Profound Mysteries
Röyksopp · 2022
51 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
Ethereal synths intertwine with emotive vocals, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and introspective.
Top tracks — play these first
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(Nothing but) Ashes… — Opening the album, this track sets a haunting tone with its minimalist instrumentation and reflective lyrics about loss and transformation.
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The Ladder — This track features an infectious melody paired with uplifting themes of aspiration and connection, emblematic of Röyksopp's signature sound.
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Impossible — A standout single that combines poignant lyrics with lush production, highlighting the duo’s knack for marrying emotional weight with danceable beats.
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Breathe — With its immersive atmosphere and soothing vocals, this track encapsulates the album's introspective essence while inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends emotive vocals with expansive synths, creating a cohesive yet introspective soundscape.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered synths and minimal percussion, establishing an atmospheric tone.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic vocals, creating a dialogue between the two.
- The last three tracks gradually reduce in tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 progression with resolution
- introspective reflections on nature
- immersive journey through soundscapes
- haunting melodies for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a five-year hiatus, exploring new themes and sounds.
- Career context
- Profound Mysteries marks Röyksopp's return after a five-year hiatus since their 2017 album, The Inevitable End. This album continues their evolution in electronic music while also exploring new thematic depths, showcasing their growth as artists who have adapted to changing musical landscapes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 (Nothing but) Ashes… 1:53
- 2 The Ladder 5:33
- 3 Impossible 6:27
- 4 This Time, This Place… 7:44
- 5 How the Flowers Grow 5:43
- 6 If You Want Me 5:39
- 7 There, Beyond the Trees 6:22
- 8 Breathe 4:36
- 9 The Mourning Sun 6:09
- 10 Press «R» 0:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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