A Little Oblique cover

Released 20 years ago

A Little Oblique

deadmau5 · 2006

52 min · 11 tracks · house music

An intricate blend of pulsating beats and vivid synth textures that define the peak of mid-2000s electronic music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Secrets Start here — Opening with a hypnotic groove, this track exemplifies deadmau5's ability to blend melodic hooks with driving beats, setting the tone for the album.
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    Full Bloom — Featuring lush synth layers and an evolving structure, this track captures the essence of emotional depth within electronic music, showcasing deadmau5's signature style.
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    Porcelain — With its delicate balance of atmospheric sounds and rhythmic precision, this track illustrates deadmau5's knack for creating immersive soundscapes that resonate with listeners.
  • →
    Beautiful Rich and Horny — This track stands out with its playful title and eclectic mix of elements, reflecting deadmau5's innovative approach to genre blending within electronic music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative production techniques and a distinct sound that influenced the electro house genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of glitchy beats and layered synths, creating a textured soundscape that evolves throughout each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, which disrupt the listener's expectations and maintain engagement.
  • The first half of the album emphasizes rhythmic complexity, while the latter half introduces more melodic elements, providing a contrast in mood.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythmic journey throughout
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
  • euphoric beats for dancing
  • immersive headphone listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek quick, standalone singles

Where this album fits

Themes
glitchy soundscapes· emotional depth· complex arrangements
Career context
By the time 'A Little Oblique' was released in 2006, deadmau5 had established himself as a rising figure in the electronic music scene, following his earlier works like 'Get Scraped' in 2005. This album marked a significant step forward in his production quality and complexity, showcasing his unique approach to electro house and complextro.
Stylistic neighbors
Eric Prydz· Sasha· Above & Beyond

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Bitches

    The lyrics shift from playful banter to pointed social commentary, revealing layers of meaning beneath an upbeat facade.

    This contrast highlights deadmau5's skill in juxtaposing light-hearted themes with deeper reflections on relationships and social dynamics.

Tracklist

  • 1 Secrets Start here 5:55
  • 2 TL7 4:28
  • 3 Caliox A 4:21
  • 4 Full Bloom 5:50
  • 5 Beautiful Rich and Horny 6:18
  • 6 Bitter Kitten 5:57
  • 7 Digitol 4:00
  • 8 Porcelain 5:04
  • 9 Squid 1:33
  • 10 Make Me Make That Sound 4:32
  • 11 Bitches 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata