What makes Taste in Men by Placebo notable?

'Taste in Men' received critical acclaim for its bold exploration of sexuality and identity, charting in multiple countries and solidifying Placebo's influence in the Britpop and alternative rock movements of the early 2000s. Its provocative themes contributed to discussions around LGBTQ+ representation in music during a pivotal cultural moment. Released on July 17, 2000, 'Taste in Men' marked Placebo's fourth studio album, following their commercially successful 'Without You I'm Nothing'. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation in the alternative rock scene, experimenting with electronic elements while maintaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on Taste in Men?

Taste in Men has 3 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Taste in Men

Placebo · 2000

12 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of synth-driven melodies and alternative rock grit, exploring themes of desire and identity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Taste in Men — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of desire and attraction, driven by an infectious bass line and Brian Molko's distinctive vocals that challenge societal norms.
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Johnny and Mary — A cover of Robert Palmer's classic, this rendition showcases Placebo's ability to reinterpret existing works through a lens of melancholy and introspection, highlighting their artistic versatility.
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Taste in Men (Adrian Sherwood Go Go Dub mix) — This remix adds a layer of depth to the original, emphasizing the album's electronic influences while providing a fresh take on its central themes of sexuality and longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and thematic exploration but lacks cohesion due to its varied styles.

What we noticed

The second track, 'Johnny and Mary', is a cover that shifts to a more subdued, melancholic tone, contrasting sharply with the opener.
The final track is a dub remix of the title track, which reinterprets the original's elements into a more spacious and rhythmic arrangement.

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: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 — Solidified Placebo's reputation and influence in Britpop and alternative rock.
Themes: provocative desire· Britpop glam aesthetics· electronic dance pulse
Career context: Released on July 17, 2000, 'Taste in Men' marked Placebo's fourth studio album, following their commercially successful 'Without You I'm Nothing'. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation in the alternative rock scene, experimenting with electronic elements while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance