Ex:el
808 State · 1991
64 min · 13 tracks · electronic music
A vibrant fusion of acid house and electronic experimentation that pushes the boundaries of dance music in the early '90s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cübik — This track exemplifies the album's cutting-edge sound with its infectious melody and complex layering, becoming a defining anthem of early '90s rave culture.
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In Yer Face — In Yer Face combines driving beats with samples and vocal snippets that create an energetic atmosphere, reflecting the essence of rave culture.
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Spanish Heart — This track showcases a blend of world music influences with electronic beats, highlighting 808 State's eclectic approach to production.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative production and a blend of styles, making it a notable entry in early '90s electronic music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered synthesizers and samples, creating a dense soundscape that evolves throughout each track.
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving beats, while the latter half introduces more ambient and experimental elements.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- infectious grooves for dancing
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- playful soundscapes to explore
- dynamic transitions between tracks
- late-night party atmosphere
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, introspective music
- dislike repetitive rhythmic patterns
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Ex:el is 808 State's third studio album, released in 1991 after their breakthrough with the critically acclaimed Ninety. The band was solidifying their place in the electronic music scene, following a period of rapid innovation and popularity within the burgeoning acid house movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chemical Brothers· Orbital· Underworld
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Lift
The verses build tension through repetitive phrases that gradually escalate before dropping into a euphoric chorus.
The structural shift elevates the track's energy, mirroring the ecstatic nature of dance floors while engaging listeners in a rhythmic journey.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 San Francisco 4:56
- 2 Spanish Heart 3:51
- 3 Leo Leo 4:01
- 4 Qmart 4:58
- 5 Nephatiti 4:50
- 6 Lift 5:12
- 7 Ooops 4:41
- 8 Empire 4:20
- 9 In Yer Face 5:12
- 10 Cübik 9:27
- 11 Lambrusco Cowboy 4:05
- 12 Techno Bell 4:56
- 13 Olympic 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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