What does Recess sound like?

A frenetic blend of bass-heavy electronic beats and playful samples that captures the chaotic energy of a rave. Rooted in EDM and dubstep. Start with "All Is Fair in Love and Brostep".

Is Recess a good place to start with Skrillex?

Yes, Recess is recommended as a starting point for new Skrillex listeners. A frenetic blend of bass-heavy electronic beats and playful samples that captures the chaotic energy of a rave. Released in 2014, Recess is Skrillex's first full-length project after his EPs Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and Bangarang, which established him as a leading figure in dubstep. This album marks a transitional phase in his career, showcasing his evolution from club-oriented tracks to broader pop influences while experimenting with genres like future house and trap.

Recess works well if you're into dynamic peaks and valleys, high-energy dance floor vibes and playful experimentation throughout.

How many songs are on Recess?

Recess has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Recess

Skrillex · 2014

46 min · 11 tracks · electronic dance music

A frenetic blend of bass-heavy electronic beats and playful samples that captures the chaotic energy of a rave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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All Is Fair in Love and Brostep Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Dirty Vibe — This track features an infectious mix of K-pop influences and heavy bass drops, exemplifying Skrillex's ability to blend diverse sounds while maintaining high energy.
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Recess — The title track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its catchy hook and dynamic production, representing Skrillex's signature sound while appealing to a broader audience.
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Ease My Mind — With its introspective lyrics and atmospheric build-up, this track showcases a more emotional side of Skrillex, contrasting sharply with the high-energy nature of other songs on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures rave energy with varied tempos and playful samples but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a frenetic pace, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing more varied tempos.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions and playful samples, creating a sense of chaos that mirrors the rave atmosphere.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier energy and allowing for moments of reflection.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic peaks and valleys
high-energy dance floor vibes
playful experimentation throughout
short bursts of excitement
engaging sonic surprises

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, steady rhythms
seek long, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Skrillex's reputation with a full-length project after successful EPs.
Themes: rave culture chaos· K-pop fusion· playful electronic energy
Career context: Released in 2014, Recess is Skrillex's first full-length project after his EPs Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and Bangarang, which established him as a leading figure in dubstep. This album marks a transitional phase in his career, showcasing his evolution from club-oriented tracks to broader pop influences while experimenting with genres like future house and trap.
Stylistic neighbors: Excision· Zeds Dead· Bassnectar