The Cosmic Game
Thievery Corporation · 2004
62 min · 16 tracks · trip hop
A kaleidoscopic blend of downtempo grooves and world music influences that invites introspection and dance alike.
Top tracks — play these first
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Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun) Start here — This track sets the tone for the album with its urgent rhythm and striking commentary on societal issues, blending electronic beats with a sense of activism.
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Amerimacka — With its laid-back groove and poignant lyrics about American identity, this song captures the essence of cultural critique that permeates the album.
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Holographic Universe — The ethereal soundscape combined with philosophical themes creates a reflective atmosphere, showcasing Thievery Corporation's ability to blend deep concepts with captivating melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The Cosmic Game showcases strong writing and production, blending genres while maintaining a unique sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate multilingual lyrics, reflecting diverse cultural influences and themes.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady groove while others introduce more complex rhythms and textures.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic flow with varied pacing
- immersive listening experiences
- global musical landscapes exploration
- reflective and contemplative moods
- wave-like sonic journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established wider recognition with acclaim and chart success.
- Themes
- cultural critique· American identity· philosophical soundscapes
- Career context
- Released in 2004, The Cosmic Game is Thievery Corporation's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Richest Man in Babylon. By this time, the duo had solidified their reputation as pioneers in the downtempo genre, seamlessly merging electronic sounds with global musical influences. This album further expanded their experimental sound and marked an evolution in their artistic vision.
Tracklist
- 1 Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun) Start here 4:01
- 2 Warning Shots 5:02
- 3 Revolution Solution 3:41
- 4 The Cosmic Game 2:19
- 5 Satyam Shivam Sundaram 4:07
- 6 Amerimacka 5:41
- 7 Ambicion Eterna 3:43
- 8 Pela Janela 3:41
- 9 Sol Tapado 3:57
- 10 The Heart’s a Lonely Hunter 4:03
- 11 Holographic Universe 3:42
- 12 Doors of Perception 3:16
- 13 Wires and Watchtowers 4:19
- 14 The Supreme Illusion 4:10
- 15 The Time We Lost Our Way 4:11
- 16 A Gentle Dissolve 2:49
What to play next
Radio Retaliation
2008
Continues the global fusion while introducing fresh sounds and themes.
The Richest Man in Babylon
2002
Sets the stage with a similar blend of world music and electronic elements.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Talkie Walkie
Air
Shares a similar dreamy soundscape with lush electronic textures and introspective moods.
Dial 'M' for Monkey
Bonobo
Blends downtempo grooves with world music influences, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Simple Things
Zero 7
Equally rich in melodic layers and combines electronic elements with soulful vocals for reflective listening.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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