What makes Blood by This Mortal Coil notable?

Blood received significant acclaim upon release, often cited for its lush production and emotional depth. The album has influenced numerous artists within the dream pop and shoegaze scenes and remains a staple reference point in discussions of ethereal music from the early '90s. Released in 1991, Blood was This Mortal Coil's third album, following their critically acclaimed 1984 debut, It'll End in Tears. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation for atmospheric sound and intricate covers, showcasing a deepening artistic vision while also marking a continued evolution within the dream pop genre.

How many songs are on Blood?

Blood has 21 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Blood

This Mortal Coil · 1991

76 min · 21 tracks · dream pop

Ethereal soundscapes blend haunting vocals and orchestral arrangements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that envelops the listener.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You and Your Sister — This track stands out for its poignant arrangement and melancholic harmonies that perfectly encapsulate the album's dreamy aesthetic.
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I Come and Stand at Every Door — The haunting vocals paired with evocative instrumentation create an unsettling yet beautiful interpretation of the original poem, highlighting the band's unique approach to cover songs.
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'Til I Gain Control Again — This cover distills raw emotion through its sparse arrangement, allowing the heartfelt delivery to shine, making it one of the most memorable tracks on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's lush production and ethereal vocal layering create a distinctive dream pop experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered vocals, often harmonizing in ethereal textures that create a haunting atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements, with strings and piano interwoven throughout the songs, enhancing the dreamlike quality.
The sequencing includes multiple versions of 'The Lacemaker,' which creates a thematic thread across the record.
Many tracks end with prolonged reverb, allowing the sound to linger and contribute to the immersive experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Lacemaker 4:06
2 Mr. Somewhere 2:52
3 Andialu 3:03
4 With Tomorrow 2:40
5 Loose Joints 2:26
6 You and Your Sister 3:14
7 Nature's Way 3:19
8 I Come and Stand at Every Door 3:54
9 Bitter 6:25
10 Baby Ray Baby 2:13
11 Several Times 3:12
12 The Lacemaker II 1:24
13 Late Night 3:03
14 Ruddy and Wretched 3:15
15 Help Me Lift You Up 5:06
16 Carolyn's Song 3:47
17 D.D. and E. 0:47
18 'Til I Gain Control Again 4:43
19 Dreams Are Like Water 8:37
20 I Am the Cosmos 4:05
21 (Nothing But) Blood 4:04

What to play next

Listen next

1983–1991

1993

Go back to

Filigree & Shadow

1986

Full This Mortal Coil discography Artists like This Mortal Coil

dream pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata