Top tracks — play these first
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The Mountain Will Fall Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Nobody Speak — This track features sharp, clever verses from Run the Jewels that address social issues while contrasted by Shadow's infectious production, making it an anthem for contemporary political discourse.
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California — With its laid-back vibe and reflective lyrics about life in California, this track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of personal and geographical identity.
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Ghost Town — This haunting track blends atmospheric sounds with a poignant narrative about loss and isolation, highlighting DJ Shadow's ability to evoke deep emotions through instrumental storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features complex compositions and strong production but has moments that disrupt its overall flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that establishes a slow, atmospheric build before transitioning into the more upbeat 'Nobody Speak'.
- The sequencing includes interludes that create pauses in the flow, allowing for moments of reflection between more energetic pieces.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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 pacing with gradual peaks
- immersive soundscapes for deep focus
- thought-provoking layers to explore
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek simple, upbeat melodies
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows DJ Shadow's continued relevance with a fresh sound after a five-year gap.
- Moods
- Focus· Introspective
- Career context
- Released on June 24, 2016, The Mountain Will Fall marked DJ Shadow's first studio album in five years following the critically divisive The Less You Know, The Better. By this time, Shadow had already established himself as a pioneer in the trip hop and instrumental hip-hop genres, navigating a period of artistic recalibration with this project.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Portishead· Massive Attack· Amon Tobin
Tracklist
- 1 The Mountain Will Fall Start here 4:36
- 2 Nobody Speak 3:15
- 3 Three Ralphs 3:37
- 4 Bergschrund 4:10
- 5 The Sideshow 3:28
- 6 Depth Charge 4:53
- 7 Mambo 3:03
- 8 Ashes to Oceans 6:16
- 9 Pitter Patter 3:24
- 10 California 4:29
- 11 Ghost Town 3:51
- 12 Suicide Pact 4:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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