What makes Silence by Sarah McLachlan notable?

The track gained immense popularity in clubs and among electronic music fans, becoming a staple in dance music playlists. Its success contributed to the broader acceptance of electronic influences in mainstream pop and paved the way for future collaborations between pop artists and electronic producers. By 1999, Sarah McLachlan was at a significant peak following her breakthrough album 'Surfacing' (1997), which solidified her status in the adult contemporary scene. 'Silence' represents her foray into the electronic music realm, showcasing her versatility as an artist while collaborating with Delerium on this remix project.

How many songs are on Silence?

Silence has 3 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Silence

Sarah McLachlan · 1999

21 min · 3 tracks · pop music

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and pulsating electronic beats creates an immersive soundscape that lingers in the mind.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold remix) — This remix transforms the original's emotive essence into a dance floor anthem, highlighting McLachlan's vocals against driving beats that enhance its emotional depth.
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Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold dub mix) — The dub mix strips down elements to focus on rhythm and atmosphere, illustrating how McLachlan's voice can adapt within different musical contexts while maintaining its haunting quality.
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Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold dub instrumental mix) — This instrumental version allows listeners to appreciate the intricate production and sound design, offering a fresh perspective on the emotional weight carried by the original vocal track.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The single effectively showcases McLachlan's transition into electronic music with varied remixes.

What we noticed

The single features three versions of the same track, each emphasizing different aspects of the remixing process.
The first track is a vocal remix that highlights McLachlan's ethereal voice over pulsating electronic beats.
The second track is a dub mix that strips back the vocals to focus on the rhythm and bass elements.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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: Experimental — Represents a shift towards electronic influences, diversifying her established sound.
Career context: By 1999, Sarah McLachlan was at a significant peak following her breakthrough album 'Surfacing' (1997), which solidified her status in the adult contemporary scene. 'Silence' represents her foray into the electronic music realm, showcasing her versatility as an artist while collaborating with Delerium on this remix project.
Stylistic neighbors: Tori Amos· Enya· Natalie Merchant

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold remix) 7:33
2 Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold dub mix) 7:03
3 Silence (Niels van Gogh vs. Thomas Gold dub instrumental mix) 7:01

What to play next

Listen next

Mirrorball

1999

Go back to

Surfacing

1997

Full Sarah McLachlan discography Artists like Sarah McLachlan

adult contemporary music pop rock soft rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata