What makes Thinking About Tomorrow by Beth Orton notable?

This collection of remixes showcases Orton's influence in the early 2000s music scene, blending indie rock and electronic elements. The tracks received significant airplay on alternative radio stations, contributing to the growing popularity of the folktronica movement. Released in 2002, Thinking About Tomorrow follows Beth Orton's critically acclaimed album, Daybreaker. At this point, Orton was solidifying her unique sound within the folktronica genre, collaborating with notable producers like Ben Watt and Four Tet to expand her sonic palette.

How many songs are on Thinking About Tomorrow?

Thinking About Tomorrow has 3 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Thinking About Tomorrow

Beth Orton · 2002

13 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

A delicate fusion of folk melodies and electronic textures that captures an introspective mood throughout its remixes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thinking About Tomorrow (Ben Watt radio mix) — This remix highlights Orton's ethereal vocal delivery against a backdrop of subtle electronic instrumentation, establishing the tone for the entire EP.
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Daybreaker (Roots Manuva remix) — By incorporating hip-hop influences, this track illustrates Orton's versatility and willingness to experiment beyond traditional folk boundaries.
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Daybreaker (Four Tet remix) — This version transforms the original into a more ambient experience, showcasing Four Tet's characteristic glitchy production style while maintaining the song's emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases varied remixes that blend genres but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The first track features a prominent electronic beat layered with Orton's soft vocals, creating a contrast between the rhythm and melody.
The second track incorporates hip-hop elements through Roots Manuva's verses, shifting the focus from Orton's voice to a more rhythmic flow.
The final track by Four Tet emphasizes ambient textures and minimalism, stripping back the vocals and allowing for an instrumental exploration.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A collection of remixes that showcases Orton's unique sound but is not a primary entry point.
Themes: ethereal soundscapes· London's twilight· intimate remixes
Career context: Released in 2002, Thinking About Tomorrow follows Beth Orton's critically acclaimed album, Daybreaker. At this point, Orton was solidifying her unique sound within the folktronica genre, collaborating with notable producers like Ben Watt and Four Tet to expand her sonic palette.
Stylistic neighbors: Fiona Apple· Lana Del Rey· Imogen Heap