What makes Dark Night of the Soul by Danger Mouse notable?

The album gained attention not only for its unique sound but also for its unconventional release strategy, initially bundled with a book of photographs by David Lynch. It received critical acclaim and has been noted for influencing the alternative R&B movement, blending elements of hip-hop and rock in a way that resonated with both fans and critics alike. Upon the release of Dark Night of the Soul in January 2010, Danger Mouse was already an established producer known for his innovative collaborations, particularly with Gnarls Barkley. This album followed his acclaimed work on The Grey Album and solidified his reputation as a genre-blending artist, showcasing a more introspective side of his production style.

Who is Dark Night of the Soul for?

Dark Night of the Soul works well if you're into haunting melodies for reflection, introspective late-night solitude and layered instrumental explorations.

How many songs are on Dark Night of the Soul?

Dark Night of the Soul has 26 tracks, running approximately 91 minutes.

Dark Night of the Soul

Danger Mouse · 2010

91 min · 26 tracks · hip-hop

A haunting blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, interweaving hip-hop and rhythm and blues sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Revenge — This track opens with a gripping narrative about betrayal, setting a somber tone that permeates throughout the album. Its layered production showcases Danger Mouse's skillful blending of genres.
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Everytime I’m With You — The lush instrumentation paired with poignant lyrics captures the essence of longing and vulnerability, illustrating the emotional depth that defines this project.
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Dark Night of the Soul — As the title track, it encapsulates the thematic core of the album through its exploration of despair and hope, making it a pivotal moment in the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 50% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of genres and atmospheric production creates a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is somewhat affected by the instrumental tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that blend hip-hop beats with R&B melodies, while the second half shifts to more ambient instrumental versions of the earlier songs.
Vocals are often layered with atmospheric production, creating a haunting quality that permeates throughout the record.
Several tracks feature recurring motifs and themes, which contribute to a sense of continuity despite the varied styles.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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

haunting melodies for reflection
introspective late-night solitude
layered instrumental explorations
emotional depth in every track

Maybe skip if you

seekers of upbeat tempos
prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon the release of Dark Night of the Soul in January 2010, Danger Mouse was already an established producer known for his innovative collaborations, particularly with Gnarls Barkley. This album followed his acclaimed work on The Grey Album and solidified his reputation as a genre-blending artist, showcasing a more introspective side of his production style.
Stylistic neighbors: The Black Keys· Gnarls Barkley· J Dilla