What makes A Passage in Time by Dead Can Dance notable?

A Passage in Time played a significant role in popularizing Dead Can Dance's music beyond their core fanbase, charting across various countries and reaching audiences in the burgeoning world music scene. The album's blend of different musical influences contributed to its critical acclaim and solidified the duo's status as innovators in the genre, leading to increased interest in their subsequent releases. Released in October 1991, A Passage in Time marks Dead Can Dance's first compilation album, gathering tracks from their earlier works. By this time, the duo had established themselves as pioneers of ethereal wave and neoclassical music, following the success of albums like Spleen and Ideal (1985) and Within the Realm of a Dying Sun (1987). This compilation served to introduce new audiences to their unique sound while highlighting their artistic evolution.

Who is A Passage in Time for?

A Passage in Time works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on A Passage in Time?

A Passage in Time has 16 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Released 35 years ago this October

A Passage in Time

Dead Can Dance · 1991

64 min · 16 tracks · world music

Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an atmospheric soundscape that transcends cultural boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Host of Seraphim — This track features Lisa Gerrard's haunting vocals soaring over a rich orchestral arrangement, encapsulating the spiritual depth that defines much of Dead Can Dance's work.
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Saltarello — Opening with an infectious rhythmic pulse, this piece showcases the group's ability to fuse world music elements with modern sensibilities, driving the album's energy forward.
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Anywhere Out of the World — The track’s lush instrumentation paired with evocative lyrics creates a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of longing and exploration prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album effectively compiles diverse tracks that highlight Dead Can Dance's unique sound while maintaining an atmospheric quality.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in 'The Host of Seraphim', which culminates in a powerful emotional climax.
The sequencing includes both upbeat and slower pieces, with the first half maintaining a more dynamic pace before transitioning to more meditative tracks in the latter half.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
wave-like pacing and flow

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in October 1991, A Passage in Time marks Dead Can Dance's first compilation album, gathering tracks from their earlier works. By this time, the duo had established themselves as pioneers of ethereal wave and neoclassical music, following the success of albums like Spleen and Ideal (1985) and Within the Realm of a Dying Sun (1987). This compilation served to introduce new audiences to their unique sound while highlighting their artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Cocteau Twins· This Mortal Coil· Lisa Gerrard