About this album
Where they were
Released on November 4, 1991, 'Loveless' was My Bloody Valentine's second studio album and came after their debut, 'Isn't Anything' (1988). At this point, the band had begun to carve out their unique sound, pushing the boundaries of shoegaze and experimental rock while dealing with label pressures and the complexities of recording.
Why it matters
'Loveless' is often cited as one of the most influential albums in the shoegaze genre, shaping countless artists that followed. Its innovative production techniques led to critical acclaim, landing it on numerous best-of lists, including Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Essential tracks
- "Only Shallow" — This track opens the album with a burst of distortion and reverb that encapsulates the signature sound of shoegaze, immersing listeners right away.
- "When You Sleep" — The lush instrumentation and dreamy vocals highlight the band's ability to blend noise and melody seamlessly, making it a quintessential track for understanding their style.
- "Soon" — As one of the album's closing tracks, 'Soon' features a more upbeat tempo and showcases their pioneering use of drum machines alongside traditional instruments.
Release Date
November 4, 1991
Artist Origin
Ireland
Tracklist
- 1 Only Shallow 4:17
- 2 Loomer 2:38
- 3 Touched 0:56
- 4 To Here Knows When 5:31
- 5 When You Sleep 4:12
- 6 I Only Said 5:34
- 7 Come in Alone 3:58
- 8 Sometimes 5:19
- 9 Blown a Wish 3:36
- 10 What You Want 5:33
- 11 Soon 6:58