Is This Picture a good place to start with Placebo?

Yes, This Picture is recommended as a starting point for new Placebo listeners. A blend of moody electronica and rock, layered with introspective lyrics and Brian Molko's distinctively haunting vocals. This Picture marks Placebo's fifth studio album, released in 2003 following their commercial peak with Black Market Music in 2000. At this point, the band was known for its distinctive sound and had established a solid fanbase, navigating the evolving landscape of early 2000s alternative music. The album came at a time when Placebo was experimenting with more electronic elements while maintaining their signature emotional intensity.

Who is This Picture for?

This Picture works well if you're into steady emotional exploration, short bursts of reflection and melancholic melodies for introspection.

How many songs are on This Picture?

This Picture has 5 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

This Picture

Placebo · 2003

17 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of moody electronica and rock, layered with introspective lyrics and Brian Molko's distinctively haunting vocals.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
This Picture Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's brooding essence with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that reflect on identity and perception.
→
Soulmates — Soulmates showcases a blend of melancholy and hope, featuring a compelling melody that highlights Molko's reflective songwriting style.
→
Where Is My Mind? (XFM live version) — This live rendition brings an urgent energy to a beloved classic while demonstrating the band's ability to reinterpret their hits in fresh ways.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional exploration
short bursts of reflection
melancholic melodies for introspection
engaging sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer immersive experiences
seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases the band's sound but isn't a standout in their catalog.
Career context: This Picture marks Placebo's fifth studio album, released in 2003 following their commercial peak with Black Market Music in 2000. At this point, the band was known for its distinctive sound and had established a solid fanbase, navigating the evolving landscape of early 2000s alternative music. The album came at a time when Placebo was experimenting with more electronic elements while maintaining their signature emotional intensity.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance