First and Last and Always
The Sisters of Mercy · 1985
46 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A brooding blend of dark wave and post-punk with haunting vocals and driving rhythms that define the gothic rock sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Planet — This track opens the album with an aggressive tempo and layered instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature blend of darkness and melody.
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Marian (version) — A standout track that exemplifies the band's lyrical depth and emotional resonance, featuring a haunting melody that captures the essence of longing.
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Walk Away — This song combines catchy hooks with somber themes, illustrating the contrast between pop sensibilities and gothic aesthetics present throughout the album.
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Possession — With its driving beat and intense vocal performance, this track exemplifies the urgency and passion that characterize much of the album's sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of dark wave and post-punk elements creates a distinctive gothic sound that resonates with its era.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Black Planet', establishing a consistent tempo that persists through the first half.
- Vocals are layered with reverb, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the dark wave instrumentation throughout.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, such as 'A Rock and a Hard Place' leading directly into 'Marian', which shifts the mood significantly.
- The final track, 'Some Kind of Stranger', closes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 11, 1985, 'First and Last and Always' was The Sisters of Mercy's debut studio album after their early EPs. At this point, they were transitioning from a cult underground band to a significant force in the emerging gothic rock scene, setting the stage for their influential sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fields of the Nephilim· Bauhaus· The Mission
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Black Planet 4:28
- 2 Walk Away 3:23
- 3 No Time to Cry 4:06
- 4 A Rock and a Hard Place 3:36
- 5 Marian (version) 5:45
- 6 First and Last and Always 4:02
- 7 Possession 4:39
- 8 Nine While Nine 4:12
- 9 Amphetamine Logic 4:54
- 10 Some Kind of Stranger 7:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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