Ununiform cover

Ununiform

Tricky · 2017

43 min · 14 tracks · electronic music

A haunting blend of experimental beats and introspective lyrics, weaving together Tricky's signature trip-hop sound with fresh sonic explorations.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Same as It Ever Was Start here — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of reflective lyricism with minimalist yet impactful production, capturing Tricky's unique style.
  • →
    Blood of My Blood — With its deeply personal narrative, this song delves into themes of identity and connection, showcasing Tricky's introspective songwriting.
  • →
    Dark Days — The atmospheric layers and haunting vocals create an immersive experience, highlighting the album's darker undertones and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends experimental beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing Tricky's unique sound while exploring societal themes.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a slow, brooding atmosphere with layered textures and minimalistic beats, setting a tone that persists throughout.
  • Several tracks feature spoken word elements interspersed with sung phrases, creating a conversational dynamic rather than traditional verses.
  • The album includes abrupt transitions between tracks, often shifting from darker tones to lighter ones without warning, which maintains listener engagement.
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
6/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with dynamic flow
  • introspective vibes for deep thinking
  • haunting textures for late nights
  • emotional peaks and valleys
  • short tracks for quick engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — This album showcases Tricky's artistic evolution and critical acclaim, marking a significant return to form.
Career context
By the time 'Ununiform' was released in 2017, Tricky had already established himself as a pioneer in the trip-hop genre since his 1995 debut album 'Maxinquaye'. This album marked a return to his roots after a series of diverse projects and collaborations, reflecting both personal and artistic evolution. It came after a notable hiatus following the less commercially successful 'False Idols' in 2013.
Stylistic neighbors
Massive Attack· Portishead· DJ Shadow

Tracklist

  • 1 Obia Intro 1:57
  • 2 Same as It Ever Was Start here 3:46
  • 3 New Stole 3:06
  • 4 Wait for Signal 3:05
  • 5 It's Your Day 2:03
  • 6 Blood of My Blood 3:13
  • 7 Dark Days 2:45
  • 8 The Only Way 4:51
  • 9 Armor 2:25
  • 10 Doll 3:06
  • 11 Bang Boogie 1:18
  • 12 Running Wild 3:37
  • 13 When We Die 3:43
  • 14 The Only Way 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata