Is Nocturne a good place to start with Siouxsie and the Banshees?

Yes, Nocturne is recommended as a starting point for new Siouxsie and the Banshees listeners. A haunting blend of ethereal melodies and driving rhythms, embodying the gothic rock essence that defined an era. By the time Nocturne was released in November 1983, Siouxsie and the Banshees were at a pivotal point in their career. This album arrived after the commercial success of Juju, solidifying their status as leading figures in the post-punk movement while showcasing a live performance energy captured on record.

Nocturne works well if you're into wave-like pacing with intensity, dynamic exploration of emotions and haunting melodies for introspection.

How many songs are on Nocturne?

Nocturne has 16 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Nocturne

Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1983

76 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of ethereal melodies and driving rhythms, embodying the gothic rock essence that defined an era.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Israel Start here — The opening track sets a dramatic tone with its pulsating rhythm and urgent vocals, immediately immersing listeners in the band's signature sound.
→
Dear Prudence — This cover of the Beatles classic transforms the original’s serene mood into an atmospheric exploration, highlighting Siouxsie's unique vocal delivery.
→
Spellbound — Its driving beat and intricate guitar lines make this track a standout moment, capturing the energy of their live performances while showcasing lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's live nature and varied pacing highlight its gothic rock essence while showcasing the band's stage presence.

What we noticed

The album features live recordings that capture the energy of the band's performance, with audience reactions audible throughout.
Tracks are arranged to alternate between more aggressive songs and ethereal pieces, creating a dynamic flow.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups before returning to vocal lines.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

wave-like pacing with intensity
dynamic exploration of emotions
haunting melodies for introspection
late-night reflective listening
immersive soundscapes for solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer shorter, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified their status after the success of Juju, enhancing recognition.
Themes: post-punk evolution· gothic nightscapes· theatrical performances
Career context: By the time Nocturne was released in November 1983, Siouxsie and the Banshees were at a pivotal point in their career. This album arrived after the commercial success of Juju, solidifying their status as leading figures in the post-punk movement while showcasing a live performance energy captured on record.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division