Ranking Every Slowdive Album: From Worst to Best

In the early ’90s, shoegaze faced its fair share of criticism, particularly from the UK music press, which was enamored with the rise of grunge and Britpop. Slowdive, a band hailing from Reading, found themselves in the midst of this tumultuous musical landscape. Their first two albums were met with disdain, deemed unimaginative and boring compared to the anthemic lad-rock dominating Britain at the time.

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However, the tides have turned, and shoegaze is now celebrated by industry tastemakers and Gen Z music fans alike. Slowdive, in particular, is revered as one of the genre’s finest acts. With the benefit of hindsight, let’s take a look back at Slowdive’s discography and rank their albums from worst to best.

5. Slowdive (2017)

After nearly two decades away, Slowdive returned to the music scene with their self-titled album in 2017. The resurgence of shoegaze during their hiatus made the prospect of a new Slowdive album even more intriguing. While the album didn’t deviate much from their signature dream pop sound, tracks like “Star Roving” and “No Longer Making Time” showcased the band’s ability to evoke nostalgia while still pushing boundaries. The standout track, “Falling Ashes,” reminded listeners that Slowdive was more than just a relic of the past, hinting at their experimental side.

4. Pygmalion (1995)

Pygmalion marked a significant departure for Slowdive. Abandoning their shoegaze roots, the band embraced a sparser, more ambient sound. Tracks like the 10-minute opener “Rutti” and the ethereal “Blue Skies An’ Clear” showcased Slowdive’s willingness to experiment with silence and minimalism. While Pygmalion may not have been as accessible as their earlier work, its bold departure from the norm earns it a place on this list.

3. Just For A Day (1991)

Released at a time when shoegaze was at its least fashionable, Just For A Day received a lukewarm reception from critics. However, the album laid the groundwork for Slowdive’s future success, showcasing glimpses of the band’s potential. Tracks like “Sadman” and “Catch the Breeze” drew inspiration from shoegaze pioneers like The Cure and Cocteau Twins, setting the stage for Slowdive’s evolution as a band.

2. Everything Is Alive (2023)

Slowdive’s most recent album, Everything Is Alive, is a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and relevance. Balancing their shoegaze roots with electronic and ambient elements, the album feels like a natural progression for the band. Tracks like “Shanty and Kisses” and “Andalucia Plays” demonstrate Slowdive’s ability to evoke emotion through their music, while “Chained to a Cloud” showcases their experimental side. Everything Is Alive is a triumphant return for Slowdive, proving that they still have plenty to offer in the world of shoegaze.

1. Souvlaki (1993)

Widely regarded as Slowdive’s magnum opus, Souvlaki is the album that solidified their status as shoegaze legends. From the opening chords of “Alison,” it’s clear that Slowdive had found their sound. With Brian Eno contributing to tracks like “Sing” and “Here She Comes,” Souvlaki pushed the boundaries of shoegaze, blending distorted guitars with ethereal vocals. Tracks like “Souvlaki Space Station” and “Dagger” solidified Slowdive’s place in music history, proving that persistence pays off in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Slowdive’s discography is a testament to their evolution as a band. While they may have faced criticism early in their career, Slowdive persevered, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the world of shoegaze. From their early experiments with sound to their triumphant return in recent years, Slowdive’s albums continue to captivate listeners with their dreamy melodies and ethereal soundscapes.