What makes Stormy Weather by Echo & the Bunnymen notable?

The album's title track achieved notable airplay on radio stations, contributing to the band's renewed visibility in the mid-2000s music scene. Critics recognized it for its sophisticated arrangements and lyrical depth, helping solidify Echo & the Bunnymen's legacy as influential figures in British rock. Released in 2005, Stormy Weather came after Echo & the Bunnymen's reformation and prior to their resurgence in popularity, following their earlier albums like Flowers and their 1980s classics. This album marked a continued exploration of mature themes while maintaining the band's signature post-punk sound.

How many songs are on Stormy Weather?

Stormy Weather has 3 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Stormy Weather

Echo & the Bunnymen · 2005

12 min · 3 tracks · post-punk

Mournful melodies intertwine with lush string arrangements, creating an atmospheric soundscape reflective of loss and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stormy Weather (radio edit) — This radio edit encapsulates the essence of the album with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, making it a standout representation of the band's mature sound.
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What If We Are? (vocal & string version) — The combination of lush strings and introspective vocals highlights the band's ability to blend orchestral elements with their post-punk roots, demonstrating musical evolution.
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Stormy Weather (instrumental version) — This instrumental version emphasizes the rich soundscapes created by the band, allowing listeners to appreciate the arrangement without the distraction of lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong arrangements and emotional depth but is limited in its overall impact due to its format.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent string arrangement that complements the mournful vocal melody, creating a rich atmospheric sound.
The second track presents a vocal and string version that emphasizes the interplay between the voice and orchestration, differing from the radio edit.
The instrumental version of 'Stormy Weather' strips away vocals entirely, allowing the strings to dominate and create a reflective mood.

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: 7/10
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 — The title track gained notable airplay, enhancing the band's visibility post-reformation.
Themes: nostalgic orchestration· post-punk resurgence· emotional depth
Career context: Released in 2005, Stormy Weather came after Echo & the Bunnymen's reformation and prior to their resurgence in popularity, following their earlier albums like Flowers and their 1980s classics. This album marked a continued exploration of mature themes while maintaining the band's signature post-punk sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Joy Division· Siouxsie and the Banshees