What makes Hurry Up, We're Dreaming by M83 notable?

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming received widespread acclaim upon release, charting in multiple countries and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Electronic Album. Its lead single, Midnight City, became an anthem of the early 2010s, influencing numerous artists and cementing M83's reputation as pioneers of the modern synth-pop revival. By the time M83 released Hurry Up, We're Dreaming in 2011, they had already gained significant recognition with their previous album, Saturdays = Youth. This double album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing a more ambitious and expansive sound while solidifying M83's place within the electronic music landscape.

Who is Hurry Up, We're Dreaming for?

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming works well if you're into long immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Hurry Up, We're Dreaming?

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming has 22 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Released 15 years ago this October

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

M83 · 2011

73 min · 22 tracks · electronic music

A sweeping blend of shimmering synths and ethereal vocals creating a vast, cinematic soundscape that invites introspection and wonder.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Midnight City — As the album's standout single, Midnight City features a pulsating synth line and haunting vocals that encapsulate the dreamy essence of the record while achieving commercial success.
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Wait — This track showcases a reflective mood with its atmospheric build-up and poignant lyrics about longing, exemplifying M83's ability to fuse emotion with expansive soundscapes.
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Outro — Serving as a powerful closing piece, Outro crescendos into an emotional climax that resonates deeply, embodying the album's themes of nostalgia and yearning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's sweeping soundscapes and seamless transitions create an immersive experience, showcasing M83's distinct style.

What we noticed

The final track, Outro, serves as a reflective conclusion, echoing themes introduced earlier while fading out slowly.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

long immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time M83 released Hurry Up, We're Dreaming in 2011, they had already gained significant recognition with their previous album, Saturdays = Youth. This double album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing a more ambitious and expansive sound while solidifying M83's place within the electronic music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Empire of the Sun· Chvrches· Washed Out