Mirage cover

Released 10 years ago

Mirage

Digitalism · 2016

76 min · 15 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant journey through pulsating electronic beats layered with rich synth textures and anthemic melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Utopia — This track showcases a perfect blend of euphoric melodies and driving rhythms, embodying the album's overarching theme of escapism.
  • →
    Power Station — With its infectious groove and dynamic build-up, this track exemplifies Digitalism's knack for crafting club-ready anthems that energize listeners.
  • →
    Mirage, Pt. 1 — The opening segment of the two-part closer introduces a captivating sonic landscape that sets the stage for introspection and exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong electronic composition and production but lacks significant cultural footprint.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create a rich, immersive soundscape throughout its duration.
  • Tracks often build gradually, with rhythmic elements introduced progressively, leading to climactic moments before tapering off.
  • Several tracks incorporate anthemic melodies that recur and evolve, providing a sense of continuity across the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • immersive sonic landscapes to explore
  • dynamic beats for dance energy
  • uplifting melodies for celebration
  • cascading rhythms that invite movement
  • extended tracks for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of Mirage in 2016, Digitalism had already established themselves as key players in the electronic music scene with their previous albums. This record marked their return after a lengthy hiatus following their 2011 album, I Love You Dude, showcasing a matured sound while still embracing their signature energetic style.
Stylistic neighbors
Justice· Soulwax· Boys Noize

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Utopia

    The bridge introduces a shift in tempo, layering ethereal vocals over pulsating beats, creating a dreamlike state.

    This moment contrasts the high-energy verses, allowing listeners to experience a sense of calm that enhances the song’s thematic exploration of idealized escape.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Arena 3:02
  • 2 Battlecry 4:19
  • 3 Go Time 5:08
  • 4 Utopia 6:37
  • 5 Destination Breakdown 7:44
  • 6 Power Station 4:24
  • 7 Open Waters 4:53
  • 8 The Ism 2:50

Disc 2

  • 1 Dynamo 5:16
  • 2 Indigo Skies 4:14
  • 3 Mirage, Pt. 1 7:25
  • 4 Mirage, Pt. 2 5:08
  • 5 Shangri-La 3:41
  • 6 No Cash 5:50
  • 7 Blink 5:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata