What makes Burial by Burial notable?

The album received critical acclaim, often cited as a cornerstone of the dubstep genre and influencing the future garage movement. It was pivotal in bringing underground UK sounds to a wider audience, earning accolades from major publications like The Guardian and Pitchfork, which praised its atmospheric depth. Burial released his self-titled debut album in 2006 after gaining attention with his early EPs. This album marked a significant moment in his career as it solidified his innovative approach to dubstep and ambient music, setting the stage for his future work and influence.

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

How many songs are on Burial?

Burial has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Burial

Burial · 2006

51 min · 13 tracks · ambient music

Haunting soundscapes blend with fragmented beats and ghostly vocal samples, creating an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Distant Lights — This track encapsulates Burial's mastery of mood, combining ethereal melodies with rich textures that evoke urban landscapes at night.
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Night Bus — With its stark and minimalistic production, the track evokes feelings of isolation and introspection, capturing the essence of late-night city journeys.
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U Hurt Me — This track features poignant vocal samples layered over intricate beats, illustrating the emotional depth that Burial brings to his sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and innovative use of samples create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of ambient textures layered over fragmented beats, creating a dense soundscape.
Vocal samples are manipulated and used sparingly, often serving as atmospheric elements rather than traditional lyrics.
Tracks vary in length, with several pieces extending beyond five minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Burial released his self-titled debut album in 2006 after gaining attention with his early EPs. This album marked a significant moment in his career as it solidified his innovative approach to dubstep and ambient music, setting the stage for his future work and influence.
Stylistic neighbors: James Blake· Mount Kimbie· Forest Swords