What makes Today Forever by Ride notable?

Today Forever is notable for its critical acclaim and contribution to the shoegaze movement, solidifying Ride's position as pioneers within the genre. The EP received positive reviews from major publications, enhancing the band's reputation and leading to increased visibility on charts and radio play during a pivotal time in alternative rock. Released in January 1991, Today Forever was Ride's first EP after their acclaimed debut album, Nowhere. It marked a period of creative expansion as the band sought to refine their signature sound while exploring new sonic territories. This release came just as the shoegaze genre began to gain significant traction in the UK music scene.

How many songs are on Today Forever?

Today Forever has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Today Forever

Ride · 1991

19 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with shimmering guitar layers, creating a lush soundscape that defines the essence of early shoegaze.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Unfamiliar — The opening track encapsulates the EP's dreamy ambiance and sets a tone with its swirling guitars and introspective lyrics. Its ethereal quality showcases Ride's signature blend of noise and melody, enticing listeners into their sonic world.
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Sennen — This track features a compelling build-up that exemplifies Ride's ability to merge layered instrumentation with emotional depth. The hypnotic rhythm complements the reflective lyrics, making it a standout piece that resonates deeply throughout the EP.
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Today — The title track serves as a poignant exploration of fleeting moments, highlighted by dynamic shifts in instrumentation. Its climactic arrangement effectively illustrates both lyrical vulnerability and musical ambition, representing the peak of the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and production, contributing to the shoegaze genre while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow build of layered guitars that gradually introduce ethereal vocals, setting a dreamy tone.
Each song features a distinct sonic texture, with 'Sennen' incorporating a more driving rhythm while 'Beneath' shifts to a more ambient soundscape.
The EP concludes with 'Today', which employs a repetitive melodic motif that creates a sense of resolution and finality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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: Breakthrough — Established Ride's reputation within the shoegaze movement after their debut.
Themes: dreamy landscapes· fleeting moments· hypnotic rhythms
Career context: Released in January 1991, Today Forever was Ride's first EP after their acclaimed debut album, Nowhere. It marked a period of creative expansion as the band sought to refine their signature sound while exploring new sonic territories. This release came just as the shoegaze genre began to gain significant traction in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Lush