Released 14 years ago this October
Cosmic Dancer
Shakespears Sister · 2012
59 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A fusion of alternative rock and synth-pop layered with ethereal vocals and introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Baby It's You — This track serves as the album's catchy opener, blending infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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Goodbye Cruel World — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this song exemplifies the album's emotional depth while showcasing the duo's vocal harmonies beautifully.
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Cosmic Dancer — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of introspection and transformation, featuring lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics that resonate deeply.
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Wings — This closing track builds to an uplifting climax, offering listeners a sense of hope and resolution, effectively wrapping up the album's narrative journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends alternative rock with synth-pop elements, showcasing solid songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong lead single that sets a mid-tempo pace, followed by tracks that alternate between upbeat and reflective moods.
- Several songs feature layered synths and ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike quality that permeates the record.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, providing a contemplative conclusion to the album's journey.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 29, 2012, 'Cosmic Dancer' marked Shakespears Sister's return after a nearly 30-year hiatus since their last studio album. This album arrived during a resurgence of interest in the duo, who gained fame in the early '90s for their unique blend of genres and theatrical style, making this release significant in revitalizing their legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lush· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Bat for Lashes
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Baby It's You 2:40
- 2 Dancing Barefoot 4:11
- 3 Goodbye Cruel World 3:50
- 4 You Can't Wear Shades Forever 3:54
- 5 Someone Else's Girl 4:30
- 6 Cosmic Dancer 4:12
- 7 Wish You Where Here 3:33
- 8 Here Comes The Weather 3:27
- 9 Ned 2:46
- 10 My World Is Empty Without You 4:19
- 11 A Lonely Heart (Is A Loaded Gun) 3:40
- 12 C U Tonight 5:43
- 13 Wings 5:45
- 14 Cold 3:30
- 15 I'll Be Your Mirror 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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