What makes Papillon by Editors notable?

'Papillon' reached number one on the UK Indie Chart and was a staple in Editors' live performances, showcasing their growth and experimentation. The song also received critical acclaim for its anthemic quality, cementing Editors' place within the alternative rock genre during this phase. Released as the lead single from their third album, 'In This Light and on This Evening', 'Papillon' marked a significant shift for Editors. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from their early post-punk sound into more electronic influences, as evidenced by the production choices made on this track.

How many songs are on Papillon?

Papillon has 2 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this October

Papillon

Editors · 2009

13 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of post-punk revival energy and sweeping melodic hooks that captures both urgency and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Papillon — This track exemplifies the band's shift towards a more electronic sound while maintaining their signature intensity, featuring soaring vocals and layered instrumentals.
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Papillon (Tiësto remix) — The Tiësto remix reinterprets the original with a club-ready beat, highlighting its versatility and introducing Editors to a wider electronic audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Editors' shift in sound with strong hooks but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The song 'Papillon' features a driving beat with layered guitars that create a sense of urgency throughout its duration.
The structure includes a build-up to a soaring chorus, contrasting with verses that are more subdued and introspective.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a shift in sound for Editors, blending post-punk with new elements.
Themes: electronic evolution· post-punk urgency
Career context: Released as the lead single from their third album, 'In This Light and on This Evening', 'Papillon' marked a significant shift for Editors. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from their early post-punk sound into more electronic influences, as evidenced by the production choices made on this track.
Stylistic neighbors: Interpol· The National· Bloc Party