What's That Noise?
Coldcut · 1989
61 min · 13 tracks · electronica
Innovative samples collide with eclectic beats, creating a vibrant tapestry of hip-hop and electronic sounds that anticipates future genres.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
People Hold On — This track features a captivating vocal performance by Lisa Stansfield and exemplifies Coldcut's knack for blending soulful melodies with infectious beats.
-
→
Doctorin’ The House (Say R mix) — As a standout hit, this track blends hip-hop elements with house music, showcasing Coldcut's innovative approach to genre fusion.
-
→
Beats & Pieces (Mo Bass remix) — This remix highlights Coldcut's pioneering use of sampling, layering various sounds to create an intricate sonic landscape that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative sampling and eclectic beats create a distinctive sound that influenced future genres.
What we noticed
- The album features a collage of samples from various genres, creating a dynamic soundscape that shifts between tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements and vocal snippets, but they are heavily processed and layered within the instrumentation.
- The use of breakbeats is prominent throughout, with intricate drum patterns driving the rhythm in most tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- playful energy for dancing
- wave-like pacing throughout
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- engaging party atmosphere
- samples that spark nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek slow, introspective moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, What's That Noise? marked Coldcut's debut album and solidified their position as pioneers in the UK electronica scene. Following their successful single Doctorin' The House, this album showcased their ability to blend diverse samples and genres, setting the stage for their influential career in music production.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Amon Tobin· The Chemical Brothers· DJ Shadow
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
People Hold On
The chorus emphasizes persistence and resilience through repeated affirmations of holding on in tough times.
The repetition in the chorus transforms a personal sentiment into an anthemic rallying cry, inviting collective engagement from listeners.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 People Hold On 3:57
- 2 Fat (Party & Bullshit) 4:34
- 3 (I’m) In Deep 5:22
- 4 My Telephone 5:26
- 5 Theme From “Reportage” 1:34
- 6 Which Doctor? 4:59
- 7 Beats & Pieces (Mo Bass remix) 5:59
- 8 Stop This Crazy Thing 5:56
- 9 No Connection 3:36
- 10 Smoke 1 4:51
- 11 Doctorin’ The House (Say R mix) 5:18
- 12 What’s That Noise? 2:55
- 13 Stop This Crazy Thing (Hedmaster mix) 7:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.