What makes Junk by M83 notable?

Upon its release, 'Junk' received mixed reviews but was noted for its bold departure from M83's previous work, influencing the synth-pop landscape. The track 'Go!' featured in commercials and film soundtracks, extending its cultural reach beyond traditional music platforms. By the time 'Junk' was released in April 2016, M83 had established themselves as a prominent name in electronic music. This album served as a follow-up to their commercially successful 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming' from 2011, marking a shift towards a more eclectic and playful sonic palette.

Junk works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and whimsical yet melancholic vibes.

How many songs are on Junk?

Junk has 15 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Junk

M83 · 2016

55 min · 15 tracks · electronic music

Retro-futuristic synths blend with dreamy vocals, crafting a whimsical soundscape that evokes nostalgia for an imagined past.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Go! — As the lead single, 'Go!' encapsulates the album's energetic spirit and infectious hooks while featuring guest vocals from Mai Lan, making it a standout track.
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Bibi the Dog — This track combines whimsical sounds with a catchy melody, highlighting M83's ability to blend playfulness with emotional depth, acting as a microcosm of the album.
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Solitude — 'Solitude' delivers an introspective moment within the album, showcasing atmospheric layers and reflective lyrics that contrast with the more upbeat tracks.
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Sunday Night 1987 — 'Sunday Night 1987' pays homage to nostalgic pop culture with its shimmering synths and evocative soundscapes, representing the album's thematic core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends nostalgic synths and dreamy vocals, though its pacing and structure lead to mixed engagement over time.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of retro synth sounds across nearly all tracks, creating a cohesive nostalgic atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate dreamy vocal samples that blend seamlessly with the instrumental elements, enhancing the ethereal quality.
The pacing varies significantly; some tracks maintain a steady rhythm while others shift abruptly, creating a sense of unpredictability.
The last three tracks slow down considerably, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's energetic start.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
whimsical yet melancholic vibes
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Junk' was released in April 2016, M83 had established themselves as a prominent name in electronic music. This album served as a follow-up to their commercially successful 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming' from 2011, marking a shift towards a more eclectic and playful sonic palette.
Stylistic neighbors: Empire of the Sun· Chvrches· Washed Out