushes over to cheesy territories and distracts from what might otherwise be enjoyable songs. Perhaps its Siouxsie's voice which adds a brightness as opposed to the typical deep near drone of other goth singers, but I am not getting that from this album. This is enjoyable post-punk 80's music with strong guitar work and catchy melodies. I am adding a few of these songs to the playlist and am glad I had a reason to listen today. 4-stars

love this album, couldn't wait to give it another listen. Its got such punch and atmosphere.

What a difference a few albums makes - this is so much better than The Scream. Some nostalgia for me, a bit like a female version of Cure, 4

This was great. Spellbound is an absolute banger and the rest is pretty good

Last couple of songs are weaker

Probably 3.5. It wasn’t great, but I would look forward to other albums.

Definitely judged this band by the way they looked back in the day.. I was only 10 when this album came out but they did have a creepy look about them. Haha Turns out I really enjoy them and this album.

I'm giving this a 4 largely because of it's uniqueness. I don't think I've really hard a combination of vocal style with those instrumentals before. And the instrumentals were crazy, very spooky and unique guitar tones. Lot's of dissonant backgroud sounds setting a cool tone

I like that a bunch of talented individuals can come together and decide they want to make Halloween their identity. Spooky little riffs, drum fall down stairs noises, general dark aesthetic, it’s just cute. I really enjoy it.

Incredible atmosphere. 4/5

p472. 1981. 4 stars. The only Goth rock album you need. Have to be in the right mood for it though.

A favourite band whose music takes me back immediately to the atmosphere of the 80s indie disco. As a goth-lite, I always thought Siouxsie was magnificent, and still do. I especially like the guitar sound. Great stuff.

I think this album is better than their debut. Maybe it's the inclusion of John McGeoch on guitar - part jangly, part brooding. The album feels very goth rock and dark, especially with the lyrics. Siouxsie herself delivers some solid vocals that fit the dark motif. My initial impression was this album is around a 3.5. But I listened to it multiple times and really found the songs grew on me. Side one is really strong - each of Spellbound (their crowning jewel), Into the Light (great drum work), Arabian Nights (solid, mysterious lyrics), Halloween (definitive post punk), and Monitor (has a late 90's / early 00's instrumental sound) are great tracks. Side two seems to go even darker and reminds me of Joy Division. Not as even as side one but Sin in My Heart is great and both Night Shift and Head Cut have their moments. All in all, I enjoyed it and I'll round up.

Spellbound is an excellent song on a great album.

Well, that kicked ass.

That his album came out in 1991 and be a revolutionary that came out in 81 is crazy. Not necessarily my cup of tea but I can definitely see the influences

always nice to be reminded how good this album is. one of the best post punk albums for sure. Monitor is so awesome.

Spells, trick or treat, voodoo dolls, and halloween??? I listened to this at the perfect time of year and it kicked ass

Surprisingly enjoyed this album. I was jamming out at work.

Nothing screams black hair and white makeup like Siouxsie and the Banshees. Let the teen angst out and your inner goth have a moment.

This album was a lot more put together than the Scream and I was thrilled by that. Increased effort to refine their sound and make a concept album especially with the talent of guitar and vocals was a big post-punk showing at the time, but definitely contributed to later indie sounds

Not bad. Little repetitive after about 3 tracks, but good lyrics, composition, and production. Good album, good goth rock stuff. 4/5

I like ghotic post punk and Siouxsie's voice is just legendary

Spellbound arabian knights monitor

Really good album. Lovely piece of post-punk that I'll be sure to listen more.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Light punky sound

Enjoyed at the beginning. Not really into indie-style (probably not indie but still) so lost interest the second half. Putting my indie bias aside thought it was a chill album to play on the background!

Siouxsie!

Oscuro, ipnotico, molto bello

"Juju," the fourth studio album by Siouxsie and the Banshees, released on June 6, 1981, stands as a pivotal work in the post-punk and gothic rock genres. The album showcases the band's evolution and maturity, both musically and lyrically. In this in-depth review, we'll explore the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of "Juju," along with a balanced discussion of its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of "Juju" are deeply atmospheric, often exploring dark and mystical themes. Siouxsie Sioux's writing is vivid and evocative, creating a sense of otherworldliness throughout the album. The opening track, "Spellbound," sets the tone with lyrics that delve into the enchantment and allure of the supernatural. Lines like "From the cradle bars comes a beckoning voice" conjure an eerie, haunting atmosphere. "Arabian Knights," another standout track, features lyrics that mix sensuality with a critique of cultural imperialism. The song's imagery is rich, blending exoticism with a sense of foreboding. In "Halloween," the lyrics tap into the themes of identity and transformation, using the metaphor of the holiday to explore deeper psychological states. "Night Shift," perhaps the darkest track on the album, deals with themes of murder and psychosis. Its stark, brutal lyrics depict a chilling narrative of violence and obsession. "Monitor," on the other hand, critiques the pervasive influence of television and media, with lyrics that reflect a sense of surveillance and loss of individuality. ### Music Musically, "Juju" is a masterclass in post-punk, blending driving rhythms, haunting melodies, and innovative guitar work. John McGeoch's guitar playing is particularly noteworthy, characterized by its distinctive use of effects and textures. His contributions are crucial to the album's sound, providing both melodic hooks and atmospheric depth. The rhythm section, featuring Steven Severin on bass and Budgie on drums, lays a solid foundation that propels the songs forward with a relentless energy. The interplay between Severin's melodic bass lines and Budgie's tribal drumming creates a hypnotic groove that is both danceable and menacing. Songs like "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights" are propelled by infectious, almost anthemic rhythms, while tracks like "Night Shift" and "Sin in My Heart" delve into more experimental and abrasive territory. The album's closing track, "Voodoo Dolly," is a seven-minute epic that builds slowly, layering haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentation to a powerful climax. ### Production "Juju" was produced by Nigel Gray, who had previously worked with the Police. Gray's production is clean and precise, allowing the band's intricate arrangements and sonic experiments to shine. The album's mix emphasizes clarity and separation, giving each instrument space to breathe and ensuring that Siouxsie Sioux's vocals are always at the forefront. The use of effects, particularly on McGeoch's guitar and Siouxsie's vocals, adds to the album's otherworldly atmosphere. Echo, reverb, and delay are used judiciously to enhance the mood without overwhelming the core performances. The production strikes a balance between the raw energy of a live performance and the meticulous detail of a studio recording. ### Themes Thematically, "Juju" delves into the macabre, the mystical, and the psychological. The album's lyrics often explore the darker aspects of human experience, from obsession and violence to identity and transformation. There is a recurring motif of enchantment and spellcasting, as suggested by the album's title and tracks like "Spellbound" and "Voodoo Dolly." The theme of surveillance and media manipulation in "Monitor" reflects the band's growing awareness of societal issues, adding a layer of political commentary to the album. The lyrics of "Arabian Knights" critique Western perceptions of the East, blending personal and political themes in a way that was ahead of its time. ### Influence "Juju" has had a lasting impact on both the post-punk and gothic rock genres. Its fusion of dark, atmospheric music with evocative, often unsettling lyrics set a template that many bands would follow. The album's influence can be heard in the work of later artists like The Cure, Bauhaus, and even more contemporary acts like Interpol and Savages. The guitar work of John McGeoch, in particular, has been highly influential, inspiring a generation of musicians with his innovative use of effects and textural playing. Siouxsie Sioux's vocal style, with its blend of strength and vulnerability, has also been a significant influence on subsequent vocalists in the alternative and gothic scenes. ### Pros 1. **Innovative Guitar Work**: John McGeoch's playing is a standout feature, blending melody and texture in a way that enhances the album's atmosphere. 2. **Strong Rhythm Section**: The interplay between Steven Severin's bass and Budgie's drums creates a compelling, danceable groove. 3. **Evocative Lyrics**: Siouxsie Sioux's writing is vivid and haunting, adding depth to the album's dark themes. 4. **Cohesive Production**: Nigel Gray's production balances clarity and atmosphere, ensuring that the album's intricate arrangements are fully realized. 5. **Thematic Depth**: The album explores a range of complex themes, from personal transformation to societal critique, giving it a lasting relevance. ### Cons 1. **Dark Subject Matter**: The album's focus on macabre and unsettling themes may not appeal to all listeners and can be perceived as too intense or niche. 2. **Consistency Over Diversity**: While the album is cohesive, some might argue it lacks the stylistic diversity seen in other post-punk albums, potentially leading to a feeling of monotony. 3. **Production Era-Specific**: Some production choices, like the heavy use of reverb and delay, might sound dated to modern ears, although they were innovative at the time. 4. **Complexity Over Accessibility**: The intricate arrangements and dense lyrics might be challenging for casual listeners, making the album more of an acquired taste. ### Conclusion "Juju" by Siouxsie and the Banshees is a seminal work in the post-punk and gothic rock genres, characterized by its innovative guitar work, strong rhythm section, evocative lyrics, and cohesive production. The album's exploration of dark and mystical themes, combined with its lasting influence on subsequent artists, cements its place as a classic of its era. While its intense subject matter and complex arrangements might not be for everyone, the album's artistic achievements and contributions to its genre are undeniable. For those willing to delve into its haunting world, "Juju" offers a richly rewarding listening experience that continues to resonate decades after its release.

Five songs in 20 minutes, and one is a remix. Painfully short record from this excellent band. 4/5

Me fait penser à qqchose, mais je n'arrive pas à mettre le doigt dessus. Bien aimé.

Je ne sais pas si j'étais dans un état plus réceptif, mais j'ai vraiment mieux aimé que le premier album de Siouxsie que j'ai eu. C'est évidemment un album qui a eu un impact significatif sur la scène post-punk et il sonne toujours frais à ce jour. Définitivement à garder en rotation. 9/10

Driving post-punk/goth-ish with great guitar/percussion going on to compliment Siouxsie‘s tremendous vocals. Almost every track is compelling, strong record.

Good. I'd probably listen to it again.

Really interesting and unique sound and a good listen

Loved this front to back.

really unique album, i love the melodies and jangly guitars as well as her voice. light 8/10

Love Siouxsie but never really listened before I must confess. This was great. Has a good energy about it

Siouxsie and The Banshees' fourth album, Juju, marks a significant evolution from their earlier punk roots into a more experimental gothic sound, earning acclaim as one of their best works. From the powerful singles "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights" to standout tracks like "Into the Light" and "Sin in My Heart," the album showcases the band's artistic growth. The consistent quality of songs such as "Night Shift" and "Head Cut" contributes to the album's cohesive, dark ambiance. Overall, *Juju* exemplifies the band's transformation into a premier pop-goth outfit and remains a high point in their discography.

3.7

Been meaning to listen to this album for a while so good to get round to it. Really good as expected, right up my street. Fav tracks: Monitor, Arabian Knights, Spellbound

Very good!! This album was too early for me once I got into Siousxie in the later 80s, but it’s great listening to it now.

"Vibes" is the best way to describe this album. Moody, dark and damp. Paint your bedroom walls black, dye your hair black and wear some cheap jewellery in the shape of skulls and tear holes in your clothes while sit in a basement smoking clove cigarettes. Post-Punk that just hits you in the gut. Mope about - and enjoy it. Best Tracks: Spellbound; Into The Light; Halloween

Yeh, I liked this a lot. Very goth, very post punk. And it’s got that nice, driving dark guitar wall of sound that I like so much from albums of this era and style, coupled with that relentless tribal drumming and Siouxie’s unsettling lyrics and intense singing. It’s a strong 4 out of 5.

Spellbound, monitor highlights Close to 5 but just 4

I am still sick, so I'll have to listen when my mind is back in order. But there's something here. Shades of the Cure and Morrissey, but also a precursor to the Smashing Pumpkins in that goth sound. Some Pumpkins things that I thought were entirely unique to their sound actually show themselves here. I didn't absolutely fall in love with it on first or second listen, but I'm hopeful.

This isn’t my favorite Souixsie release, but there are some classics here. Where’s the Bauhaus entry?

This is the first album of the project where I really discovered something new that I liked! Her voice is really great and I love the attitude of the music. It's not the type of album I'd buy, that's why it's not 5 stars, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Enjoyed it more as album went on Standout songs: Halloween Night Shift Voodoo Dolly

Great songs from a legendary band.

COOL

Really great post punk/gothic/art rock album, which doesn't sound dated even if it was released in the early 1980s. The songs are melodic and haunting, exactly what I love. I have heard of this band before but not this album so this is a nice discovery.

Some catchy songs in here

I like the band's dark, gothic sound and their energy. I love me some good controlled chaos. I find this is another instance where the singer's voice gets pretty exhausting after a while, but I still enjoyed the album for the most part.

I like the vocals. And the backing guitars. I like how Spotify didn't know what was going on lol. I should've found the full version but ended up just listening to the 20 min Spotify version. Though I liked what I heard, maybe I'll seek it out. Top songs: Spellbound Monitor

This was great!

Always a good listen. Brings back memories

Five songs in 20 minutes, and one is a remix. Painfully short record from this excellent band.

Indie rock with a Middle Eastern twist? Only four unique songs with a fifth 12” version of the opening track which switches it up halfway through. Cool little album. I liked the sound of the singer. She has a nice inflection. All of the songs were good, nothing overstays its welcome either. At some points there were really interesting instrumentals. Standouts: Spellbound, Arabian Knights, and Monitor.

Fun little album.

Non conoscevo questo gruppo, ma ne sono rimasta piacevolmente sorpresa! L’album mi ha fatto venir voglia di approfondire il genere. Per me, 4.5/5.

Oscuro, ipnotico, molto bello

Enjoyed that. Spellbound is a top tune

A favorite around Halloween

Siouxsie And The Banshees’ Juju is the start of my possible cure to hating punk Albums. Compared to its punk peers, Juju has more authentic energy and sound to it. My favorites are Halloween, HeadCut, and Voodoo Dolly. On especially Head Cut, the way the vocals sound against the mind-warping background instrumentals is really cool and fun to listen to. And on Halloween, her vocals just sound awesome along with the track. I am actually kind of disappointed that this album isn’t on Apple Music in USA. All in all, Juju is a good album. Best Song: Head Cut Worst Song: Night Shift

Damn goths Just kidding, it's a nice post-punk album. Good vibes.

Very nice, very very nice

Driving bass lines? Check. Songs about Halloween and Witchcraft? Check. Annoying noises in the song mix? Check. Yeah, it's Goth time.

This is about as solid as you can get. Into the Light, Halloween, and Sin In My Heart we're my favorites, but there's not a single skip on this album. I wish I could listen to it on Spotify instead of YouTube, but we can't have them all. I'm hemming and hawing between a 4 and 5. I think this is the definition of a 4.5. There's a bit missing to bring it up to a 5 for me. The band is great, but I don't hear their sound spilling into future bands they way I do with massively influential artists and I don't think I love them enough to make it part of my regular rotation. In the interest of not having my top rated albums overly full this is getting a four, but I don't feel great about it.

This was fun! Great guitar and vocals, good vibes all around. Not a single point that I felt like skipping, although I can’t say any single song jumped out at me

Fabulous

Pretty good! I wish they would’ve gone a little bit more experimental with some of the instrumental, but I really loved the overall vibe.

Starts strong, reminiscent of shoegaze, near the end of the album it feels repetitive. The vocals remind me of Joan jett esque inspo.

Really cool album, especially enjoyed the guitar playing style Though the first few tracks were particularly strong and maybe fell off a bit in the second half but a really good listen

Hearing Arabian Knights again felt like a visit from an old friend. The crisp hi-hat and heartbeat bass drum have an analog trance music feel and Siouxsie's voice has that flat auto-tune quality to it... but before that tech even exited! I think this album could be a rave hit today.

I need to listen to this more because it's right up my alley, dark gothic post-punky stuff. Didn't pick out any weak songs while i was listening, and those basslines were going hard.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Exactly what i expected really

Be still, my little goth heart. This album is fantastic

Was only familiar with a few of Siouxsie and the Banshees songs before listening to this album, so it was nice to listen to more of their music. To be honest I kind of zoned out during the second half of the album, and didn't really connect with those songs, except for maybe Night Shift and Sin In My Heart. However, I really liked Spellbound, Arabian Knights, Halloween, Into The Light, and Fireworks. Nothing was able to top Happy House though, which is my all time favourite song of theirs. Overall, I think this band does a great job of creating their own unique and recognizable sound while still making it sound good and actually listenable. Other artists could take notes. 4, a little over half the album was pretty great but the rest didn't quite resonate with me

That’s a fucking great 4, wow. It’d be a 5 if we had gotten this around Halloween instead of March, and it could totally still be a 5 the more I listen to it. There is absolutely no way you could have convinced me this album was from 1981, because from top to bottom, it feels at least a decade ahead of its time in terms of production and its general sound. The guitar work is absolutely on fucking fire here, no matter which song or which style, and the same goes for the percussion. The only reason I can’t really give this a 5 on the first go-around is that there are a few points where the lyrics felt a bit too silly for the tone of the song, and a few points where there was a sort of emptiness carried by the instrumentation that took me out of it. Regardless, it’s at least a 4, and a great album for 1981.

I have not heard this album before but I do know of the band. I’ve been wanting to listen to them as I thought they would be my style and this album confirmed that. My favorite on the album was Spellbound. I will definitely listen again!

I've never listened to a Siouxsie record, but I've read a fair amount about their influence on alternative music and contemporary goth culture. And I'd heard "Happy House" before. I was looking forward to getting a bigger picture. I love the drums on the opening track accenting the "throw them down the stairs" lyric. Siouxsie has a great voice for this, charismatic and strong without being bogged down in technical showiness. As a band they have good ears for a hook and a strong sense of mood. I can also hear how many samples have been pulled from this. Siouxsie And The Banshees might be the most sampled goth band. This album is spooky, sexy, atmospheric, catchy, and damn good. Highlights: Spellbound, Arabian Knights, Halloween, Monitor

Punky en female-fronted

I had pretty low expectations since I had never heard of this group and this list can be a bit overkill on old British rock sometimes, but this was really good. It manages to have both a pretty dark sound, while also being highly listenable too. I usually like the moodier rock but can get where it goes off the rails for some people (with like Sonic Youth's "Evol" for instance). This feels like it manages to walk the line nicely between being moody and approachable though. This reminded me of The Cure a good bit, and it turns out Robert Smith both liked this band a lot and also played guitar for them for a few years after this came out. It seems like this band was a lot bigger in the UK than the US, but had quite a bit of influence for a bunch of bands that came later. This isn't quite as strong to me as something like "Disintegration", but it generally was a great listen. The singer has an awesome voice, the pace is pretty good, the guitar is pretty unique sounding at times, generally really strong. Favorite song: Spellbound Other: Into The Light, Arabian Knights, Halloween, Monitor, Night Shift, Sin In My Heart, Head Cut, Voodoo Dolly 2/28/24

Such a great album

Some banger tracks. Guitar felt ahead of its time.

Nothing to really note, I just dig it.

Reminds me of the yeah yeah yeahs but much better. I like most of the songs on here 7/10

Was not expecting them to be this good, but the sounds were spot on and sounded great

Pleasantly surprised.

I enjoyed this album a lot more than The Scream. Siouxsie’s albums definitely get better over the course of her catalogue, showing the growth and range of her influence. I would say this is really where things start taking off. I’m surprised she shows up twice on this list and I’m curious if we’ll see more of her. Good listen!

Pretty good actually, still going on english rock/punk bands i see

Spellbound kyl kova

Great album. Very familiar with the band having been into Goth Rock in the 80's. Never have listened to this album from start to finish. Love the hypnotic rhythms and the smoky, dark flavor of Siouxsie's vocals.

Dunkles Punk Rock Album mit starken Gothic Elementen die die dunkle und prägnante Stimme von Siouxsie in ihre Song integriert. Die Lieder reihen sich in ein Gesamtwerk ein, was aber teilweise in Extrem dunkle und schräge Elemente abdriftet. „Arabian Knights“ ist ein Grundlagen späterer Wave Klassiker alla Smiths & Cure. Zur Wiederholung geeignet wenn Stimmung Wave ist 😉👍

Liked it

I like Siouxsie for her difference and having a great sense of attitude. Not exactly my sort of music - not a million miles away though. Spellbound - definitely like this track Arabian Knights - also liked Sin in my heart - kinda liked Voodoo Dolly - "She's such an ugly little dolly and she's making you look very silly" There's enough here to merit a 4:star

Yeah I got into this Siouxsie album. Monitor, Arabian Knights those are some catchy grooves.

Pretty good. Interesting. I’m only familiar with one or two songs from Siouxsie And The Banshees, so this album was new to me. Nothing stood out to me as a five star song on my first listen, but overall the album is strong enough to get four stars from me.

Dang list, keep teeing up the good stuff! I’m not as versed in my Siouxsie Sioux but this hit the spot today. Fun gothy tunes, maybe not as dark as something like Nick Cave, but in contrast a little more dancey, a bit poppier. Good times.

Surprising group! Original and enchanting music. Sadly, the enchantment does not long one entire album.

This was a fun gothic ride

A great album one of those that I am glad I am doing this because I would not have listened to it otherwise. I like how aggressive it is.

I've always felt that I was deeply uncool because I wasn't into Siouxsie and the Banshees. I really should have been because I know how infuential they are and I love other bands like the Cure and psychedelic Furs. This was a fun listen and there were songs like Monitor which had a groove I really liked. I think it's maybe her voice for me which is so extra. I'm giving this 4 stars for their being on the vanguard of the New Wave.

Favorite tracks: Into The Light Monitor Night Shift Sin In my Heart

Pleasantly surprised, great first 5 songs then trails off a bit but only really the last 2 songs I wasn't mad keen on.

She is summoning spirits from another plane. My first listen to Siouxsie and it's a good one. Very intriguing melodies, fully leaning into the goth vibe with this album. Just a very tight unit with everyone contributing to make a great sound, but Siouxsie's singing puts it over the top. This music just wasn't on my radar as I somehow didn't catch this stuff in the early days of MTV, but I was just 10 at that point. Musically my closest frame of reference from that period would be Spandau Ballet with their first 2 albums (Journeys to Glory and Diamond), which I could see fitting on the fringe end of this sound, but having that more New Romantic sound. It all sounds good but along with Spellbound and Arabian Knights, Into the Light was my favorite.

I really enjoyed this. Being a British child in the 80s I knew of the band, but had never heard anything that I remembered by them. This album though, from note one, was just really good. Really, really good. Monitor especially stood out for me, but it also showed the tendency that this album has that makes it 4 not 5 stars - that song could live with being a minute shorter, and it's not the only one. Voodoo Dolly especially did nothing for me, and it did it for over seven minutes. It's not enough for me to not like the album, but it's enough to knock it down a point. It's staying downloaded in my Spotify library, and that says a lot.

Punchy, interesting, easy to listen to--a familiar sound on the first listen, but distinct & engaging.

I like this, it feels raw and energetic.

Nice listen

This is another album that really surprised me. Have heard of Siouxsie and never really paid attention to their music. Shame on me. This album has just enough darkness, but not overbearing, combined with the punk and rock vibe that made this a really solid album. Her voice works perfectly with the sound and music. A good work out album too! Some of the lyrics were pretty intense nd a couple lines that stood out were, 'fuck the mothers kill the others" and "ripped out sheep eyes." Can't say there was a single a song I thought was bad. I excited to play some for Mindy this weekend and get her thoughts. Favorite song was Monitors. Immediately added to downloads, but looking forward to hearing more from these guys. Good album, good sound, great singer and just a good listening experience. 4

4 On the topic of British music, most people will bring up the 1960s “invasion” era or the 90s Britpop “second wave”, but if you ask me, the absolute best the country had to offer was its early 80s gothic scene - a period of music that, for whatever reason, Americans at the time just didn’t get. Between artists like The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen, and the queen of goth herself, Siouxsie Sioux, Britain was absolutely ahead of the curve and firing on all cylinders for a near decade. And while I adore those artists, I’ve actually never listened to a full Siouxsie Sioux album - and to the least of my surprise, it’s just as fantastic. Like many of her contemporaries, Siouxsie feels incredibly ahead of her time here with a sound that you can tell shaped so much of alternative rock to come - I mean, The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are just a few artists listed on Wikipedia as having stated influence (no idea what the hell RHCP saw in this that translated into their music, but I appreciate the good taste). Influence aside, this album is littered with banger after banger of absolute gothic rock excellence. Admittedly, it took me a couple listens to fully realize the charm of each, but once I did, I was fully sucked in. I genuinely enjoyed every song here, though I would probably point to Spellbound and Monitor as my two favorites (the latter in particular feels WAY ahead of its time, like it could be released today). The closing track Voodoo Dolly is probably the weakest here, but it’s by no means a bad note to end on. So yeah, I really enjoyed this one. The atmosphere it creates is incredible, and I found myself already wanting to go back to give another listen shortly after finishing. What started as a 3.5 for me very quickly worked its way up to 4… and who knows, may rise even further from there.

This album was probably an 8/10. There are no songs I didn’t enjoy. But I think my favourites were the first 4. They are absolutely amazing!

Yes! This is a really good record, super impressed. Lots of interesting ideas here. Favourite tracks: Spellbound, Arabian Knights, Monitor, Head Cut.

I'm running out of ways to start these reviews. This album's good. I wasn't expecting to like this album much at a first glance. I started to become hopeful when I did some basic research to find the reasoning for this album's inclusion. After listening to it, I can safely say that this album is pretty good. The singing works most of the time. You don't see female-fronted rock bands all the time, so it's cool to listen to something that's a bit different for once. The writing is fairly unique and has this dark energy to it that wasn't common for the time. The sound is pretty interesting. This has been called somewhat of a concept album, but it's pretty loose one. It really only has concepts in regards to its sound. This album is really ahead of its time in many ways. If I listened to this without knowing the year it released and someone asked me when I thought this album released, I definitely wouldn't have said 1981! I can definitely hear and see the influence that this album had on future alt-rock and post-punk artists in the years that followed this album. Overall, this is a great album that paved the way for others like it to come. Light 4/5.

Oh I liked this. Terrifically moody and atmospheric

Definitely hearing some modern post-punk sounds here that this album almost definitely influenced. I found it interesting that RHCP's John Frusciante cites this album as a direct inspiration for his tone/sound on their "By the Way" album. I enjoyed the first half more than the second but appreciate it as a whole very much.

Also listened to Best of.... Really good

This is fun. I can see how this is influential.

NGL - I kinda dig this!

NGL - I kinda dig this!

This honestly feels ahead of its time, I wish I had heard this sooner! It feels like it could’ve come out in the 90’s grunge scene but it came out in 81. Really enjoyed the way they experiment with the instrumentals. Overall incredibly fun and a great vibe! The ending dragged a little bit more so I docked it a star, but I still really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely come back to this one.

Spellbound - WOW already giving me Pat Benatar vibes! This is definitely a vibe. Arabian Nights - I should've known this album was going to RIP when I saw there was a song called Arabian Nighs because that is also a 10/10 song from Aladdin. kekeke Halloween - this may be my favorite song on the record. I love that it's kind of nostalgic and thinking about the simpler times of childhood but also is so dark. Monitor - this BEAT!!! I LOVE this. Such an 80s feel. SIN IN MY HEART GOES SO HARD!!!! Overall, to me this feels like a timeless album. You can pop this on at any time and absolutely enjoy every moment no matter what year you're in.

I want to be as cool as Siouxsie when I grow up

I definitely like this one more than the previous ones but to be fair it’s more my style. Will certainly be coming back to it.

Surprisingly good

This is real cool! Gave me similar moody vibes to Cocteau Twins, but maybe thats just 80s music? Lots of great moments on this anyway, Stsnding in the Light has a really great guitar part that comes in and out. Just a really cool mix of spooky synths with electric guitar. Love the weird effects they seem to have going on the drums as well. The vocals are phenomenal. Just real iconic 80s shit.

Really see how the band influenced so much of the ‘80s and what followed

4.25

Never listened to this one all the way through. Interesting sounds and the expected great vocals.

Enjoyed this a lot, great vocals and pretty cool album

Chilling, artsy & hard hitting. A goth classic

Siouxsie Sue is amazing

loved

Siouxsie Sioux - the original Goth Queen. This is just a classic, post punk Gothy gem. I always thought her and Budgie were a dream team, but I can see now all of them contributed to such a cohesive sound. I had loved them from Happy House on their previous album and this just continued to delight. Siouxsie was a brilliant, distinctive singer and gave the impression she took no shit. A great role model. This was a fantastic, nostalgic ride, full of strong songs that can never be accused of being beige. They are a swirling, black vortex of musical fabulousness.

My (our) friend Jason refers to this band as Siouxie and the Cream Cheese. He also thinks this is their best album and would rate it a 4.5. It’s moody and ethereal and I agree with Jason.

I discovered Siouxsie and the Banshees in high school, as part of my active exploration of music of the day. While this didn't align with my "typical" fare, I liked the band's arty approach and Siouxsie's strange style of singing and lyric play. So this was something of a reminder of what I connected to back then. I was familiar with "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights" from this album, and while they stand out as the strongest material, I liked most of the other material almost as much.

I resisted Siouxsie and the Banshees all through their prime and my college years because my sophomore year roommate put up a poster of Siouxsie that had a shuriken on it and she put that poster right next to my poster of John Lennon. I told her I found her choice offensive. She basically told me to fuck off and played Sioxsie's version of Dear Prudence. Now I recognize what an asshole I was and how I missed out on some really good music.

Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Juju," released in 1981, is a post-punk masterpiece that exudes dark allure and musical innovation. Tracks like "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights" showcase Siouxsie Sioux's haunting vocals and the band's atmospheric soundscapes. The album's production is meticulous, blending gothic elements with tribal rhythms. While it may not be as accessible as some mainstream releases, "Juju" is a triumph in avant-garde creativity, pushing the boundaries of post-punk. Its influence on the genre is profound, earning it a solid 4/5 rating. For those drawn to the experimental and atmospheric side of post-punk, "Juju" remains an essential listen.

I take it back - this one is a whole different thing, it’s great!! It has a lot more polish and her voice actually feels more tuneful and congruent with the music. Almost a 5 star. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Monitor Rating: 4

4/5 - shpooky1 Fave songs: Spellbound, Halloween, Monitor, Night Shift

Doesn’t have a hit as good as “Hong Kong Garden” but more consistent than the other album from the band. Probably my favorite female led punk band

What a great album! I am not sure how I missed this record back in the day, but I would have worn this one out if I had it in my collection.

Really enjoyed this one. Gave me feelings of Florence and the Machine, B-52's, and a little Ace of Base. Some songs were a little out there sounding.

Good Jams, but no true bangers 8/10

Really great. Made me a fan of the whole band.

Reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane only a little darker and less drug induced--well maybe not. Metaphorically way too dark or it would be a 5. It's definitely a path into someone's squirrely mind, but it had some good stopping off places.

Jazzy, but different than most jazz I've heard.

I think I'm in love.

Appropriately for the date we got this, Halloween is one of the best songs on this album. Other highlights; Monitor, the instrumental intro of "Sin in My Heart". The drumming on the 12 inch mix of Spellbound, included as a bonus track, is quite something.

Great album, starts to fall off around the halfway point. Still genre defining and incredibly interesting. Way ahead of it's time aswell.

Missed a day and wound up listening to this one ON Halloween, which is appropriate. This is exactly what I thought it would be actually, the punky goth kids I was briefly in a band with have obviously listened to this album 1000 times. It’s good! Just probably not for me. More enjoyable than My Bloody Valentine but I am less likely to revisit. Still good.

She wasn't just ahead of her time, she invented her time.

Perfect listen for the Halloween weekend. A great mix of post punk & goth.

Never gonna turn down an opportunity to listen to some Siouxsie and the Banshees. Many of my favourites on this this album.

This album rules.

I liked it better than the Aerosmith album idk I thought it was decent but I only got super into one or two of the songs. My favorite song was Sin in my Heart I think

Well I thought this was a banger! I recognised some of the songs, but wasn't overly familiar. Thought this was a post punk spectacular Really meaty riffs and punchy vocals. Will be listening again

This was great, right up my street. I've not listen to Siouxsie and the Banshees much, just the hits and the ones Tidal plays to me but I generally like them.

A band I’ve thought I was supposed to love but secretly was indifferent towards. Listening to this record made me think I should give more their stuff a chance. Maybe I’ve been wrong in my indifference.

Solid punk with a hint of Irish?

I love this album. Spellbound 8.4 Into the Light 8.0 Arabian Nights 8.8 Halloween 7.6 Monitor 8.2 Night Shift 8.3 Sin in My Heart 8.0 Head Cut 7.7 Voodoo Dolly 8.0

arabian knights

Oye, este post punk es una agradable y melódica sorpresa. Me gustó Sin in my Heart.

Very engaging...It gives this feeling of urgency

I had heard of Souxsie and the Banshees before, but somehow had never listened to any of their stuff. As a fan of classic rock and punk, it blows my mind that I'd slept on them for so long. "Juju" wasn't the most mindblowing album I've ever heard, but it is a solid work, with some of the most impressive guitar work I've heard (from a group that wasn't necessarily guitar focused). On first listen it didn't necessarily stand out, but under the surface was some fantastic picking. Highlights: Spellbound - The guitar on this is wild. It sounds at first like simple strumming, but the intricacy and rhythm of the pick work is astounding. I didn't want this funky joint to end. Arabian Knights - As a bassist I appreciate the bass riff here. Also Souxsie's ethereal vocals are wonderful. They take on a different mood to match each song. Halloween - Top tier guitar work. Will be listening to this one much more to unpack those riffs. Monitor - Holy Joseph, Is that grunge in 1981? This sounds like it could have been recorded in '92. This track slaps. Lowlights: Night Shift - This is a slow groove. It's fine, but it hangs around way too long IMO. Also the mic feedback(?) isn't pleasant. Head Cut - Some of the vocals are a little too screechy for my tastes. Final Thoughts: This is a great album that I will definitely be listening to more. I can see the influences both from bands in the past and on bands in the future in this pseudo-bridge between classic rock and punk.

The darkest Siouxsie has ever gone. One of the few true key records in gothic rock

Another fourth studio album? Really? Was this the album that Robert Smith played on? It's actually better that I think he did. The first song is a powerhouse. And few people can command the scene like Siouxsie. Just really good.

Goth before goth was goth. But the punk / post-punk label still suits. Siouxsie & The Banshees is always good. 4/5.

Fun. I didn't realise how many of their songs I already knew.

I did not expect myself to enjoy this as much as I am doing. Spellbound is a banger, the reserved energy is exciting. I thought I did not like post-punk, but I like this. Monitor, certified banger. As is Sin in my heart.

This was a solid album, a good listen. I've heard the song Spellbound by this band before and really enjoyed it, so it was the standout of this album.

ma che bella scoperta! non conoscevo ma davvero valido (perlomeno per me)

Fantastic atmosphere, inventive and dense guitar work, great stuff

Juju is a perfect example of New Wave nostalgia that captured my attention, despite not typically being my go-to genre. I had never heard of the band before, and this was my first time diving into their music for a review in my music school. It's a fun, insightful experience to listen to music outside of my usual preferences, and I have to say, Juju won me over from start to finish. The album, while not the most famous in the Cold Wave scene, carries a unique atmosphere that blends smooth, ethereal vocals by the female lead with the atmospheric soundscapes characteristic of New Wave. The production quality is solid, even though I didn't delve deeply into the technical aspects of the mixing. The tracklist flows well, with each song offering something different while maintaining a cohesive mood throughout. The album's cover also adds to its charm – simple yet intriguing, a true representation of the band's style. Some of the songs may drag on a bit, but there are standout compositions that show off this band's ability to create a distinct sound that feels fresh, even if it’s a bit underappreciated in the broader Cold Wave genre. In conclusion, Juju might not be the most iconic band from the New Wave movement, but it's certainly a fun and worthwhile listen, especially for anyone interested in exploring deeper cuts of 80s music.

Pretty cool. I liked the eerie vibes. A soft 4.

Good. Gothy. I like ‘Monitor’ and ‘Night Shift’. That’s it.

This was really good! I loved the instrumentals especially.

This was alotta fun, cool band name, a few more discoveries like this would be nice! Getting a bit sick of this run of bang average albums. Strong 3.5, there were a few rather skippable songs. Fav track: Night Shift

Moody, catchy post-punk that again feels like a real precursor to the genre at large. Love the way a lot of these songs are structured, playing with expectations, and the vocals cut through like a knife. Three and a half. Fave track: Head Cut

Lots of fun here - easy to be pulled in by Siouxsie’s energy, as well as a great playing and songwriting. Can hear so much influence this band has had on a lot of Melbourne bands in particular. Really solid album, glad to have discovered this one. Fave track: Into The Light

Love the rhythm. Very angsty teenage tone. I didn't check what year this was released. Once I heard track 2 I immediately said "oh this is from the 80's" Lo and behold 1981. Very much enjoy the rhythm more than the lyrics but that wont stop me from singing along. I am not saying I am going to do this, but if I need to dispose of a body I am bumping Nigh Shift non stop. After Night Shift the album picks up a lot. The lyrics and angst is stronger and deeper. There has to be a reason why they placed these tracks om the middle of the album but for me they belong at the top. Amazing and something you can really slow rock to.

Really liked the entirety of the album

Not big on punk, but still decent listening 👍

First got introduced to this band in a game called 'Sleeping Dogs', with 'Hong Kong Garden'. I love the singers voice so far and I've only heard 'Spellbound'. The guitar and drums are so mesmerising. Feels like they're dancing around my head while her enchanting voice has me captivated. Also really appreciating the punky gothic elements, it gets me moving with it. The songs feel like they're spiralling around my head. It's a surreal experience. 'Monitor' had me dancing and feeling motivated. Overall, awesome album.

i was surprised that this album was from 1981 because it feels about a decade ahead of its time — the lyrics/vocals are the weakest part of this, and they’re not particularly weak. there are some songs i wouldn’t want to listen to again, which is why this isn’t a 5, but it’s pretty close

What voice Siouxsie has! Dark and ethereal, it compliments these gothic arrangements perfectly.

*Track 5: Monitor*

SPELLBOUND!

Really cool album, highlights were Into the Light and Monitor

Nicole Sabouné-känsla

A post punk/goth classic, one of the great albums of the genre. Moody, unsettling arrangements combined with Siouxsie Sioux's hauntingly authoritative vocal and dark lyrical imagery. The rhythm forward style and wide ranging creative use of guitar creates a really singular sound that doesn't really sound like anything else. This is probably the Banshees' best album. Fave songs: Spellbound, Into the Light, Sin in My Heart

Quite enjoyed this one's vibes. You can see the line going from punk to goth, and setting a standard while at it. Very cool

Very interesting cause this album feels like it's from modern era, when I saw 1981 I was pretty shocked. Spellbound and Monitor best tracks for me.

Post punt gothic bliss.

Solid vocals, solid sounds

8/10 - hadn’t properly delved into Siouxsie and the banshee’s prior to this listen except for a couple of tracks, but this was a pleasant surprise. A very consistent album with great vocals and seamless transitions which gave it a really refined feel. Felt the second half lacked as much quality as the first but it definitely didn’t take away from the overall listen. Would listen again Favourite tracks - Spellbound Into the light Halloween Monitor

Very good, unique, some nice catchy bits too andsets a nice atmosphere

First time hearing “Voodoo Dolly”: awful noise The 2nd time: awesome, I love it Finding there’s a lot to love in early 80s goth rock, between the Cure, Bauhaus and now this HL: “Into the Light”, “Monitor”, “Night Shift”, “Spellbound”

Probably the Banshees' best - Monitor is a propulsive beast, powered by that riff, and McGeoch's guitar throughout is a joy. And Into The Light does indeed bring some light to the gothic shade. We'll skip quickly past the - er - reductive lyrics of Arabian Nights, but beyond that, Spellbound is a classic Siouxsie single, and generally this is probably the band's strongest set.

Prachtig allemachtig

first listen this is a fascinating vibe of sounds that reminds me of a lot of modern indie pop

Classic post modern punk. Her voice is incredible: monitor is a standout