The Velvet Trail
Marc Almond · 2015
54 min · 16 tracks · new wave
A lush tapestry of dark cabaret and electronic textures woven with Almond's theatrical baritone and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bad to Me Start here — This track features a compelling mix of upbeat melodies and poignant lyrics that reflect personal struggles, encapsulating Almond's signature style of blending darkness with pop sensibility.
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Zipped Black Leather Jacket — With its provocative title and catchy chorus, this song captures the album's exploration of desire and identity while showcasing Almond's theatrical vocal delivery.
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Demon Lover — This track stands out for its haunting lyrics and atmospheric production, illustrating Almond’s ability to evoke deep emotion through vivid storytelling.
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The Velvet Trail — As the title track, it serves as a culmination of the album’s themes, featuring rich instrumentation paired with contemplative lyrics that invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends theatrical vocals with lush instrumentation, creating a unique sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features three distinct instrumental interludes that separate the vocal tracks, creating a thematic division between acts.
- Several tracks employ a slow build, layering orchestral elements with electronic textures, culminating in climactic moments.
- Almond's vocal delivery varies significantly across tracks, ranging from soft and introspective to powerful and theatrical.
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- introspective moments of melancholy
- immersive listening with haunting themes
- reflective solitude on rainy days
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Strong release after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Themes
- theatrical desire· dark cabaret intimacy· personal struggles· identity exploration
- Career context
- Released in 2015, The Velvet Trail is Marc Almond's first studio album after a five-year hiatus following 2010's Varieté. At this point in his career, Almond was exploring themes of love, loss, and identity while leaning heavily into orchestral arrangements and electronic influences, marking a significant evolution in his sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
- 1 Act One (instrumental) 0:50
- 2 Bad to Me Start here 4:22
- 3 Zipped Black Leather Jacket 3:57
- 4 Scar 3:42
- 5 Pleasure’s Wherever You Are 4:27
- 6 Act Two (instrumental) 0:48
- 7 Minotaur 4:29
- 8 Earthly 4:22
- 9 The Pain of Never 4:14
- 10 Demon Lover 3:25
- 11 Act Three (instrumental) 1:08
- 12 When the Comet Comes 3:40
- 13 Life in My Own Way 4:08
- 14 Winter Sun 4:00
- 15 The Velvet Trail 5:50
- 16 Finale (instrumental) 1:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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