Touching Down cover

Touching Down

Roni Size · 2002

62 min · 16 tracks · drum and bass

A vibrant fusion of drum and bass rhythms with eclectic samples and live instrumentation creating an energetic soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Forget Me Knots — This track exemplifies Size's signature style by blending smooth vocals with intricate drum patterns, showcasing the seamless integration of funk influences within electronic music.
  • →
    Uncensored — With its driving bassline and dynamic arrangement, this track captures the raw energy of a live performance, highlighting Size's ability to create dancefloor anthems.
  • →
    Feel the Heat — This track features a compelling blend of soulful melodies and rapid-fire beats, illustrating Size's knack for marrying emotional depth with high-energy rhythms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and varied compositions but lacks the cohesive flow of its predecessor.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate vocal snippets that are layered over intricate drum patterns, enhancing the rhythmic complexity.
  • The first half of the album maintains a high tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more atmospheric pieces that allow for moments of reflection.
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
5/10

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

  • intricate rhythms for attentive listening
  • dynamic shifts keep engagement high
  • vibrant energy for social settings
  • short tracks encourage replaying
  • melodic layers invite deep exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Touching Down is Roni Size's third studio album, following his critically acclaimed breakthrough album, New Forms, released in 1997. At this point in his career, Size was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the drum and bass scene while exploring new sonic textures and collaborations. The release followed a period of extensive touring and exposure, positioning him to further innovate within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Goldie· LTJ Bukem· Pendulum

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Forget Me Knots

    The chorus shifts perspectives, transitioning from reflective to assertive tones that emphasize personal growth.

    This shift not only changes the emotional weight but also emphasizes resilience amidst challenges, marking a pivotal thematic moment in the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sound Advice 4:25
  • 2 Forget Me Knots 4:16
  • 3 Playtime 0:53
  • 4 Scrambled Eggs 2:29
  • 5 Uncensored 5:01
  • 6 At the Movies 2:50
  • 7 Vocoda Funk 4:15
  • 8 Sorry for You 6:03
  • 9 Feel the Heat 4:52
  • 10 Siren Sounds 3:22
  • 11 Keep Strong 2:00
  • 12 Find Myself 1:55
  • 13 Reel Dark One 4:57
  • 14 Swings and Roundabouts 5:40
  • 15 Zak Attak 4:24
  • 16 Snapshots 3 5:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata