Is Once Upon a Time: The Singles a good place to start with Siouxsie and the Banshees?

Yes, Once Upon a Time: The Singles is recommended as a starting point for new Siouxsie and the Banshees listeners. A kaleidoscope of post-punk textures interwoven with ethereal melodies and haunting lyrics that capture the band's gothic essence. At the time of this release, Siouxsie and the Banshees had established themselves as a key player in the post-punk scene after their breakthrough album 'Juju' in 1981. 'Once Upon a Time: The Singles' compiles their most impactful tracks from earlier works, showcasing their evolution and solidifying their presence in alternative rock.

Who is Once Upon a Time: The Singles for?

Once Upon a Time: The Singles works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, nostalgic yet vibrant energy and short bursts of creativity.

How many songs are on Once Upon a Time: The Singles?

Once Upon a Time: The Singles has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Once Upon a Time: The Singles

Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1981

32 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscope of post-punk textures interwoven with ethereal melodies and haunting lyrics that capture the band's gothic essence.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Spellbound — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its driving rhythm and haunting vocals, encapsulating the energy of their live performances.
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Hong Kong Garden Start here — As one of their earliest hits, this song showcases their unique blend of punk ethos and melodic pop sensibility, marking a significant moment in their career.
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Happy House — With its infectious chorus and layered instrumentation, this track has become an anthem within the alternative scene, reflecting themes of escapism and joy amidst chaos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow that highlights key singles effectively.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements Siouxsie's distinct vocal delivery.
The running order places the most recognizable singles towards the end, building momentum and culminating in 'Spellbound' as a climactic finish.

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

steady mid-tempo groove
nostalgic yet vibrant energy
short bursts of creativity
engaging sing-along moments
immersive storytelling through singles

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, sprawling albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — This compilation features key singles, making it accessible for new listeners.
Themes: Hong Kong streets· gothic romance· post-punk escapism
Career context: At the time of this release, Siouxsie and the Banshees had established themselves as a key player in the post-punk scene after their breakthrough album 'Juju' in 1981. 'Once Upon a Time: The Singles' compiles their most impactful tracks from earlier works, showcasing their evolution and solidifying their presence in alternative rock.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division