What makes Like Swimming by Morphine notable?

The album showcases Morphine's signature sound and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to rock music. While it did not achieve mainstream commercial success like its predecessor, it has since been recognized as a key record in the band's discography and continues to influence alternative and indie rock artists today. Released in 1997, Like Swimming is Morphine's fourth studio album, following the breakthrough success of Cure for Pain. At this point, the band had solidified their distinctive sound, characterized by a unique combination of two-string slide bass, saxophone, and drums, which set them apart from their contemporaries in the alternative rock scene.

How many songs are on Like Swimming?

Like Swimming has 17 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Like Swimming

Morphine · 1997

53 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A sultry blend of jazz-infused rock and blues, marked by low-end grooves and haunting baritone melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Like Swimming — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of fluidity and existential reflection, featuring a hypnotic rhythm that draws listeners into its atmospheric depths.
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Wishing Well — With its catchy chorus and vivid imagery, this track exemplifies Morphine's ability to blend storytelling with their distinct sound, making it memorable among fans.
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Murder for the Money — This track’s driving beat and gritty lyrics explore darker themes while showcasing the band's signature minimalist instrumentation, making it a standout piece on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Morphine's 'Like Swimming' showcases strong songwriting and a unique sound, though it lacks mainstream recognition.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature a prominent baritone saxophone that intertwines with the vocals, creating a distinctive sound texture.
The album includes multiple instances of repeated motifs, particularly in the melodies, which contribute to a hypnotic effect.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.