What makes What Else Is There? by Röyksopp notable?

The album's title track gained significant attention, reaching high chart positions in several countries and receiving critical acclaim for its innovative production. It became a staple in electronic playlists and influenced many artists within the synth-pop genre, highlighting Röyksopp's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deep electronic textures. Released in late 2005, What Else Is There? marked a pivotal point for Röyksopp as they transitioned from their acclaimed debut album Melody A.M. to exploring darker, more emotional themes in their music. This single helped solidify their presence in the electronic music scene, showcasing their growth and willingness to experiment with sound.

Who is What Else Is There? for?

What Else Is There? works well if you're into hypnotic beats for late-night, dynamic remixes keep engagement and wave-like pacing encourages immersion.

How many songs are on What Else Is There??

What Else Is There? has 8 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

What Else Is There?

Röyksopp · 2005

52 min · 8 tracks · electronic music

A haunting blend of atmospheric synths and ethereal vocals that evoke feelings of longing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Else Is There? (radio edit) — The radio edit encapsulates the album's core essence, merging captivating vocals with hypnotic beats, making it accessible while retaining its emotional depth.
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What Else Is There? (Thin White Duke mix) — This remix showcases an extended exploration of the song's themes, featuring intricate layers that enhance its haunting atmosphere, appealing to both club-goers and casual listeners.
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Alpha Male (live From Roskilde) — This live recording captures the energy of Röyksopp's performance, illustrating how their studio sound translates into an engaging live experience while emphasizing their dynamic stage presence.

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

The single showcases strong production but lacks cohesive flow due to multiple remixes diluting the original's impact.

What we noticed

The title track features a repetitive synth motif that builds tension throughout its duration, layered with atmospheric pads.
The live track 'Alpha Male' introduces a contrasting energy with a more rhythmic focus compared to the other tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

hypnotic beats for late-night
dynamic remixes keep engagement
wave-like pacing encourages immersion
ethereal vocals for introspective moments

Maybe skip if you

dislike lengthy remix explorations
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in late 2005, What Else Is There? marked a pivotal point for Röyksopp as they transitioned from their acclaimed debut album Melody A.M. to exploring darker, more emotional themes in their music. This single helped solidify their presence in the electronic music scene, showcasing their growth and willingness to experiment with sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Air· Tycho· M83