Noise vs. Beauty cover

Noise vs. Beauty

Bassnectar · 2014

58 min · 15 tracks · electronic dance music

An immersive blend of bass-heavy electronic textures and emotive melodies that invites movement and introspection alike.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You & Me — This track features a captivating vocal sample intertwined with pulsating bass lines, creating an uplifting anthem that resonates with listeners during live performances.
  • →
    Hold On — With its emotive lyrics and driving rhythm, this track stands out as a powerful representation of Bassnectar's ability to blend emotional depth with high-energy beats.
  • →
    F.U.N. Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its vibrant energy and intricate production, encapsulating the essence of Bassnectar's style while inviting listeners into his sonic world.

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 blends immersive soundscapes with heavy bass, creating an engaging yet introspective listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering intricate electronic textures before dropping into heavy bass sections.
  • Several tracks incorporate ambient interludes that create a sense of space and introspection, contrasting with the more energetic segments.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's journey.
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 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with euphoric peaks
  • danceable rhythms for celebration
  • immersive soundscapes for exploration
  • uplifting vibes for social gatherings
  • gradual build towards cathartic release

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — The album showcases artistic ambition and solidified Bassnectar's status in the genre.
Themes
immersive soundscapes· community connection· emotive basslines
Career context
Released in 2014, Noise vs. Beauty marked Bassnectar's sixth studio album, following the acclaimed Divergent Spectrum from 2011. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a leading figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, known for his innovative live performances and community engagement.
Stylistic neighbors
Pretty Lights· GRiZ· Tiësto

Tracklist

  • 1 F.U.N. Start here 4:42
  • 2 Now 4:06
  • 3 Loco Ono 3:05
  • 4 You & Me 4:04
  • 5 Lost in the Crowd 3:33
  • 6 Ephemeral 4:39
  • 7 Hold On 2:39
  • 8 Noise 4:07
  • 9 The Future 3:51
  • 10 Open Up 3:36
  • 11 Mystery Song 2:56
  • 12 Don't Hate the 808 3:17
  • 13 Gnar 3:49
  • 14 Flash Back 4:11
  • 15 So Butterfly (2014 version) 6:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata