What makes Because I Want You by Placebo notable?

The track received significant attention, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and marking Placebo's continued relevance in the alternative rock scene. Its remix by Bloc Party's guitarist, Russel Lissack, further extended its reach into electronic music circles, influencing a wave of remixes of rock songs during this period. Released in 2006, 'Because I Want You' marked a transitional phase for Placebo as they shifted from their earlier raw sound towards more polished production. This single was their first release after the album 'Sleeping with Ghosts', showcasing an evolution in their musical style while maintaining their signature emotional intensity.

How many songs are on Because I Want You?

Because I Want You has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Because I Want You

Placebo · 2006

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsing blend of electronic rock and Britpop, layered with moody melodies and seductive vocals that evoke desire.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Because I Want You — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and desire, blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, making it a standout representation of Placebo's evolving sound.
→
Because I Want You (Russel Lissack from Bloc Party remix) — This remix reimagines the original with an electronic flair, showcasing how Placebo's music was successfully adapted to fit into the burgeoning electronic rock landscape of the mid-2000s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases polished production and engaging melodies but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady electronic pulse that drives the rhythm, layered with atmospheric synths and a prominent bass line.
The remix adds a more aggressive guitar presence, altering the dynamics while maintaining the original's melodic structure.
Both tracks maintain a consistent tempo, with the first track focusing on seductive vocal delivery and the remix emphasizing a more energetic approach.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked a significant shift in sound and continued their relevance in the scene.
Themes: raw desire· personal reinvention· electronic urgency
Career context: Released in 2006, 'Because I Want You' marked a transitional phase for Placebo as they shifted from their earlier raw sound towards more polished production. This single was their first release after the album 'Sleeping with Ghosts', showcasing an evolution in their musical style while maintaining their signature emotional intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance