Is Swordfish a good place to start with Paul Oakenfold?

Yes, Swordfish is recommended as a starting point for new Paul Oakenfold listeners. A pulsating blend of electronic beats and cinematic soundscapes that electrifies the dance floor while capturing a film's edgy atmosphere. When 'Swordfish' was released in 2001, Paul Oakenfold was at the height of his career, following his breakthrough album 'Tranceport' (1998). This soundtrack showcased his ability to merge film music with his distinct trance style, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in electronic music.

Who is Swordfish for?

Swordfish works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, adrenaline-pumping dance moments and cinematic soundscapes to explore.

How many songs are on Swordfish?

Swordfish has 15 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Swordfish

Paul Oakenfold · 2001

70 min · 15 tracks · trance

A pulsating blend of electronic beats and cinematic soundscapes that electrifies the dance floor while capturing a film's edgy atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Word (PMT remix) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Dark Machine — This track exemplifies Oakenfold's signature sound with its deep basslines and atmospheric build-up, making it a standout piece for its intensity.
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Lapdance (Paul Oakenfold Swordfish mix) — This remix transforms the original into a club anthem by enhancing its rhythmic drive, reflecting Oakenfold's skill in reimagining tracks for dance floors.
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Planet Rock (Swordfish mix) — Featuring iconic samples and a futuristic beat, this mix bridges hip-hop and electronic genres, showcasing Oakenfold's versatility as a producer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends cinematic elements with trance but lacks standout compositions to elevate it further.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cinematic intro that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent tempo and energy level throughout.
Several tracks feature remixes of well-known songs, integrating recognizable melodies into Oakenfold's trance style.
The use of layered synths and pulsating bass lines creates a dense soundscape, while occasional breaks allow for dynamic shifts in intensity.

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: 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

wave-like pacing with peaks
adrenaline-pumping dance moments
cinematic soundscapes to explore
dynamic progression through tracks
for late-night energy

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, single tracks
seek slow, contemplative sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Showcased Oakenfold's blend of film music and electronic, enhancing his reputation.
Themes: cinematic soundscapes· adrenaline-fueled energy· early 2000s trance
Career context: When 'Swordfish' was released in 2001, Paul Oakenfold was at the height of his career, following his breakthrough album 'Tranceport' (1998). This soundtrack showcased his ability to merge film music with his distinct trance style, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors: Armin van Buuren· Above & Beyond· Paul van Dyk