What makes What Time Is Love? by The KLF notable?

The track became a defining anthem of the early rave culture, reaching the UK Singles Chart's top 10 and contributing to the rise of ambient house. It has been credited with influencing a generation of electronic artists and remains a staple in dance music history due to its unique sound and cultural resonance. Released in 1991, What Time Is Love? marked The KLF's transition into mainstream success following their breakthrough album Chill Out. This single not only solidified their status in the electronic music scene but also showcased their innovative integration of various genres, paving the way for their later works and collaborations.

How many songs are on What Time Is Love??

What Time Is Love? has 3 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

Released 35 years ago this October

What Time Is Love?

The KLF · 1991

16 min · 3 tracks · electronic music

A euphoric blend of ambient textures and infectious beats, merging trance elements with a hint of hip-hop swagger.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Time Is Love? (7" radio edit) — This version captures the song's infectious energy while making it accessible for radio play, bringing The KLF into the mainstream consciousness.
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What Time Is Love? (Live at Trancentral) — The live version emphasizes the immersive experience of their performances, showcasing their ability to engage audiences through pulsating beats and visual artistry.
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What Time Is Love? (The 1988 Pure Trance Classic) — This extended mix reflects the raw essence of early trance music, highlighting The KLF's pioneering role in shaping the genre's soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong electronic composition with varied arrangements across tracks, marking its influence in rave culture.

What we noticed

The first track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat layered with ambient synths, creating a euphoric atmosphere.
The second track incorporates live elements, adding a dynamic energy that contrasts with the studio version.
The third track revisits the original's melodic motifs but introduces variations in arrangement and tempo.

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

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 single marked The KLF's transition to mainstream success and defined early rave culture.
Themes: Trancentral raves· ambient soundscapes· mainstream crossover
Career context: Released in 1991, What Time Is Love? marked The KLF's transition into mainstream success following their breakthrough album Chill Out. This single not only solidified their status in the electronic music scene but also showcased their innovative integration of various genres, paving the way for their later works and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: The Orb· Underworld· Leftfield