What does Covers sound like?

A haunting collection of reimagined classics, weaving Placebo's signature emotionality through iconic tracks. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Running Up That Hill".

Is Covers a good place to start with Placebo?

Yes, Covers is recommended as a starting point for new Placebo listeners. A haunting collection of reimagined classics, weaving Placebo's signature emotionality through iconic tracks. Released in 2003, Covers came during a period of resurgence for Placebo after their successful album, Sleeping with Ghosts, which had solidified their presence in alternative rock. This album marked their first exploration into cover songs, showcasing their influences while maintaining the band's distinct sound. It was a creative pivot that allowed them to reinterpret beloved tracks while also engaging new audiences.

Covers works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, haunting melodies for introspective moods and eclectic reinterpretations that surprise.

How many songs are on Covers?

Covers has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Covers

Placebo · 2003

40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting collection of reimagined classics, weaving Placebo's signature emotionality through iconic tracks.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Running Up That Hill Start here — This track stands out as it captures the haunting essence of the original while reinterpreting it through Placebo's distinctive lens, blending atmospheric instrumentation with emotive vocals.
→
Where Is My Mind (XFM live version) — The performance showcases the band's raw energy and ability to transform a well-known song into an intimate experience, highlighting the connection between artist and audience.
→
Bigmouth Strikes Again — Placebo's take on this classic adds a new layer of urgency and intensity, illustrating their knack for infusing personal angst into covers without losing the original's essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Placebo's covers showcase their unique emotionality while maintaining a cohesive sound across diverse tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cover of 'Running Up That Hill', which features a slower tempo and a more atmospheric arrangement compared to the original.
Each track is reinterpreted with Placebo's distinct vocal style, often emphasizing emotional delivery over the original's energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady pacing for reflective moments
haunting melodies for introspective moods
eclectic reinterpretations that surprise
engaging sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A unique covers album that showcases Placebo's style but isn't a primary entry point.
Themes: dark reinterpretations· atmospheric covers· glam rock revival
Career context: Released in 2003, Covers came during a period of resurgence for Placebo after their successful album, Sleeping with Ghosts, which had solidified their presence in alternative rock. This album marked their first exploration into cover songs, showcasing their influences while maintaining the band's distinct sound. It was a creative pivot that allowed them to reinterpret beloved tracks while also engaging new audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance