Thirteen cover

Thirteen

Robert Miles · 2011

57 min · 13 tracks · trance

A sonic exploration of atmospheric trance, blending serene melodies with rhythmic intricacies and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Orchid Miracle — This opening track sets the tone for the album with ethereal synths and a delicate, uplifting melody that encapsulates Miles' signature style.
  • →
    Everything or Nothing — A standout track that features a driving beat combined with airy harmonies, reflecting both urgency and tranquility prevalent throughout the album.
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    Voices From a Submerged Sea — This track showcases Miles' ability to blend intricate layers of sound to create an immersive experience, drawing listeners deeper into his sonic world.
  • →
    Deep End — With its pulsating rhythm and hypnotic melodies, this track exemplifies the fusion of emotion and danceability characteristic of Miles’ work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate soundscapes and rhythmic depth, marking a solid return for Miles in the trance genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric development.
  • Each track employs layered synths that create a rich soundscape, often introducing new melodic elements halfway through.
  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the latter half introduces more varied rhythms and textures.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady pacing for deep focus
  • atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
  • immersive flow with emotional depth
  • ideal for late-night listening
  • sonic exploration of serene melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When Robert Miles released 'Thirteen' in 2011, he was re-establishing himself after a lengthy hiatus from the music scene since his last album, 'Organik,' in 2001. This album marked a significant return to form, showcasing his evolution as an artist while still rooted in the trance genre that initially brought him fame.
Stylistic neighbors
Chicane· BT· Paul van Dyk

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Orchid Miracle 5:19
  • 2 Moving 5:25
  • 3 Somnambulism 6:36
  • 4 Everything or Nothing 5:01
  • 5 Afterglow 4:03
  • 6 Deep End 3:37
  • 7 Black Rubber 4:31
  • 8 Miniature World 3:56
  • 9 Antimony 5:03
  • 10 Archives 3:48
  • 11 Voices From a Submerged Sea 5:05
  • 12 Nonsense 0:53
  • 13 The Wolf 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata