Is Shape the Future a good place to start with Nightmares on Wax?

Yes, Shape the Future is recommended as a starting point for new Nightmares on Wax listeners. A lush tapestry of downtempo grooves and soulful melodies, blending electronic textures with organic instrumentation. By the time 'Shape the Future' was released in 2018, Nightmares on Wax had already established themselves as a staple in the electronic music scene, notably following their influential album 'Carboot Soul' from 1999. This release marked their sixth studio album and showcased a matured sound that drew from decades of experimentation while still maintaining their signature laid-back vibe.

Who is Shape the Future for?

Shape the Future works well if you're into reflective sonic landscapes, steady flow with peaks and soulful melodies for relaxation.

How many songs are on Shape the Future?

Shape the Future has 13 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Shape the Future

Nightmares on Wax · 2018

57 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A lush tapestry of downtempo grooves and soulful melodies, blending electronic textures with organic instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Back to Nature Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its immersive soundscapes and rich instrumentation, embodying the essence of Nightmares on Wax’s sonic exploration.
→
Shape the Future — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, combining reflective lyrics with an infectious groove that invites listeners to contemplate change and progress.
→
Gotta Smile — This track stands out with its uplifting melody and feel-good rhythm, showcasing the duo's ability to blend introspective themes with joyous musicality.
→
Tell My Vision — This song features compelling vocal elements that weave through a rich instrumental backdrop, highlighting the album's diverse influences and Nightmares on Wax's unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic and organic sounds effectively, showcasing solid craftsmanship and composition.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering electronic textures with organic sounds, while the second half shifts to more rhythmic and upbeat grooves.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

reflective sonic landscapes
steady flow with peaks
soulful melodies for relaxation
for evening unwind

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues to showcase the artist's creativity and relevance in electronic music.
Themes: immersive soundscapes· organic instrumentation· contemplative progress
Career context: By the time 'Shape the Future' was released in 2018, Nightmares on Wax had already established themselves as a staple in the electronic music scene, notably following their influential album 'Carboot Soul' from 1999. This release marked their sixth studio album and showcased a matured sound that drew from decades of experimentation while still maintaining their signature laid-back vibe.
Stylistic neighbors: Bonobo· Thievery Corporation· Air