What makes Tarantula by Faithless notable?

The track 'Tarantula' achieved notable success, becoming a staple in club playlists and receiving extensive airplay across Europe. Its remixes, particularly by Tiësto, contributed to the growing popularity of electronic dance music during the early 2000s, influencing both DJs and producers in the scene. By the release of 'Tarantula' in December 2001, Faithless was navigating a successful trajectory following their critically acclaimed album 'Sunday 8PM' in 1998. This single marked their continued evolution in sound and commercial appeal as they embraced more dance-oriented remixes, showcasing their versatility within electronic music.

How many songs are on Tarantula?

Tarantula has 3 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Tarantula

Faithless · 2001

19 min · 3 tracks · house music

A pulsating fusion of house, techno, and trip-hop that electrifies the dance floor with its rhythmic intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tarantula (radio edit) — As the flagship version of the single, this radio edit encapsulates the energetic essence of the track while maintaining accessibility for mainstream audiences.
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Tarantula (Rollo & Sister Bliss Funky as F*** mix) — This remix elevates the original with deeper grooves and dynamic elements, showcasing Faithless's signature blend of genres while catering to club environments.
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Tarantula (Tiësto remix) — Tiësto's remix reinterprets 'Tarantula' with an iconic progressive trance flair that helped solidify his reputation and brought Faithless's sound to a wider audience.

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 single showcases strong rhythmic elements and varied mixes, appealing to both club and radio audiences.

What we noticed

The main track features a driving four-on-the-floor beat with layered synths that create a dense, immersive soundscape.
Each mix offers a different interpretation of the original, with the Tiësto remix introducing a more pronounced bassline and tempo variation.
The radio edit condenses the track to focus on its most energetic sections, making it suitable for mainstream airplay.

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: Fan Favorite — A popular single that resonates with dedicated fans and showcases their signature sound.
Themes: club culture energy· electronic dance evolution
Career context: By the release of 'Tarantula' in December 2001, Faithless was navigating a successful trajectory following their critically acclaimed album 'Sunday 8PM' in 1998. This single marked their continued evolution in sound and commercial appeal as they embraced more dance-oriented remixes, showcasing their versatility within electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors: Massive Attack· Portishead· Underworld