The Understanding

Artist: Röyksopp
Type: Album
Release date: 2005
Run time: 58:43
My Rating: 9

1. Triumphant (4:20)
2. Only this moment (3:55)
3. 49 percent (5:11)
4. Sombre detune (4:52)
5. Follow my ruin (3:51)
6. Beautiful day without you (5:29)
7. What else is there? (5:17)
8. Circuit breaker (5:24)
9. Alpha male (8:11)
10. Someone like me (5:23)
11. Dead to the world (5:20)
12. Tristesse globale (1:24)

Comments

I know I said I wouldn't buy this album, but I found a copy of the US edition (which doesn't have data errors) at Real Groovy, and thus the record company got my money anyway.

Like most second albums, it's not quite as edgy - it has the same distinctive downbeat electronica sound as Melody A.M. but expands on it with a more level-headed maturity. The influences of the previous album are most obvious on "Alpha Male", a long multi-layered instrumental reminiscent of"Röyksopp's Night Out". My dead-favourite track though is "What else is there?" (also the latest entry on my list of the most beautiful songs ever), with wonderfully angsty vocals by Karin Dreijer of The Knife.

If you liked Melody A.M., you'll no doubt like The Understanding.