Twice Upon a Time - The Singles
Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1992
75 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
A compelling collection of ethereal melodies and haunting lyrics echoing the band's eclectic post-punk legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fireworks Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cities in Dust — This track exemplifies the band's unique blend of dark themes and catchy hooks, encapsulating their transition from post-punk to more mainstream appeal.
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Peek‐a‐boo — With its infectious rhythm and innovative use of sound effects, this song showcases their experimental side while remaining accessible to a broader audience.
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Dear Prudence — Their cover of this Beatles classic transforms it into a hauntingly atmospheric piece, demonstrating Siouxsie's distinct vocal style and interpretive depth.
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The Killing Jar — This track stands out for its intense energy and lyrical exploration of obsession, revealing the darker aspects of love that characterize much of their work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A solid collection that highlights the band's range but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the ethereal quality of the melodies.
- The running order alternates between upbeat tracks and more introspective pieces, maintaining listener engagement throughout its length.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with emotional peaks
- haunting melodies for introspective moments
- engaging flow for focused listening
- nostalgic reflections on past experiences
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This compilation solidified their status as pioneers of alternative rock.
- Themes
- gothic nostalgia· post-punk reflection
- Career context
- By the time 'Twice Upon a Time - The Singles' was released in 1992, Siouxsie and the Banshees were celebrating over a decade of influential music. This compilation followed their acclaimed album 'Superstition' from 1991 and served as a retrospective of their evolution, showcasing their ability to blend gothic rock with pop sensibilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division
Tracklist
- 1 Fireworks Start here 4:22
- 2 Slowdive 4:18
- 3 Melt! 3:47
- 4 Dear Prudence 3:51
- 5 Swimming Horses 4:04
- 6 Dazzle 5:30
- 7 Overground 3:51
- 8 Cities in Dust 4:07
- 9 Candyman 3:43
- 10 This Wheel’s on Fire 4:03
- 11 The Passenger 4:09
- 12 Peek‐a‐boo 3:10
- 13 The Killing Jar 3:59
- 14 The Last Beat of My Heart (live) 5:26
- 15 Kiss Them for Me 4:29
- 16 Shadowtime 4:20
- 17 Fear (of the Unknown) 4:19
- 18 Face to Face 4:24
What to play next
The Rapture
1995
Continues the band's exploration of ethereal sounds with a more modern twist.
Superstition
1991
Precedes the singles collection, showcasing similar themes and styles.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Disintegration
The Cure
Shares the same gothic atmosphere and introspective themes of longing and nostalgia.
In the Flat Field
Bauhaus
Captures a similar post-punk aesthetic with dark, haunting melodies and lyrical depth.
Closer
Joy Division
Explores themes of existential reflection and features a moody, atmospheric soundscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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