Twice Upon a Time  - The Singles cover

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

  • →
    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.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

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
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata