Deep
Peter Murphy · 1989
59 min · 11 tracks · post-punk
A sonorous exploration of longing and introspection, woven through darkly atmospheric soundscapes and haunting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cuts You Up — As the standout single from the album, it showcases Murphy's ability to merge melodic hooks with brooding lyrics, capturing the essence of his artistic vision.
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Deep Ocean Vast Sea — The opening track sets a profound tone for the entire album, blending lush instrumentation with introspective themes that resonate throughout.
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A Strange Kind of Love (version one) — This track exemplifies Murphy's unique songwriting style, as it explores complex emotions through rich imagery and evocative storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's atmospheric depth and cohesive sound contribute to its strong identity within post-punk.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build that introduces layered synths and distant vocals, setting a contemplative tone.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the soundscapes to breathe and create an immersive experience.
- The album includes two versions of 'A Strange Kind of Love' and a reprise of 'Roll Call', which emphasizes thematic continuity across the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 atmosphere for introspection
- patient unfolding of lyrical depth
- immersive listening for solitude
- emotional resonance with layered themes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, 'Deep' is Peter Murphy's third solo album, following his successful second release, 'Love Hysteria'. At this point in his career, Murphy was solidifying his identity outside of Bauhaus, the seminal post-punk band he co-founded, while continuing to experiment with a blend of gothic rock and new wave elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bauhaus· Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Deep Ocean Vast Sea 4:08
- 2 Shy 4:36
- 3 Crystal Wrists 4:09
- 4 Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem 5:20
- 5 Seven Veils 5:58
- 6 The Line Between the Devil's Teeth (and That Which Cannot Be Repeat) 5:37
- 7 Cuts You Up 5:27
- 8 A Strange Kind of Love (version one) 3:48
- 9 Roll Call 6:35
- 10 Roll Call (reprise) 8:18
- 11 A Strange Kind of Love (version two) 5:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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