Today cover

Released 20 years ago

Today

Junkie XL · 2006

55 min · 10 tracks · electronica

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and atmospheric soundscapes that invites listeners into a reflective journey through time.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Youthful Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with pulsating rhythms and uplifting melodies, showcasing Junkie XL's signature style and drawing listeners into the album's expansive sound world.
  • →
    Such a Tease — This track features intricate layering and playful synth lines that highlight Junkie XL's skill in creating catchy hooks within complex arrangements, making it a standout on the album.
  • →
    We Become One — Closing the album, this track combines emotive vocals with rich textures, offering a reflective culmination of themes explored throughout the record and leaving a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong electronic composition and production, with cohesive flow and distinct soundscapes.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synths and rhythmic percussion, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evolves throughout each track.
  • Several tracks incorporate ambient interludes that provide contrast to the more upbeat sections, allowing for moments of reflection.
  • The sequencing maintains a steady flow, with transitions between tracks often blending seamlessly into one another.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 focused listening
  • cinematic soundscapes for daydreaming
  • gradual build to uplifting climax
  • emotive melodies for reflective moments
  • suitable for long journeys

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album cemented Junkie XL's reputation in the electronica scene.
Career context
In 2006, Junkie XL released 'Today' as his third studio album, following the success of his previous work, 'Radio JXL: A Broadcast from the Computer Hell Cabin'. At this point in his career, he had transitioned from remixing major pop hits to establishing himself as a solo artist with a distinct sound, blending elements of electronic music with cinematic influences.
Stylistic neighbors
The Chemical Brothers· Fatboy Slim· Moby

Tracklist

  • 1 Youthful Start here 10:33
  • 2 Mushroom 6:44
  • 3 Such a Tease 5:53
  • 4 Today 6:41
  • 5 Drift Away 4:57
  • 6 I've Got a Xerox to Copy 5:56
  • 7 Even in This Moment 1:55
  • 8 Yesterdays 3:55
  • 9 Honey 3:51
  • 10 We Become One 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata