What makes Then and Again by Aurelio Voltaire notable?

This album is significant for its contribution to the dark cabaret genre, showcasing Voltaire's ability to fuse theatricality with personal narratives. It received positive reviews from critics and helped position him as a key figure in the alternative music scene during the early 2000s, influencing other artists who embraced similar stylistic elements. Then and Again was Aurelio Voltaire's first album after his 2002 breakthrough, called 'Boo Hoo'. At this point in his career, he had started to gain recognition within the dark cabaret scene, establishing himself as a distinctive voice blending gothic aesthetics with playful lyrical themes. This album solidified his unique style, further exploring the intersection of humor and darkness in his music.

Who is Then and Again for?

Then and Again works well if you're into whimsical melodies with dark undertones, steady pacing for reflective moments and playful themes with gothic flair.

How many songs are on Then and Again?

Then and Again has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 22 years ago this October

Then and Again

Aurelio Voltaire · 2004

38 min · 9 tracks · dark cabaret

A blend of theatrical melodies and dark, whimsical storytelling that invites listeners into a macabre carnival of emotions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crusade — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its grandiose instrumentation and biting satire on religious fervor. It encapsulates Voltaire's knack for blending serious themes with catchy melodies.
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Goodnight Demon Slayer — Serving as one of Voltaire’s most recognizable songs, it combines humor with a narrative about battling personal demons, illustrating his signature approach to storytelling through music.
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Lovesong — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics about love and longing, delivered through a lush arrangement that contrasts beautifully with the darker themes present in other songs.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong theatrical elements and storytelling, contributing to its distinctiveness within dark cabaret.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong theatrical piece, 'Crusade', that sets a dark and whimsical tone, followed by tracks that vary in tempo but maintain a consistent narrative style.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and piano, which enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
The final track, 'Goodnight Demon Slayer', serves as a soft conclusion, contrasting with the more upbeat songs earlier in the album.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

whimsical melodies with dark undertones
steady pacing for reflective moments
playful themes with gothic flair
hauntingly catchy sing-along tunes

Maybe skip if you

seekers of rapid intensity
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Then and Again was Aurelio Voltaire's first album after his 2002 breakthrough, called 'Boo Hoo'. At this point in his career, he had started to gain recognition within the dark cabaret scene, establishing himself as a distinctive voice blending gothic aesthetics with playful lyrical themes. This album solidified his unique style, further exploring the intersection of humor and darkness in his music.
Stylistic neighbors: The Tiger Lillies· Lydia Lunch· Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows