Varieté
Marc Almond · 2010
89 min · 23 tracks · new wave
A theatrical blend of dark cabaret and pop, infused with Almond's signature melancholic storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bread & Circus Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Nijinsky Heart — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of love and longing, mirroring the complexity of the human experience through vivid imagery and emotional weight.
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Lavender — Lavender combines lush instrumentation with Almond's evocative vocal delivery, creating an atmospheric piece that reflects themes of nostalgia and beauty.
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The Exhibitionist — In this track, Almond cleverly critiques fame and voyeurism, utilizing a playful yet incisive narrative that showcases his lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines theatricality with introspective lyrics, showcasing Almond's unique style within the dark cabaret genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a theatrical tone, followed by tracks that alternate between upbeat and somber themes.
- Many songs feature layered instrumentation, blending orchestral elements with electronic sounds to create a rich sonic landscape.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- theatrical storytelling through music
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- introspective moments of reflection
- for late-night solitude
- emotional exploration of love
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a cohesive and introspective evolution in Almond's sound.
- Themes
- theatrical longing· Nijinsky's legacy· fame's voyeurism
- Career context
- Released in 2010, Varieté is Marc Almond's tenth studio album, following his successful 2007 release, Stardom Road. At this point in his career, Almond was embracing a more introspective style, reflecting on his past while experimenting with cabaret influences and contemporary sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Madness and I
The song shifts from introspective musings to an urgent plea for understanding creates a powerful contrast in tone.
This shift not only deepens the emotional intensity but also emphasizes the struggle between inner turmoil and the desire for connection.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 (intro) 0:42
- 2 Bread & Circus Start here 3:47
- 3 Nijinsky Heart 3:59
- 4 The Exhibitionist 4:44
- 5 Trials of Eyeliner 5:44
- 6 Lavender 5:25
- 7 Soho So Long 3:36
- 8 Unloveable 2:47
- 9 Sandboy 4:40
- 10 It's All Going On 4:32
- 11 Variety 3:30
- 12 Cabaret Clown 3:08
- 13 My Madness and I 4:34
- 14 But Not Today 4:28
- 15 Swan Song 3:40
- 16 Sin Song 7:03
Disc 2
- 1 My Evil Twin 3:13
- 2 A Lonely Love 3:35
- 3 Cat Dancer 2:23
- 4 Criminal Lover 3:17
- 5 I Am No One 2:35
- 6 Smoke 3:11
- 7 Kiss the Ghost (Goodbye) 4:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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