What makes Saltwater by Chicane notable?

Saltwater achieved significant commercial success, reaching high positions on charts across Europe and becoming a staple track in club scenes. Its innovative use of ethereal vocals over pulsating rhythms influenced many trance artists and contributed to the genre's popularity during the late '90s. Released in 1999, Saltwater marked Chicane's ascent in the electronic music scene, following the success of their debut album, Far from the Maddening Crowds. This album solidified Chicane's reputation as a key figure in the trance genre, showcasing their ability to combine emotive melodies with danceable beats.

How many songs are on Saltwater?

Saltwater has 4 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

Saltwater

Chicane · 1999

25 min · 4 tracks · electronica

A euphoric blend of lush synths and haunting vocals that captures the essence of late '90s trance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Saltwater (original edit) — This radio-friendly version distills the essence of the track into a concise format, emphasizing its catchy melody and emotional weight.
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Saltwater (original mix) — The original mix extends the journey, allowing for an immersive experience that highlights the lush production and atmospheric elements characteristic of Chicane.
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Saltwater (Tomski vs. Disco Citizens remix) — This remix adds an energetic twist, transforming the original into a more upbeat anthem while retaining its melodic core, showcasing artistic reinterpretation.

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 record showcases solid composition and craft but lacks deep cohesion due to multiple versions.

What we noticed

The original edit and mix both feature a steady four-on-the-floor beat, while the remixes introduce variations in tempo and arrangement.
Each version of 'Saltwater' maintains a consistent melodic theme, with lush synths layered over rhythmic basslines throughout.
The track lengths vary significantly, with the original edit being concise at around three minutes, while the remixes extend to over six minutes.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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: Breakthrough — Established Chicane's reputation in the electronic music scene with commercial success.
Career context: Released in 1999, Saltwater marked Chicane's ascent in the electronic music scene, following the success of their debut album, Far from the Maddening Crowds. This album solidified Chicane's reputation as a key figure in the trance genre, showcasing their ability to combine emotive melodies with danceable beats.
Stylistic neighbors: BT· Above & Beyond· Solarstone