Released 40 years ago
Labyrinth
David Bowie · 1986
43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A whimsical blend of theatrical pop and ambient soundscapes intertwined with a narrative-driven musical journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Opening Titles Including Underground Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Magic Dance — This track features a playful call-and-response dynamic that encapsulates the film's whimsical nature while showcasing Bowie's vocal prowess and charisma.
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As The World Falls Down — This hauntingly romantic ballad captures the film's emotional core, with lush melodies that highlight Bowie's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
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Within You — With its dark, introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, this track exemplifies Bowie's knack for blending surrealism with poignant themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends eclectic arrangements with theatrical elements, creating a unique soundscape tied to its film narrative.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate dialogue snippets from the film, creating a narrative flow that connects the music to its cinematic context.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with 'Magic Dance' being an upbeat highlight followed by more atmospheric pieces like 'As The World Falls Down.'
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- whimsical theatrical storytelling experience
- steady pacing with climactic moments
- immersive journey into fantasy
- playful tracks for imaginative minds
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, quick gratification
- avoid whimsical and eclectic sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Bowie's catalog with a unique sound, but not widely recognized as essential.
- Themes
- fantastical realms· whimsical storytelling· theater of dreams
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Labyrinth served as a soundtrack for the film of the same name, marking Bowie’s return to film music after his earlier work on The Man Who Fell to Earth. At this point in his career, Bowie was exploring new artistic avenues, transitioning from the commercial success of Let's Dance into more experimental realms, illustrating his versatility as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads
Tracklist
- 1 Opening Titles Including Underground Start here 3:21
- 2 Into The Labyrinth 2:11
- 3 Magic Dance 5:11
- 4 Sarah 3:11
- 5 Chilly Down 3:45
- 6 Hallucination 3:02
- 7 As The World Falls Down 4:51
- 8 The Goblin Battle 3:31
- 9 Within You 3:29
- 10 Thirteen O'Clock 3:08
- 11 Home At Last 1:47
- 12 Underground 5:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Both create whimsical narratives with theatrical arrangements and lush soundscapes.
So
Peter Gabriel
Shares a blend of eclectic instrumentation and storytelling that evokes vivid imagery.
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Equally introspective and theatrical, exploring fantastical themes through personal storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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