Varieté cover

Released 16 years ago this June

Varieté

Marc Almond · 2010

89 min · 23 tracks · new wave · dark cabaret

A theatrical blend of dark cabaret and pop, with introspective lyrics wrapped in lush production.

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 want

  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Varieté' was released in 2010, Marc Almond had already established himself as a prominent figure in the music scene, known for his work with Soft Cell and his solo career. This album marks his return after a five-year hiatus since 'Stardom Road' (2005), showcasing his ongoing evolution as an artist while maintaining his signature dramatic flair.
Stylistic neighbors
Soft Cell· David Bowie· The Sisters of Mercy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 (intro) 0:42
  • 2 Bread & Circus 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