What makes Looking Through by The Danse Society notable?

The album received positive reviews upon its release, helping to solidify The Danse Society's presence in the gothic rock and synth-pop scenes. Not only did it chart in the UK, but songs like All I Want became notable tracks on alternative radio stations, influencing the emerging darkwave genre. Looking Through is The Danse Society's second album, following their debut release, Seduction, in 1983. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from the post-punk movement into a more polished synth-pop sound while maintaining their gothic roots. This album represents a critical moment as it showcased their evolving musical identity during the mid-1980s.

How many songs are on Looking Through?

Looking Through has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Looking Through

The Danse Society · 1986

36 min · 8 tracks · synth-pop

A blend of atmospheric synth-pop and gothic rock, enveloping listeners in haunting melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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All I Want — This opening track captures the essence of the album with its lush synth landscapes and poignant lyrics about longing and desire, setting a compelling tone.
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Institution — With its driving beat and dark lyrical themes, this song reflects the band's exploration of societal issues, showcasing their ability to merge pop sensibilities with deeper commentary.
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House of Love — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and intricate production, representing a high point in the band's shift towards more accessible yet thematically rich music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric synth-pop with gothic elements, showcasing solid songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more atmospheric sound.
Several songs feature layered synths that create a dense, immersive soundscape, particularly in 'House of Love' and 'Midnight Land'.
The lyrics often explore themes of longing and introspection, which are emphasized by the haunting vocal delivery.

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: 6/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 All I Want 6:23
2 Institution 5:15
3 Sunset Gun 3:46
4 Looking Through 5:11
5 Runaway 3:16
6 House of Love 4:19
7 Don't Stop Now 3:54
8 Midnight Land 4:06

What to play next

Listen next

Sailing Mirrors

2020

Go back to

Heaven Is Waiting

1983

Full The Danse Society discography Artists like The Danse Society

gothic rock synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata