What makes What Evil Lurks by The Prodigy notable?

This album is significant for its role in defining the early 1990s rave culture in the UK, showcasing a sound that would influence countless artists. It features the hit single 'Everybody in the Place', which helped propel The Prodigy onto the UK charts, reaching number one on the UK Dance Chart. Released in February 1991, What Evil Lurks is The Prodigy's debut album, marking their entry into the electronic music scene. At this point, they were starting to gain traction after their earlier EPs, setting the stage for their future commercial success and influence on the big beat genre.

How many songs are on What Evil Lurks?

What Evil Lurks has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

What Evil Lurks

The Prodigy · 1991

17 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of breakbeat and rave elements that channels raw energy into electrifying dance anthems.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Evil Lurks — The title track encapsulates the album's dark energy with driving beats and samples that create an immersive atmosphere, establishing The Prodigy's signature sound.
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Everybody in the Place — This track became a rave anthem and showcases catchy hooks alongside pulsating rhythms, highlighting the group's ability to craft infectious dance music.
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We Gonna Rock — With its aggressive beats and commanding vocals, this track exemplifies the fusion of electronic and punk influences that would characterize The Prodigy's style moving forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases energetic compositions with strong rhythmic elements, marking its influence on early rave culture.

What we noticed

The opening track features a rapid tempo and layered electronic beats that set an aggressive tone for the EP.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This EP marked The Prodigy's entry into the electronic music scene, gaining traction.
Themes: early '90s rave culture· breakbeat chaos· dark electronic energy
Career context: Released in February 1991, What Evil Lurks is The Prodigy's debut album, marking their entry into the electronic music scene. At this point, they were starting to gain traction after their earlier EPs, setting the stage for their future commercial success and influence on the big beat genre.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chemical Brothers· Fatboy Slim· Pendulum