What does Phorward sound like?

A vibrant fusion of psychedelic rock and techno, blending eclectic rhythms with hypnotic melodies. Rooted in psychedelic rock and techno. Start with "You Me & Everything (Else)".

Is Phorward a good place to start with The Shamen?

Yes, Phorward is recommended as a starting point for new The Shamen listeners. A vibrant fusion of psychedelic rock and techno, blending eclectic rhythms with hypnotic melodies. Released in 1989, Phorward was The Shamen's third studio album and marked their transition towards a more techno-influenced sound, following their previous work on the album En-Tact. At this point, the band was gaining traction in the UK music scene and exploring new sonic territories that would define their future direction.

Phorward works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove exploration, infectious rhythms for movement and psychedelic vibes for socializing.

How many songs are on Phorward?

Phorward has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Phorward

The Shamen · 1989

47 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

A vibrant fusion of psychedelic rock and techno, blending eclectic rhythms with hypnotic melodies.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
You Me & Everything (Else) Start here — This track exemplifies the album's unique blend of genres, showcasing infectious beats and catchy hooks that helped solidify The Shamen's presence in the dance music scene.
→
Splash 2 — With its driving rhythm and psychedelic influences, this track captures the experimental essence of Phorward while appealing to both rock and electronic audiences.
→
Reraptyyouare — This track stands out for its intricate layering of sounds and thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting the band's artistic evolution during this period.
→
Phorward — As the titular track, it encapsulates the album's thematic exploration and musical diversity, marking a pivotal moment in The Shamen's career.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

Phorward showcases an innovative blend of psychedelic rock and techno, influencing early rave culture while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate repetitive, hypnotic rhythms that build gradually, creating a trance-like atmosphere.
The sequencing includes multiple versions of the same song, such as 'You Me & Everything' appearing in different edits, which adds to the album's experimental feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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

steady mid-tempo groove exploration
infectious rhythms for movement
psychedelic vibes for socializing
kaleidoscopic soundscapes to engage
sustained energy for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
need high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Phorward marks a shift towards techno, influencing early 90s rave culture.
Themes: psychedelic exploration· UK dance scene· hypnotic rhythms
Career context: Released in 1989, Phorward was The Shamen's third studio album and marked their transition towards a more techno-influenced sound, following their previous work on the album En-Tact. At this point, the band was gaining traction in the UK music scene and exploring new sonic territories that would define their future direction.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chemical Brothers· Orbital· Underworld