The Altogether
Orbital · 2001
62 min · 11 tracks · electronica
A blend of hypnotic beats and ethereal soundscapes that transports listeners into a meditative groove.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tension Start here — Opening the album with an atmospheric build-up, Tension sets the tone for a sonic journey filled with complex layers and rhythmic intricacies.
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Waving Not Drowning — This track showcases a unique blend of spoken word samples and lush synths, encapsulating a contemplative mood that resonates throughout the album.
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Funny Break (One Is Enough) — Infused with playful samples and infectious grooves, this track represents Orbital's knack for blending humor with innovative sound design.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features intricate compositions and varied pacing, establishing a solid yet evolving soundscape.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature extended ambient sections where rhythm drops out entirely, allowing for atmospheric exploration.
- The album includes moments of abrupt tempo changes, particularly in 'Oi!' which shifts from a steady groove to frenetic beats.
- The final track, 'Meltdown', combines elements from earlier pieces, creating a sense of closure while maintaining an open-ended feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady rhythmic journey throughout
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
- engaging background for socializing
- playful yet immersive experience
- headphone detail hunting required
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The Altogether represents a departure in sound, showcasing Orbital's innovative approach.
- Themes
- meditative soundscapes· playful sonic experimentation· spoken word reflections
- Career context
- Released in 2001, The Altogether marked Orbital's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Middle of Nowhere. At this point, the duo was navigating a period of evolution in their sound, moving towards more melodic elements while maintaining their roots in techno and electronica.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chemical Brothers· Underworld· Leftfield
Tracklist
- 1 Tension Start here 5:52
- 2 Funny Break (One Is Enough) 4:55
- 3 Oi! 5:04
- 4 Pay Per View 5:11
- 5 Tootled 4:51
- 6 Last Thing 5:12
- 7 Doctor? 5:30
- 8 Shadows 5:47
- 9 Waving Not Drowning 4:31
- 10 Illuminate 5:28
- 11 Meltdown 10:17
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Geogaddi
Boards of Canada
Shares a similar meditative atmosphere with intricate soundscapes and reflective themes.
Dive
Tycho
Combines lush, ambient textures with rhythmic beats that create a serene listening experience.
Come with Us
The Chemical Brothers
Merges hypnotic grooves with playful sonic experimentation, resonating with Orbital's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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