Bodily Functions
Matthew Herbert · 2001
72 min · 14 tracks · classical music
A textured exploration of electronic soundscapes intertwined with intimate vocal samples and unconventional rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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You're Unknown to Me — This opening track introduces the album's thematic preoccupation with anonymity and disconnection through its haunting vocal samples layered over minimalist beats.
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Foreign Bodies — The track delves into the concept of physicality and presence, featuring rhythmic textures that evoke both intimacy and alienation.
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Leave Me Now — With its poignant lyrics and emotive composition, this song encapsulates the emotional core of the album while showcasing Herbert's knack for blending personal narratives with experimental sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's innovative sound design and unique rhythmic structures contribute to its distinctiveness within the electronic genre.
What we noticed
- The use of silence and ambient soundscapes between tracks creates a sense of space, allowing the listener to absorb the intricate details of the sound design.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intimate soundscapes for reflection
- unconventional rhythms for exploration
- patient listening with evolving textures
- evening solitude and introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Bodily Functions marked Matthew Herbert's third studio album, following his 1998 release, Around the House. By this point, Herbert had begun to establish himself as a prominent figure in the electronic music scene, known for his innovative blend of house music and avant-garde experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alva Noto· Ryoji Ikeda· Amon Tobin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You're Unknown to Me 2:13
- 2 It's Only 7:21
- 3 Foreign Bodies 5:37
- 4 Suddenly 6:29
- 5 I Know 4:24
- 6 Leave Me Now 6:36
- 7 The Last Beat 4:20
- 8 You Saw It All 7:04
- 9 On Reflection 4:29
- 10 About This Time Each Day 3:44
- 11 Addiction 6:44
- 12 I Miss You 4:52
- 13 It's Only a Reprise 1:57
- 14 The Audience 6:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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