Foxbase Alpha

Nice sound, some catchy tunes but also tedious at times

Great album, but unfortunately not entirely to my taste, but despite that this is absolutely deserving of at least a 3.

Didn't love it, but they get an extra point bc of having a song called stoned to say the least lmao. Maybe stoned this album is better

fine, euro-poppy upbeat stuff

Cute left-of-centre dance-y, pop album. Fun but slight.

Not crazy about it but it was fine. Decent beats are kind of fun, but I prefer some other artists. 6/10

Foxbase Beta.

beta

Dance alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.

"Foxbase Alpha" is steeped in a strange flavour of nostalgia: we hear radio broadcasts, old 1960s film samples, the quiz show "Countdown" and more. It's a fun concept for an album: create a strange world existing in between the stuffy post-war generation and the raved up optimism of the early 90s. But it doesn't always fly. We begin with a radio announcer's anthem, bursting out its fanfare several times in succession before giving way to an inspired house-style cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart". It's one of the most esoteric introductions to 1991 I've ever heard. This opening is Saint Etienne's most well-known track and for good reason- it really does work and lovingly evokes the time it was made in. The other hit was "Nothing Can Stop Us" (apparently there's a version out there with Kylie on vocals) which is similarly enjoyable for its immediacy. Elsewhere we range from decent downbeat club tracks ("She's the One") to syrupy, cringeworthy pop ("London Belongs To Me"). Then there's "Stoned to Say the Least", which stretches its repeated bassline to breaking point over nearly eight minutes, while "Wilson"'s "would you like some sweets, Willy?/Come on Auntie, we'll miss the bus!" is one of the most grating samples I've ever heard and I'm banishing it to my nightmares after hearing this. I'm not exaggerating when I say it nearly tanked the whole thing. It's all alright in the end, though, as "Like the Swallow" feels like a worthy tribute to the album as a whole: sometimes boring, but always evocative, pretty, and strange.

Meh… if I could give this album 2 1/2 stars, I would, but since I can’t, I will give it three because I liked it more than I disliked it.

It was alright, liked a few songs.

This was a fun French album. Nice easy listening and not awful bike ride music either. Only love can break your heart stood out

This album was quite enjoyable. I found it reminiscent of Portishead, except with a light and poppy sound where they are dark and ethereal, like the other side of the coin. I liked their selection of samples and inclusion of radio/film dialogue in a couple sections. I did not particularly like the Neil Young cover, surprised it is their top song. The vocals are too far back in the mix, the bass is too forward and the rhythm is kind of clunky. All the other songs I thoroughly enjoyed and overall found this to be quite a soothing album. Fav Tracks: Carnt Sleep, Nothing Can Stop Us

I liked this but couldn’t find it on streaming so listened on YouTube with ad breaks and not the best sound! Enjoyed it enough that I might look to get hold of my own copy.

Nice one.

It's pretty daring starting your album with a Neil Young cover, but it's a fun one! Unfortunately, for me, the album just continues without reaching any heights or standout songs. Sarah Cracknells voice makes it a pleasurable listen. A bit like a less dark and more easy-going poppy Portishead. It's really not a bad album and I didn't mind the 3 full listens, but it has not opened any deeper sound or feeling. A 3,5* album

OK - Neil Young cover is one track I would listen to again.

Happy background music

Huh. Can't say I loved it, but there were a few enjoyable tracks, at least. Faves: "Spring" and "She's the One". All were at least solid, but I can't say there were a ton of standouts, or that I'd relisten. Still, worth your time for sure. 3 stars from me.

3.5

Decent

punky and fun! euro. possible 4? eh. 3.

Snatches of brilliance abound here - Only Love Can Break Your Heart turns Neil Young’s dirge into a celebratory moment of recovering from heartbreak catharsis and Nothing Can Stop Us is a charming and uplifting warm and mellifluous track. However, there are also snatches of odd cuts and movie samples to no seeming purpose - it all feels like padding which infuriate where instead you could imagine a glorious electronic song cycle.

At times, Ethereal, and others, Exhausted.

Didn't love it but also didn't hate it! Interesting sound.

Not even sure what genre this music is, but it was very interesting 3/5

groovy baby

above average thin jungle-y 90s club hits with some French Cocateau Twins-esque singing + maybe a little too many radio samples. 2nd half feels a bit stronger than the 1st

I love her cover of Neil Young. And some of the ambient tracks were okay....some weren't.

Looks very 60's but is actually early 90's. This is the debut album of an english club music group. Lovely vocals float over synth, sampled loops, drum machines, etc. Highly produced but nice enough as cool mood music. I imagine Don Draper's second wife, Megan, low energy dancing with a drink in her hand.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect going into this one. It's always refreshing to get an album that is completely new to you. Anyway, I thought this album was decent. Started out interesting enough, although it gets a bit boring by the end. I kind of dig stuff like this from time to time. Nothing particularly stands out, though. It does have a nice flow and stays consistent. Would you like some sweets, Willy? out of 10.

Interesting proto-trip-hop like album. It is perfectly good music, but didn't sway me one way or the other. The layering in some of the songs is quite fantastic though.

Generic. Easy listening for students.

This was better than Smoker's delight, in terms of background music. It also offered just enough to be more than background music. However will I be reaching for it often? No, I will not.

goed voor achtergrond met een paar nummers de die aandacht grijpen. Must listen? nou ik zou iets anders opzetten op men sterfbed

coole intro, en ook een zeer goed achtergrondalbum, zeker iets dat ik wil onthouden

It was OK - very of its time and felt like a bit of an in-joke in places.

1991, британский поп, дебютный альбом. Смесь танцевальной музыки, электроники и попа - на выходе лаунж, который можно включать в кафешках. Лучший трек: Only love can break your heart (кавер на Нила Янга).

Everything about this album is just okay. Started out pretty strong but songs just started to sound the same before long. Not amazing not bad l. Just okay.

Just ok tbh

Leuk, maar 'vergeetbaar'!

Ik vond dit verrassend leuk. Kende het helemaal niet, maar goeie sfeer.

Niet onprettig en luistert lekker weg. Maar als je me nu vraagt om uit te leggen wat dit precies was, dan gaat me dat niet zo 1-2-3 lukken.

Ik had hier nog nooit van gehoord. Weer eens iets anders. Geinig.

From the cover I thought this was going to be some kind of twee.pop, so I was kind of surprised as I started to listen. It's a nice collection of chill dance beats coupled with a pleasant voice. Nothing against this one.

The cover of Neil Young's 'Only Love can break your heart' is a brilliant fusion of classic 60's folk rock and 90's acid house. The rest of the album doesn't quite hit the same heights but is still an enjoyable listen.

Dance. Tranquilo.

A lovely chilled vibe, perfect for a sunny Sunday morning. Would revisit

Nice, chill Sunday listen 👌

I listened to a lot of this kind of danceable British indie but never turned on to this. Noticeable dub influence a big plus.

A curious opening, unexpected but refreshing. Strong ace of base vibes with an airy twist. Mildly repetitive lyrics but not unpleasant. Suitable for including in an operating theatre playlist with elements for everyone to enjoy. Unusual interim tracks that left a little to be desired, definitely needs to be listened to in track order to feel the flow. Pairs well with an espresso but not a good combination with a more stiff drink.

Refreshing house music enjoyable to dance or study to. I enjoy the 60s aesthetic combined with synth. My favorite tracks were "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", "Carnt Sleep", "Spring", "Nothing Can Stop Me Now", and "Kiss and Make Up".

- good background music, cool bass - repetitive beats (apart from like the swallow) - doesn't feel like it's pushing the buck that far, wondering why it's in the top 1001?

Niet echt tijd gehad om goed te luisteren. Was wel oke maar niks bijzonder imo.

Mysig vibe! Det känns som man är på semester, på någon slags resort och problemen i livet är väldigt få. Väldigt mellow elektroniskt tycks fungera rätt väl för mig. Det är dock inte något som kommer kvala i vardagslyssningen tror jag, utan kommer kanske mer användas som en flyktväg, en väg in i paradiset där problemen av vardagen inte finns. Men även sånt behövs. Bäst: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"

Some nice pop tracks but not many that stand out and grab your attention. Faded into background music for the most part but definitely not bad

Anime closing music

It was... inoffensive. Billed as "trip-hop", I found it less atmospheric than others in the genre I've liked, with a few high points. Pretty good samples though.

Decent background music and some recognisable hits

Chill dance house vibes

v indie

Nice album

I don't listen to dance music, but this is fun, and I enjoy the mix of spoken word and sung lyrics. Sarah Cracknell's voice is GREAT. Not the kind of music I turn to normally, so nice to have a chance to give it a listen.

sounded to me like Madonna slightly.

It's ok. Got a good beat. I can dance to it.

Was a fan. Pretty chill music, great to listen to during work. Thought the shoutout to Countdown was pretty funny (start of 'Stoned to say the least').

House pop. Solid 3, nothing can stop us now is rad. Not my bag

Enjoyable bass lines and vibes. Nothing to shout about and had a few misses but enjoyable all the same

3.2 - Vaporous and sunny house pop, with lots of 90s tropes - crackly record sound, house drum tracks, light female vocals. Think of a souvenir shop in a European beach town, or sitting by the pool on Fire Island.

Suave, instrumental, relajado, pausado, tranquilo. Sin muchas florituras. Fácil de escuchar. No sorprende, pero no disgusta

weird beginning but overall liked it

ok! buenaaa

J’aime ce genre d’electro keyboard etc. Mais j’ai eu meilleur dans cette liste. 3.5

I knew "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" without knowing this band or album. Sounds of its era - dub, triphop influences. Repetitive bass lines and organ. Can hear lots of variety of influences. Wanted to like it more than I actually did.

nice, but kind of forgettable in the end.

Where is the 3.5 star?

Good vibes.

Catch parts but not a fan of dance music

3.5 stars

I'm not sure why this made the list.

This one did not spark joy.

Only Love Can Break My Heart and Nothing Can Stop Us are the only two songs I really enjoyed. The rest were not my jam. Intriguing album.

I mean it's not awful. It's kinda crap and I can't bring myself to care.

Could've died once again. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The sound of this 1991 album is incredibly dated - it hearkens back to the time when everyone fell in love with the idea of making sample-heavy beats for da club and forgot that throwing down a few chords and putting some random melody over it does not constitute a song. The only thing that works here is the cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" because the bones of that tune are indestructible. (Also, this is exhibit #23037 in the series "95% of album covers are terrible".)

Mid sampling, kind of boring. 4/10

Man, these sorts of ‘90s/‘00s chillout records are my jam, but a lot of them sucked because they just meandered without particularly catchy melodies or good songwriting, coasting along purely on vibes. I guess this one gets recognition for arriving at that sound early, but it’s just kind of boring.

Im a fan of house music but this one just wasnt doing it for me

This album is definitely not much moving or enjoyable. It is not much interesting either. Sure, there are some interesting sounds, some nice melodies, but it feels pretty plain at constructing atmospheres. It feels sometimes even distant. And, to be honest, the switches between the house-driven songs and the atmospheric ones are not impressive at all, as they seem to not flow but, rather, conflict. And, it is not that there are not nice songs, for sure there are. And the singer's voice is really good and warm, something that really goes well with certain songs. But, even though there are some nice ideas, and sometimes they are delivered correctly or even in a good way, most of the time this album lacks of a clear direction, or, at least, of having a clear sound and trying to make it sound interesting. Because most of the time what could be immersive, what could transmit something, ends up being more like background noise, making the songs feel much longer than what they actually are. This is not great, for sure. But I appreciate some of the experimentation in here as well as some songs, but... It could be good. It isn't.

Give me good albums

Bwah, eentonig. Wel rustgevend

Quite cool, I want to be into it as it feels like trendy 90s London but unfortunately trip hop type stuff is usually boring to me

Sounds like the soundtrack to an Urban Outfitters because Thievery Corporation was a little too edgy

Very confused by this album. I feel like it is just pulling in many directions and none of them sounds particularly amazing.

I enjoyed Kiss and Make Up. Didn’t really like the rest of this album.

House music/techno just doesn’t do anything for me. The only song of note for me was “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and mainly because it’s a cover of Neill Young.

Album #141: Foxbase Alpha - Saint Etienne Genre (W): Indie pop, ambient dance, sophisti-pop, synth-pop, techno Singles: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Kiss and Make Up, Nothing Can Stop Us I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: I loved the catchy ones and I think the blend of 60s pop with club beats makes for an interesting selection, but a lot of the songs are boring and I didn’t enjoy them. Favorite tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Girl VII, Spring, She’s the One, Stoned to Say the Least

White woman vibin n shit

The instrumentals were soft and melodious, and the vocals were pretty but I felt the lyrics lacked. Songs that have speaking parts bother me.

Not for me

Какая-то жижа для любителей лсд, только на фон ставить, и то не все. Топ 1-Nothing can stop us Топ 2-Spring

like i guess the chill electronic vibe was cool but just got bored after a while and this just didn't feel like anything special to me. also the song wilson was god awful

Estuvo cool.

Opening track is nice, the rest a bit too bland.

Listens: 1 I was intrigued reading about this album on Wikipedia, but that intrigue melted away pretty quickly upon actually putting this on. I know there was a lot of thought and care put into these tracks, but it's hard for me not to feel like this music is incredibly bland and generic. The drum timbres feel like they lack any personality; the melodies feel like they're grasping around for emotion; even the vocals sound amateurish and phoned in to my ears (with the exception of the Neil Young cover, which has a different singer). Usually I try to go for a second listen, but I really don't want to hear this again. What I enjoyed most about this record: when towards the end of it I sat down to read the book I'd recently started and realized one of the primary characters' names is Ste. Etienne—literally the first words of the next chapter. I cackled.

OK as background music.

it's alright. not my musical cup of tea, but there are a couple songs on here that i like. this would not make it into my rotation

2.17 stars out of 5 for Saint Etinne. Overall, this is early 90's house/club/rave music thrown over some decent 60's pop grooves, but the majority of the songs are too long and get boring quickly. The cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" was an interesting take on it, and overall one of the stronger songs on the album. I definitely heard a Madonna ripoff with the song "Girl VII", but maybe that was the point? I dunno. I haven't the London Foggiest idea of why this album was on this list. Deee-Lite did this and a lot, lot better a year earlier, go listen to World Clique by them if you want house, club music with way more talent and funk.

7/30/26. Perhaps I need to listen again but felt like this album lost me as it went on. Always appreciate trip hop and cool sampling, but it loses steam quick with its downtempo nature and minimal dynamic changes in the sound.

I didn’t get what they were trying to do.

This album has some catchy songs with really good singing. Unfortunately they are mixed in with songs I would rather have skipped halfway through. A lot of the songs are very repetitive and sometimes even irritating with the repetition and the clip the choose to repeat over and over. A really mixed album but the good songs really carry the star count on this.

Nice ambient music with repetitive, uninspiring vocals. I got my 1 listen in. No need to revisit this album.

Started off ok then got aggressively more stonery as it went on, which isn’t my energy.

Some cool songs and sounds going on here. But it’s not really my cup of tea. Goes on a bit too long and gets a bit repetitive. I can see the appeal, but it’s just not for me

I've never got into this band. It's a weird mix of styles really, there's a strong dance/club element to the beats and then a sort of navel-gazing / emo element to the vocals. It never feels comfortable or well-suited to my ear. I was able to make it all the way through.

Must’ve been the wind

I was excited for some shoegaze/trip hop but this was too mild. not bad just okay

Just nothing interesting here. Maybe valuable as a time capsule?

Massive load of shite.

Ehh. Not my bag.

I liked some of the beats, but not the singer. Felt like money without the cool samples. Not for me.

Not my favorite and went into Bjork radio after so weird

It improved as it went on but… just not really my kind of music. Doesn’t help that this is my third day in a row with this kind of thing

Starts off well but descends into very mediocre & boring songs 2.5*

A relatively tedious, shallow quasi-trip-hop record. The Neil Young cover is bad.

Está entre agradable de tranquis y aburrido

Ah Yes, the 90s, when everything was a break beat. If we're comparing it to blue lines by Massive Attack, which is the most recent album from a similar genre, I would say this album has a little bit more going for it. The main vocalist has a decent voice, and some of the sampling is clever and trippy. I would easily give it a stronger two than blue lines, but I'm on the fence on whether or not it deserves a three.

I wanted to like it more but it just sound kind of bland to me.

Some catchy beats, just not my taste.

4/10

5/10

Een wat apart album, met als verbindende factor vooral dat het duidelijk klinkt als eind 80's/vroege 90's. Synth pop, triphop, reggae, ambient, early house. Allerlei genres komen voorbij en toch verveel ik me, aangezien bij de eerste vier nummers al een keer of drie het tempo er compleet uit is geslagen. Dit zijn wel die albums die me soms kunnen verrassen, maar helaas is dat deze keer niet het geval. Het klinkt me allemaal wat te oud, het is wat saai en het pakt me niet. 2 sterren omdat ik het echt iets te saai vind voor een voldoende.

eh, didn't really care for it.

Really weird. It’s like the soundtrack to an alternate universe. Idk. (15 songs, 58 mins)

Very boring, not my vibe at all

Boring

So far this just sounds like a tv broadcast. Wow does this sound dated. I’m on track 8 and it’s finally getting better. I got through the first seven and barely noticed them. And then track nine is boring again. This a long album. It goes between good and “when does this track end”.

Not my thing but ok

Best Songs: Spring, London Belongs to Me Overall, I like the idea of the album and the cover art but felt bored while listening through it. Spring and London Belongs to Me really show how great this sound could have been but I feel as if some songs are there just to be there.

I am not into club/house music really, but this was pretty cool and the club/house element is only one of the influences here. There's quite a bit of indie influence too.

This is like Screamadelica-lite, like if The Lightning Seeds were fronted by a woman who idolises PJ Harvey a bit too much. It’s ok, but it’s not interesting, and I don’t remember anything about it, really.

did not finish, kinda bland

Música para festa indie

I finished it but not for me.

Chill beat stuff from the early 90s. Not bad, but some songs have a “strike a pose” vibe. But there is some experimental stuff that redeems it a bit. 2.8/5.0

Wanted to like it more, too much sameness and weird samples

It’s just not very interesting is it?

groovy and chill, me gustó como para dejar de fondo. me hizo acordar un poco a lo que escuche de sade estos ultimos dias

In the early 90’s stores in the mall played music off of huge 4-track cartridges the corporate office would send each store. I pierced a lot of ears at The Earring Tree to “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”

Listened to it twice at work yesterday. Nothing stuck. Unremarkable. Didn’t annoy.

Pretty, sometimes too pretty, but was good for flow state while running

I didn't hate it but it was just a bit boring. I can imagine this was nice when you were on a comedown in a grotty bedsit in the 90s though. Not for me

This gets an extra star for the Neil Young cover, which is still a classic. But I'm not even sure the rest of this merits a 2. Admittedly, I Iost patience ~half way through and just skimmed the songs after Stoned to Say the Least. But this feels like a dorm room experiment that should have stayed as a fond college memory.

The singer has a decent voice, but once again it's another overlong boring dated techno album. This one also has a terrible Neil Young cover. I just don't get why there's do many albums like this on the list.

No thanks. Boring. Annoying. Tries to go somewhere interesting then just lets you down.

Some of it is OK, but overall pretty boring.

I dunno, man. 2.5

It's ok, nothing special though, relaxing at least which is kind of nice, stoned really. I vibed slightly with Only love can break your heart and Spring, but I can see other people enjoying this more. Hmm actually after stoned is even chiller

Fine background album but not for me

Other than one or two tracks, honestly pretty boring, and at some parts annoying.

Choosing this for a 1001 Albums list, over the abundance of more exciting electronic albums released during the 90s, is like having the budget for Hawaii and the Maldives to be among your potential honeymoon destinations but instead opting for a bedsit in Peterborough. This well and truly puts the "down" in "downtempo". Justice can, and must be served in the new edition of the book scheduled for release later this year...

Not a fan of the album I felt a few of the songs were down right dreadful and the rest of the song’s weren’t anything special not a album I would listen to again

Another group I’ve heard of previously but never bothered to listen to closely. It will remain that way as this album did nothing to change that view. 2/5 30/3/26

This is unfortunately the influencer of the entire genre that I call "Chipolte Rock", that watered down ethereal bull$hit music they play at Chipolte all the time. Airy, lots of bass with little else, and usually female singers that sound like whispers rather than full vocals. I can't stand this style of music. I will give it two stars only because of the impressiveness of this album sounding timeless and not dated at all. Never would have guessed 1991.

Eh!!!

Some songs were good but it faded for me

Why?

It’s taken about 4 tracks before I’ve realised I’ve actually been listening to this. It’s not the most exciting. It’s another nice, sitting in the background kind of vibe, with not much to properly connect with. It’s nice enough I guess but it’s not for me. Too much of it I find boring. 2.5 rounded down.

meh

Realized I didn't review this the day of. It was given to me on 3/22/26 and it is now 4/8. I couldn't have this blank on my page. I have no memory of it at all.

I had high hopes when the second track kicked in, but unfortunately soon discovered the album is just an ambient wash of whimsical samey-sounds. It's ambient ways and prolific use of samples is vaguely reminiscent of Moby and Aphex Twin but Saint Etienne are doing that style in a way that's a LOT less interesting. London Belongs to Me is quite nice; has a sort of Corrs vibe which is ironic considering the name.

Goatee espresso wankers.

So, this seems to be people making pop music about pop music they love. Not for me.

Could have lived just fine without having heard this.

Now I know what to play when I can’t sleep. I saw this genre and was excited but way too poppy and sweet and boring.

Music that sounds like it was made by someone who doesn’t know what music sounds like

1.5. I have already forgotten everything I heard.

Kind of a sleepy album that I'll probably forget I listened to in 2 days.

Brits cosplaying as French produce an entirely unremarkable album. -1 for the horrendous cover.

Dreamy indie dance and sophisti-pop built from gentle house beats, soft synths, light guitar touches, and airy, intimate vocals drifts with understated charm. Listening feels like wandering through a quiet city at dusk while distant club rhythms echo from open windows. The result is stylish and atmospheric, though its softness sometimes keeps it from leaving a stronger impact.

Most of this is meaningless music to me. I mean, Neil Young is probably turning in his grave with this version of "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"... and he's not even dead yet.

1.5 - It had a few moments, but not near enough.

Way too much sampling for me, and not compelling enough material generally.

Fine but a bit flimsy

Insipid.

This sounds quite ahead of its time for 1991, maybe an influence on the later trip hop and downtempo scenes? But the production sounds bland and dated now, and the vocals and lyrics don't stand out. Doesn't compare well with other releases from the same era by the likes of Massive Attack or Cocteau Twins. 5.2 Fav track: Spring Least fav: She's the One

I didn’t hate it but I was glad when it ended

Mostly just white noise dance music for me, like a Blue Jam audio transition. A few atmospheric tracks.

adhd

This was basically a snooze-fest for me. I don't really recall any of the tracks I listened to yesterday and don't feel a need to return to this. 2/5

Wasn't really feeling this one. The description made me think it'd be more 60s sounds, but mostly I just heard the electronic stuff, which wasn't very interesting. Also, too long. 2.49/5

Ah, this is one of those albums that have a bunch of stuff just repeating constantly. Most of it was just a bit meh and even at times pretty annoying, but there was one song that was pretty decent, I guess it wasn't that bad.

4.5/10

Beyond the Neil Young cover this is not very good. Every time I think - that song wasn’t bad, maybe this is getting better - the next song blows chunks.

This comes across to me as a mix of dance/jazz/cafe style music with solid beats throughout. Some songs contained samples of various media materials and repetitive elements, and others gave me a chill and relaxing vibe. There's a lot of non-vocal music and sounds throughout. While interesting, this style of music isn't really my cup of tea.

Early Madonna-esque with odd movie dialogue sequences tossed in for added pretension. Really not my thing. 2/5

This is technically fine but it is exhausting to listen to.

Of its time. I certainly didn't need to hear this before I died.

Wasn't bad but wasn't great. For sure sounds like its from the 90s with its mix of low key house music with pop sensibilities of the 50s and 60s. Not sure I think I had to hear this before I died though.

A couple good songs but not for me. 2.5 stars

This album was fine. It's early 90s club music. That's about it. I enjoy club music well enough but this didn't exactly blow me away.

listenable but overlong and only really had one song that excited me

"Mom, can we stop at St. Etienne?" "No, Billy, we have plenty of Portishead at home"

Cute but tiring

Singer is okay but the music is weak. 2 stars or D+.

This was fine. Not a fan of the style per se, but it was varied enough. 15 songs is too many.

Not promising to begin with... I dunno it doesn't really feel like Im listening to anything its either unpleasant or just mundane so on average its not average

Its really easy to come out when listening to an album like this, one that'd alright but not too interesting. As such I can't give as in depth a review as I'd like. The first(?) song was kind of annoying but it picked up and the rest was mediocre. High two, low three territory. Trying to avoid giving everything threes. 58/100

I do enjoy trip-hop, and the twee elements are also something I enjoy aesthetically, but Foxbase Alpha feels lacking. I generally enjoy what Saint Etienne is going for, but questionable songwriting/production choices, weak vocal performances (or going too soft) drag some songs down; there is stuff to like, but there's also stuff you have to suffer through.

Meh

Not my cup of tea, but it wasn't bad by any means. Solid 5/10.

Досить вайбово, є кілька треків, що запам'ятовуються, тому 2,5

Album 1027 of 1089 Foxbase Alpha - Saint Etienne (1991) Rating : 2 / 5 This one had its moments, but it never quite pulled me all the way in. There are parts of the album where the softer, melodic pop elements work nicely. When it leans into that direction, it’s pleasant and easy to listen to. Unfortunately, it also drifts into electronica territory, and that’s where it tends to lose me. It’s not bad — it just isn’t what I look for when I sit down to enjoy an album. Overall, this was a decent listen. Nothing here offended my ears, and a few tracks were enjoyable enough, but nothing really stuck with me afterward. It feels like an album that probably connects strongly with fans of the genre, even if it didn’t fully click for me.

This Is Radio Etienne n/a Only Love Can Break Your Heart 3 Wilson 2 Carnt Sleep 2.6 Girl VII 2.1 Spring 2 She's the One 2 Stoned to Say the Least 2 Nothing Can Stop Us 2.3 Etienne Gonna Die 1.8 London Belongs to Me 2.4 Like the Swallow 1.7 Dilworth's Theme n/a Score: 2.172727273

some good songs but overall unimpressive

British dance pop. Not as bad as I anticipated. 2.5 stars

2/11, 18%

I can’t give this a 1, just because it’s more compelling than it’s comparables, and I have to preserve the internal scale (between 1 and 2) of bad English music from the 90s. But imagine my disappointment when I saw this pop up and thought “Oh maybe some cool French pop music?” and then discovered it’s ANOTHER ENGLISH ELECTRONIC ACT. My GOD. Neil Young cover absolutely terrible. That’s a 1 star song.

It was fine. 3/4 through most songs I was like yeah ok I get it. Sounds like the type of music Jamie Oliver would choose as a theme song for his shows. It’s pretty creative and it’s cool that’s it’s female led. Nothing really grabbed me.

Imagine Massive Attack without any brooding or innovative soundworks. Imagine any of the French triphop or lounge acts without any good melodies. Imagine a machine making radio pop for a club where no drinks are served. It's this.

Always a bad sign when your best song is a cover. It was unoffensive, but I didn't get much joy out of it. 2 Stars.

it was okay ! not my super favorite, nothing stood out to me much

I wasn’t super into this one. Some good vocals, but a lot of it was just repetitive beats over weird recordings.

Whispery dialogue, repetitive beats and lyrics, groove you can't groove to. It's a no for me dawg.

Fin d'année faiblarde...

Je sais pas si c'est le contraste avec Dead Kennedys, mais valider des ordonnances à 7h le matin ça faisait mieux avec le gros punk. Musique d'ambiance un peu sans saveur.

Plate plate plate. Les influences de club music vont que je ne sais pas quand j’écouterais ça

Not a real fan. It had a few moments but not something I will listen to again and frankly the occasional dialogue made no sense and the entire concept genre was rather boring.

I generally am biased against French music. It tends to be more lyrical, and I don't understand French. This album didn't change that opinion, but it wasn't bad. I just couldn't get into it. I liked the later more experimental style songs more than the earlier ones. I wouldn't probably put this in my top 1001 albums, personally, but it was a good journey.

One of the most boring albums in my life. Not terrible, just whatever

2.5

Ok but forgettable.

It started off OK, but then I lost interest.

Much better than Darkdancer, but not really that engaging.

No ei iskenyt. 2/5.

Does her version of Neil open a new angle or insight? Nope. So not a good way for me to start things off. Pretty steep foxhole to climb out of. Dance music not my style, sorry, so why include dance music in the 1001 list? Now I'm just irritated.

wow this was boring

At first, I thought it was a nice album with a good vibe, but it quickly became repetitive. At some point, I just wanted it to end. I guess that was the album's biggest mistake. For that, I’ll give it 2 stars.

Well, I didn't really care for it. I didn't really pay much attention. Not extremely bad, but not good at all.

I listened and immediately forgot.

Maso

I didn't spend a lot of time with this one, but it feels safe to assume it wasn't gonna surprise me in the third act. And I gotta catch up anyway.

I have no idea why I had to listen to this.

Not for me. Good but meh

I actuelly liked the first track, so the second track was a massive letdown. From there on there were moments I enjoyed, om particular the 60’s influenced parts and some of the dub parts. However, in the end I tired of the album and wouldn’t revisit again anytime sooner or later

Interesting EuroPop rendition of Neil Young's Only Love Can Break your heart but the rest of the album is pretty forgettable mix of pop/dance/electronica. The 60's feel on Spring was ok.

I get bored so easily, I just don't think this is my type of stuff.

not my style

Not my cup of tea. Not a fan of dance music, was good though, but as said not for me. 4/10

Starts good, but then, no.

I always had a bit of a schoolboy crush on Sarah Cracknell. She looked like your mate's mum who was attractive and would come and chat to you about music and say things like "It's got a good beat." Anyway, she wasn't a proper member yet, BUT that is what this music is. Music a hot mum would make and tell you it's got a good beat. And sometimes it does. Best Tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart; Spring; Nothing Can Stop Us

I've never listened to this album (53). A bit forgetable, background music.

Not for me at all, found it kinda dull

Some nice highlights but unfortunately as a whole the album is a bit boring. Just not my thing, but I can appreciate why it's influential

Honestly, not much that is very noteworthy here. Their cover of Only Love Can Break Your Heart was ... fine? I found Wilson to be more interesting, with the layered vocal conversations, but this is basically Pink Floyd set to a beat. This music feels like a good substitute for ambient music - it's decent "mood" music for vibing to without giving it too much attention. When I was able to give it some attention, I was pleasantly surprised by some interesting lyrics. But getting to that point was a bit of a chore.

I can't remember the last time I had fairy floss. I don't want to either.

1.6

I liked a couple, didn't like a couple and didn't understand the rest!

I don't think I've ever heard of this band or album, so I have no expectations going in. Wilson was a nicely trippy track, slightly Avalanches-esque, Girl VII reminded me of Ramblin' Man by Lemon Jelly. Every other track was pretty bad, tedious and overly electronica. Also very London-centric. No thanks.

I guess maybe I would put this on during a long flight but some of the songs are too upbeat for that. I can't think of a context in which I would put this on during a time I intended to remain conscious.

I was not previously familiar with the artist or album. This is a sort of dream pop meets dance music. I did not really care for it. Even the most popular track, a cover of Neil Young's Only Love Can Break Your Heart did not do anything for me. I would not listen again.

I've crossed paths with this group but I find it odd that this album is on this list. Prior to listening to this album, I knew Spring and Wood Cabin(not featured on this album) both simply cute songs. The rest of the album doesnt really match that vibe, unfortunately kind of boring and repetitive...but theres still a charm to it. Not something id listen to again but I may look at their other stuff.

Repetitive early 90s electronic? It was mellow but boring.

Oh great, another spacey european style techno album 🍑💨

Some cool grooves and samples in here, but pretty boring to me.

When the best song on the album is a cover, that's probably a sign that you are missing creative inspiration. Most of the tracks on here are dull dance grooves with under-developed melodies. There are a few exceptions - notably "Girl VII" and "Nothing Can Stop Us" - but far too few. The general conceit has promise - 60s girl pop over a dance beat - but the songs simply aren't strong enough.

они хотели быть модными, сэмплировали, но "комбинацию" не скрыть увы)

Between a 2 and a 3 on this. IMO it felt like pretty generic 90s proto edm. There was one song I found maybe annoyingly catchy with a grandma asking a kid about candy

The 90s interpolation of the 60s is now (late 2025) roughly as far in past as the actual 60s were to those responsible for said interpolation. Shaggadelic, baby! What the 60s meant to the 90s (britpop qua revivified swinging soho and all that attaches itself to such claims of cultural hegemony) is however less interesting, to me at least, than what the 90s has meant to the 60s. That’s principally because of just how often I’ve been stood still by something that subverts my expectation that sixties fare be syrupy, saccharine silliness. At times I’ve actually struggled to believe that what I’ve heard coming out of the sixties was genuinely, actually made and produced all the way back then. Time out of joint, not quite. I’ve merely fallen victim to the twin forces of underestimating the primacy of the past (blame youth) and taking postmodernism at face value (blame the 90s). It’s with this perspective that I find myself encountering Foxbase Alpha. A lively cover of “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” (released in 1970, but I’m not sure the sixties strictly ended on December 31st 1969) starts the album; it’s an exuberant reimagining, and what it loses in replacing the chordal interplay of the original’s verse, bridge and chorus with a single loop it more than makes up for with general grooviness. (In the process achieving a thorough victory for postmodern hyperreality; a cover of a song somehow carrying more “of its time” characteristics than the original recording.) There are other gems scattered through this record – typically those most adherent to the sixties revival theme: “Spring”, “Nothing Can Stop Us”, “London Belongs To Me” – but also some pretty dreadful pap. “Kiss and Make Up” and “People Get Free” sound more like milquetoast 90s prime time reality TV pop than anything that’s time travelled its way onto the record; “She’s The One” is so extraordinarily bad that it makes my lower abdomen hurt a little bit out of second hand embarrassment. Here the 90s falters, and owes the sixties, a decade distorted by misrepresentation in my formative years, an apology. As with any act of impersonation, when it’s good you delight in the fact you didn’t even notice, but when it’s bad all you can do is try to find joy in spotting the flaws. And as for time’s habit of repeating itself, I guess we’re due a third wave revival. (Maybe “67” is early portents.) There are some lovely moments in Foxbase Alpha – but I’d struggle to call them era defining by either’s standards.

90s electronique sound. Lots of repetition and a voice talking over music.

Some of the songs had some nice beats, the album was ok

Not my kind of thing really

Would be more enjoyable on ecstasy. Some interesting stuff, but too pedestrian.

not bad in any sort of technical sense, but i did not enjoy listening to it. i didnt mind when they actually focused on making music but tracks like wilson or the opening to like a swallow make this feel so a chore to listen to.

Way too repetitive. This album sounded like a parody of the music on repeat at Old Navy and Sears

Despite its French-sounding name, St. Etienne is a British band, but to me it actually sounded as if it were rooted in French culture. “Fox Base Alpha” is technically good but otherwise fairly insignificant 90s pop. I can't think of much else to say about it that's worth mentioning.

Solid background music. Gets bery annoying when paying close attention. What is going on here? Random people talking in the background saying the same lines over and over. I can respect it, but I won't listen again. I think the singer has a pretty good voice. The backing tracks are also fine. Just nothing stands out and it gets annoying at times

I literally fell asleep while listening to this. Do not operate heavy machinery while this is playing.

Very generic 90s pop. Not for me.

burbly french techno pop synthy background music. Meh.

Another day, another English album that doesn't make any sense to include on this list.

mah ok sicuramente è un fatto interessante però lo riteniamo tra gli album che devo sentire prima di morire? non direi

Forse l’album che mi è piaciuto di meno. Va bene magari come sottofondo mentre si fanno altre cose, ma verso la fine stavo impazzendo

I prefer the football team. It was a bit stuck between things. Sometimes verging on baggy, sometimes a bit house-y but didn’t really lean into it. Some nice moments but overall nothing I’m really excited to return to.

Pretty chill house music, but most songs on here sound fairly similar?

not memorable at all

Some creative 90s mixing. And sampling. But I don't think a single song stuck. Nice album tho.

Protest and stoner music. A bit too much of both for me, and repetitive.

Best Song: Kiss and Make Up Meh. A genre of music (house) I don't like and an average at best band at it. Uninspired. It felt like music you would have heard shopping for clothes at the Gap in the 90s. 2/5

Fair

A strong 1st album with a unique sound for the time. However it doesn't stand the test of time as it falls rather flat compared to the evolution of the genre. While I found myself enjoying a few of the songs, and was never outright disliking anything, I can't imagine myself listening to anything again or even particularly remembering this album. I'd summarize this as harmlessly and unremarkable enjoyable. 2.5/5

Dull dull dull.

Pretty forgettable but inoffensive

Definitely of it's time. Quite nice, but not particularly interesting - like lofi music, enjoyable to have in the background but bland if you're actively listening.

cover of only love can break your heart is good. otherwise has the vibe of elevator music.

Yawn. I recall hearing Only Love Can Break Your Heart in the past. The rest was very average.

Does nothing for me

what I'm listening? Not in 10.001

Fakin hippies madafakers