What makes Tunes 2011–2019 by Burial notable?

Tunes 2011–2019 is significant for its critical acclaim, garnering praise from numerous publications for its seamless blending of genres and emotional depth. The album's release also coincided with a renewed interest in Burial's earlier works, solidifying his status as a key influencer in the future garage and ambient music scenes. By the time Burial released Tunes 2011–2019, he had already established himself as a pivotal figure in electronic music, known for his innovative approach to dubstep and ambient sounds. This compilation, released in late 2019, serves as a retrospective of his work over nearly a decade, showcasing tracks that highlight his evolution from underground sensation to influential artist.

Who is Tunes 2011–2019 for?

Tunes 2011–2019 works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, gradual builds and payoffs and reflective atmospheric experiences.

How many songs are on Tunes 2011–2019?

Tunes 2011–2019 has 17 tracks, running approximately 149 minutes.

Tunes 2011–2019

Burial · 2019

149 min · 17 tracks · ambient music

A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate rhythms, sculpting a world both immersive and melancholic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Young Death — This track encapsulates Burial's signature sound with its ghostly vocal samples layered over a rich tapestry of atmospheric production, evoking deep emotion and introspection.
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Rival Dealer — A standout piece that diverges into bold territories, it explores themes of identity and transformation through its complex structures and evocative sound design.
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State Forest — Opening the compilation, this track immerses listeners in a dense sonic environment, setting the tone with its gradual build-up and haunting melodies that reflect Burial's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and gradual layering create an immersive experience, though it lacks a strong narrative cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of field recordings and ambient textures that create a layered soundscape across its tracks.
Several tracks employ a slow build-up of rhythmic elements, often introducing new layers gradually over time.
The last three tracks feature a significant drop in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier pieces.

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

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

long, immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
reflective atmospheric experiences
back-loaded emotional journeys
ethereal soundscape exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Burial released Tunes 2011–2019, he had already established himself as a pivotal figure in electronic music, known for his innovative approach to dubstep and ambient sounds. This compilation, released in late 2019, serves as a retrospective of his work over nearly a decade, showcasing tracks that highlight his evolution from underground sensation to influential artist.
Stylistic neighbors: James Blake· Mount Kimbie· Forest Swords