What makes Darklands by The Jesus and Mary Chain notable?

Darklands is significant for its critical acclaim, often cited as a cornerstone of the shoegaze genre that emerged in the late '80s. The album includes the hit single 'April Skies,' which reached number 5 in the UK charts and helped propel the band into wider recognition. Released in 1987, Darklands was The Jesus and Mary Chain's second studio album, following their influential debut, Psychocandy. At this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound, blending noise rock with pop sensibilities while navigating the pressures of commercial success post-breakthrough.

Who is Darklands for?

Darklands works well if you're into bittersweet reflections on love, steady mid-tempo listening experience and ethereal melodies for introspection.

How many songs are on Darklands?

Darklands has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Darklands

The Jesus and Mary Chain · 1987

36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with distorted guitars, crafting a haunting atmosphere that captures the essence of longing and nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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April Skies — As one of the standout singles from Darklands, this track combines jangly guitar riffs with a driving rhythm, encapsulating the band's signature blend of noise and melody.
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Happy When It Rains — This track exemplifies the album's themes of melancholia and joy intertwined, featuring layered vocals over a backdrop of lush instrumentation that enhances its emotional depth.
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Nine Million Rainy Days — With its introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, this song captures the essence of longing and despair, showcasing the band's ability to evoke deep emotions through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Darklands combines ethereal melodies with distorted guitars, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow, atmospheric build with layered guitars that set a haunting tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate a prominent use of reverb and feedback, creating a wall of sound that contrasts with the melodic vocals.
The album's pacing is consistent, with mid-tempo songs interspersed with slightly more upbeat tracks like 'April Skies,' maintaining listener engagement.

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

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

bittersweet reflections on love
steady mid-tempo listening experience
ethereal melodies for introspection
melancholic vibes for rainy days

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Cited as a cornerstone of shoegaze, showcasing the band's signature sound and artistic growth.
Career context: Released in 1987, Darklands was The Jesus and Mary Chain's second studio album, following their influential debut, Psychocandy. At this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound, blending noise rock with pop sensibilities while navigating the pressures of commercial success post-breakthrough.
Stylistic neighbors: My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Spiritualized