Through the Looking Glass
Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1987
43 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of gothic rock and new wave, underscored by Siouxsie's distinctive voice and experimental arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us Start here — This track opens the album with an energetic reinterpretation of Sparks' original, showcasing Siouxsie’s theatrical vocal delivery that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Strange Fruit — Their rendition of 'Strange Fruit' transforms Billie Holiday's haunting classic into a chilling atmospheric piece that emphasizes the social message behind the lyrics.
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The Passenger — A cover of Iggy Pop’s song, this version introduces ethereal soundscapes that highlight Siouxsie's ability to blend darkness and beauty in her interpretations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong reinterpretations but lacks the depth of original compositions.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us' employ dramatic shifts in dynamics, creating tension and release throughout.
- The sequencing includes several slower, more introspective tracks followed by more energetic ones, which affects the overall pacing.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo reflective journey
- haunting introspection for quiet moments
- consistent flow for focused listening
- longing melodies that linger
- thoughtful soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a departure from punk roots into more gothic rock and new wave sounds.
- Themes
- racial violence· gothic textures
- Career context
- Released on March 2, 1987, 'Through the Looking Glass' marked a significant moment in Siouxsie and the Banshees' career as their first album after departing from their earlier punk roots. This collection of covers showcased their artistic evolution while navigating the mainstream landscape that followed their 1986 hit 'Tinderbox'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Trust in Me
The narrator shifts from a commanding tone to a vulnerable plea, inviting trust amidst an atmosphere of uncertainty.
This fluctuation in tone reveals the complexity of desire and dependence, exemplifying the emotional depth present throughout the album.
Tracklist
- 1 This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us Start here 3:09
- 2 Hall of Mirrors 5:02
- 3 Trust in Me 4:05
- 4 This Wheel’s on Fire 5:17
- 5 Strange Fruit 3:52
- 6 You’re Lost Little Girl 2:57
- 7 The Passenger 5:09
- 8 Gun 5:06
- 9 Sea Breezes 4:15
- 10 Little Johnny Jewel 4:55
What to play next
Peepshow
1988
Continues the experimental sound with rich textures and haunting themes.
Tinderbox
1986
Sets the stage with a darker, atmospheric vibe that leads into 'Through the Looking Glass'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Disintegration
The Cure
Shares the same haunting atmosphere and introspective themes wrapped in lush, gothic soundscapes.
In the Flat Field
Bauhaus
Both explore dark, experimental rock with a strong sense of longing and gothic textures.
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Equally ethereal sound with rich sonic layers that evoke deep emotional landscapes and introspection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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