What makes Oblivion by M83 notable?

Oblivion received widespread acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. The album's lush compositions not only enhanced the film's narrative but also solidified M83's influence in the electronic music genre, showcasing their capability to bridge cinema and music effectively. By the time M83 released Oblivion in 2013, they were already established in the electronic music scene, following the success of their 2011 album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. The soundtrack for the film of the same name marked a significant moment as it showcased M83's ability to score films while maintaining their signature sound, further expanding their artistic repertoire.

Oblivion works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Oblivion?

Oblivion has 17 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Oblivion

M83 · 2013

69 min · 17 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal soundscapes blend with cinematic synths to create a vast, immersive journey through space and emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Waking Up — This track encapsulates the album’s emotional core with its sweeping melodies and delicate vocals, setting a reflective tone that resonates throughout.
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You Can’t Save Her — The haunting atmosphere and poignant instrumentation elevate this track, making it a standout moment that captures themes of loss and longing.
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Oblivion — As the titular track, it masterfully combines ethereal vocals with expansive soundscapes, offering a climactic culmination of the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album creates an immersive soundscape with cinematic qualities, though it may not reward extensive revisits.

What we noticed

The album features long, sweeping tracks that often build slowly, layering synths and textures over time.
Several tracks incorporate cinematic elements, such as orchestral arrangements and sound effects, enhancing the immersive quality.
The majority of the tracks are instrumental, with only a few featuring sparse vocal contributions, creating a focus on the music's atmosphere.

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 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
wave-like pacing throughout

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time M83 released Oblivion in 2013, they were already established in the electronic music scene, following the success of their 2011 album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. The soundtrack for the film of the same name marked a significant moment as it showcased M83's ability to score films while maintaining their signature sound, further expanding their artistic repertoire.
Stylistic neighbors: Empire of the Sun· Chvrches· Washed Out