Bruised Water cover

Bruised Water

Chicane · 2008

58 min · 9 tracks · electronica

A lush blend of melodic electronica with expansive soundscapes and driving beats that evoke deep emotional resonance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bruised Water (original mix) — The original mix serves as the centerpiece of the album, encapsulating Chicane's signature sound with its hypnotic melody and atmospheric build-up.
  • →
    Bruised Water (Michael Woods edit) Start here — This edit refines the original into a concise format without losing its captivating essence, making it accessible for radio play while retaining its dance appeal.
  • →
    Bruised Water (radio edit) — As the most succinct version, the radio edit showcases how effectively Chicane can convey emotion within a tighter framework, appealing to both casual listeners and fans of dance music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The record offers varied takes on a single track but lacks cohesion due to its remix nature.

What we noticed

  • Each remix varies in tempo and energy, with some focusing on club appeal while others emphasize melodic elements.
  • The original mix features a gradual build-up, layering synths and beats to create an expansive soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
3/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • lush soundscapes for introspection
  • long tracks for deep immersion
  • melodic layers that evoke longing

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, standalone tracks
  • prefer upbeat, high-energy music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Chicane's influence in trance and progressive house, marking wider recognition.
Themes
expansive soundscapes· hypnotic melodies· melodic electronica resurgence
Career context
By 2008, Chicane was already an established name in the electronic music scene, having released successful albums like 'Behind the Sun' and garnered hits such as 'Saltwater'. 'Bruised Water' marked a return after a four-year hiatus, showcasing his signature style while also experimenting with remixes and collaborations. This album came at a time when electronic music was gaining mainstream traction, positioning Chicane to capitalize on this momentum.
Stylistic neighbors
BT· Above & Beyond· Solarstone

Tracklist

  • 1 Bruised Water (Michael Woods edit) Start here 3:07
  • 2 Bruised Water (radio edit) 3:03
  • 3 Bruised Water (Michael Woods full vocal remix) 7:52
  • 4 Bruised Water (original mix) 7:16
  • 5 Bruised Water (Michael Woods instrumental remix) 8:08
  • 6 Bruised Water (Michael Woods dub) 8:07
  • 7 Bruised Water (Mischa Daniels club mix) 6:54
  • 8 Bruised Water (Chicane rework mix) 8:04
  • 9 Bruised Water (Adam K & Soha club mix) 6:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata