What makes Darklands by The Jesus and Mary Chain notable?

Darklands received critical acclaim upon release, often noted for its lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics. It solidified the band's influence in the alternative rock scene, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and inspiring a generation of shoegaze and indie bands. Released in 1987, Darklands is The Jesus and Mary Chain's second studio album, following their groundbreaking debut, Psychocandy. At this point, the band was consolidating their sound while exploring more melodic and atmospheric elements, marking a shift from the abrasive noise pop of their early work.

How many songs are on Darklands?

Darklands has 4 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Released 39 years ago this October

Darklands

The Jesus and Mary Chain · 1987

13 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with feedback-laden guitars, creating a moody landscape that captures the essence of post-punk melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Darklands — The title track encapsulates the album's haunting atmosphere with its swirling guitars and poignant lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Rider — With its driving rhythm and catchy melody, this track highlights the band's ability to blend noise with pop sensibilities, showcasing their signature sound.
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Here It Comes Again — This song exemplifies the band’s knack for crafting emotive hooks layered beneath walls of distortion, marking a high point in their lyrical storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Darklands showcases strong melodic writing and atmospheric production, solidifying its place in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track is a stripped-down demo that contrasts sharply with the preceding lush arrangements.
Each of the first three tracks employs layered guitar feedback and ethereal melodies, creating a dense atmospheric sound that defines the EP's mood.
The lyrics across the first three tracks delve into themes of introspection and melancholy, enhancing the overall emotional weight of the music.

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: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases their evolving sound but isn't a primary highlight.
Career context: Released in 1987, Darklands is The Jesus and Mary Chain's second studio album, following their groundbreaking debut, Psychocandy. At this point, the band was consolidating their sound while exploring more melodic and atmospheric elements, marking a shift from the abrasive noise pop of their early work.
Stylistic neighbors: My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Spiritualized