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This Complete List Of Duncan Sheik Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Duncan Sheik studio albums. Duncan Sheik’s musical career has been a compelling journey through various facets of music, from pop-rock to musical theater. He first gained recognition in the late 1990s with the success of his self-titled debut album, which included the hit single “Barely Breathing.” The song not only garnered him commercial success but also critical acclaim, earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. However, this initial commercial success was not indicative of the path Sheik would eventually take.
Sheik’s early work reflected the introspective singer-songwriter tradition, with influences ranging from folk to rock and electronic music. However, his subsequent albums like “Humming” and “Phantom Moon” took a different route. While “Humming” maintained a pop-rock sensibility, it included more complex orchestral arrangements. “Phantom Moon,” on the other hand, was a full departure, focusing on acoustic instrumentation and featuring lyrics by playwright Steven Sater.
The collaboration with Sater proved to be transformative for Sheik. The duo went on to work on the groundbreaking musical “Spring Awakening,” which debuted in 2006. The musical was an instant hit, receiving eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. “Spring Awakening” was a cultural phenomenon, lauded for its raw and authentic portrayal of adolescence, and its success pushed Sheik into a different level of recognition, now as a composer for theatre.
After the immense success of “Spring Awakening,” Sheik continued to work in musical theater while also maintaining his solo career. He released a series of albums that experimented with various styles and themes, such as “Whisper House,” which was also turned into a stage musical, and “Covers 80s,” an album where he gave his own unique take on classic ’80s songs.
In 2015, Sheik returned to original solo work with “Legerdemain,” an album that saw him diving deeper into intricate musical arrangements and mature thematic content. The album was well-received and marked a return to the form of a musician who had spent considerable time in the theater.
It’s worth noting that Sheik’s impact extends beyond albums and stage productions. He has contributed to film scores, collaborated with other artists, and remained an influential figure in discussions about both pop and theatre music
DUNCAN SHEIK STUDIO ALBUMS
Duncan Sheik
Released 1996
Duncan Sheik’s eponymous debut album was an instant hit, largely thanks to the single “Barely Breathing,” which remained on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 55 weeks. The album mixed elements of folk, rock, and pop and showcased Sheik’s unique songwriting and emotive vocal style.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, with additional musicians such as guitarist Rupert Hine. The album was produced by Rupert Hine and was released on Atlantic Records. It was recorded at various locations including Maison Rouge in London and The Hit Factory in New York, between 1995 and 1996.
CD Track Listings:
- “She Runs Away” – 3:41
- “In the Absence of Sun” – 4:01
- “Barely Breathing” – 4:15
- “Reasons for Living” – 4:33
- “Days Go By” – 4:44
- “Cliche” – 3:40
- “Serena” – 2:56
- “Out of Order” – 4:15
- “November” – 3:00
- “Home” – 4:47
Humming
Released 1998
Duncan Sheik’s second album, “Humming,” followed his highly successful self-titled debut. It received positive reviews from critics and saw Sheik experimenting with his musical style. The album featured a more complex, textured sound than its predecessor but failed to achieve the same level of commercial success, although it still managed to chart on the Billboard 200.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals, guitar, and keyboards. Additional musicians included Mark Plati on bass and programming, and Alex Alexander on drums. The album was produced by Duncan Sheik and Mark Endert. It was released on Atlantic Records and was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, and Right Track Recording in New York City, between 1997 and 1998.
CD Track Listings:
- “In Between” – 4:33
- “Rubbed Out” – 5:15
- “Bite Your Tongue” – 5:00
- “Alibi” – 4:33
- “Varying Degrees of Con-Artistry” – 4:38
- “That Says It All” – 5:10
- “Everyone, Everywhere” – 3:56
- “A Body Goes Down” – 5:53
- “Nothing Special” – 3:15
- “House Full of Riches” – 5:03
- “Nichiren / Forshadowing” – 10:44
Phantom Moon
Released 2001
“Phantom Moon” was a departure from the pop-rock sound of Sheik’s debut. The album was more acoustic and focused on songwriting, featuring lyrics by playwright Steven Sater, with whom Sheik would later collaborate on the Tony-winning musical “Spring Awakening.”
The album was recorded in New York City at Shelter Island Sound Studios and Looking Glass Studios between late 1999 and early 2000. It featured Duncan Sheik on vocals and guitar, with a range of session musicians. The album was produced by Sheik himself and was released on Nonesuch Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Wilderness (Prelude)” – 2:05
- “Longing Town” – 3:58
- “Mr. Chess” – 4:05
- “The Winds That Blow” – 5:08
- “Mouth on Fire” – 5:13
- “Sad Stephen’s Song” – 5:07
- “Time and Good Fortune” – 3:01
- “Far Away” – 2:36
- “Lament for the Dead” – 4:58
- “Daylight” – 5:25
- “This Is How My Heart Heard” – 5:01
- “A Mirror in the Heart” – 4:44
- “Lo and Behold” – 5:13
- “Requiescat” – 3:26
Daylight
Released 2002
Duncan Sheik’s album, “Daylight,” marked a return to the more accessible pop-rock sound, although it retained the artistic sensibilities that had been the hallmark of his earlier works. The album charted on the Billboard 200 but didn’t attain the commercial success of his debut.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, with additional musicians such as guitarist Gerry Leonard. It was produced by Patrick Leonard and was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at several studios including Avatar Studios in New York City, between 2001 and 2002.
CD Track Listings:
- “Genius” – 3:41
- “Half-Life” – 3:59
- “Start Again” – 4:01
- “On Her Mind” – 3:54
- “Such Reveries” – 4:10
- “On a High” – 3:36
- “Magazines” – 3:55
- “For You” – 3:59
- “Good Morning!” – 4:04
- “Memento” – 3:55
- “Amsterdam” – 3:56
White Limousine
Released 2006
“White Limousine” was Sheik’s fourth studio album, and it garnered favorable reviews from critics, although it did not achieve commercial success. This album is notable for being released with a second disc allowing fans to remix the album’s songs.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals and various instruments, and it was produced by Sheik himself along with co-producer Mark Endert. The album was recorded at Sneaky Studios in Garrison, New York between 2004 and 2005.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hey Casanova” – 4:01
- “The Dawn’s Request” – 3:50
- “White Limousine” – 4:42
- “I Wouldn’t Mind” – 4:05
- “Land” – 4:20
- “Hymn” – 4:28
- “Nothing Fades” – 4:50
- “Fantastic Toys and Corduroys” – 4:35
- “Shopping” – 3:51
- “Star-Field on Red Lines” – 3:41
Whisper House
Released 2009
“Whisper House” is an album by Duncan Sheik that serves as the soundtrack to the musical of the same name. The album marks Sheik’s foray into musical theatre, featuring songs filled with atmospheric soundscapes and complex lyrical themes. Despite not being a commercial smash, it was well-received critically.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals and various instruments, with additional musicians including Doug Yowell on drums and percussion. The album was produced by Duncan Sheik and released on Victor Records. It was recorded at Sneaky Studios in Garrison, New York, in 2008.
CD Track Listings:
- “Better to Be Dead” – 4:05
- “We’re Here to Tell You” – 3:41
- “And Now We Sing” – 4:50
- “The Tale of Solomon Snell” – 4:07
- “Earthbound Starlight” – 3:47
- “Play Your Part” – 4:43
- “You’ve Really Gone and Done It Now” – 3:56
- “How It Feels” – 3:21
- “I Don’t Believe in You” – 4:20
- “Take A Bow” – 4:15
Covers 80s
Released 2011
“Covers 80s” is Duncan Sheik’s tribute to the new wave and synth-pop tracks that defined the 1980s. The album was met with favorable reviews, praising Sheik’s nuanced and mature approach to songs that were originally performed in a more effervescent style.
Duncan Sheik was responsible for vocals and several instruments, and the album was produced by Duncan Sheik and Kevin Killen. It was released under the Sneaky Records/MRI label. The album was recorded in various locations, including New York City and Los Angeles, in 2010.
CD Track Listings:
- “Stripped” – 3:41
- “Hold Me Now” – 4:02
- “Love Vigilantes” – 3:56
- “Kyoto Song” – 4:04
- “What Is Love?” – 3:22
- “So Alive” – 3:59
- “Shout” – 4:30
- “Gentlemen Take Polaroids” – 4:31
- “Life’s What You Make It” – 3:56
- “William, It Was Really Nothing” – 2:49
Legerdemain
Released 2015
“Legerdemain” sees Duncan Sheik returning to his roots of introspective, melodic pop-rock. Critics often hailed the album as one of Sheik’s most mature works, with more intricate musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics.
Duncan Sheik performed vocals and played several instruments. The album was produced by Duncan Sheik and released on Kobalt Label Services. It was recorded in New York City in 2014.
CD Track Listings:
- “Selling Out” – 4:31
- “Avalanche” – 4:29
- “Photograph” – 4:21
- “Birmingham” – 4:47
- “Sometimes” – 5:03
- “Distant Lovers” – 4:07
- “Acrobat” – 3:50
- “Bothered” – 4:09
- “Circling” – 4:33
- “No Happy End” – 3:54
Claptrap
Released August 26, 2022
Track Listings
1. Experience
2. Isn’t It So
3. There’s No Telling
4. Something Happening Here
5. Smoke and Mirrors
6. You’ll Never Be Alone
7. Maybe
8. Unaware
9. Good to Know
10. Out From Underneath
11. Chimera II
12. Scorpios
DUNCAN SHEIK LIVE ALBUMS
Live at the Cafe Carlyle
Released 2011
“Live at the Cafe Carlyle” captures Duncan Sheik in an intimate live setting at New York’s famed Café Carlyle. The album features a mix of Sheik’s own compositions and covers, giving the listener a good sense of his versatility as a musician. Notably, this album was released independently, capturing the raw essence of a live performance.
The album featured Duncan Sheik on vocals and guitar, with additional musicians who accompanied him for this special performance. The album was self-produced by Duncan Sheik. It was recorded at the Cafe Carlyle, New York City, in 2010.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Wilderness (Prelude)” – 1:41
- “Longing Town” – 3:47
- “Mr. Chess” – 5:24
- “The Tale of Solomon Snell” – 4:36
- “Earthbound Starlight” – 3:54
- “Time and Good Fortune” – 4:38
- “Little Hands” – 3:13
- “Wishful Thinking” – 3:47
- “Sad Stephen’s Song” – 4:18
- “Far Away” – 3:41
- “Days Go By” – 3:31
- “Photograph” – 3:25
- “Barcelona” – 4:12
- “November” – 4:21
- “Court and Spark” – 3:08
- “Such Reveries” – 5:13
- “On a High” – 3:39
- “She Runs Away” – 3:20
- “I Don’t Believe in Ghosts” – 3:40
- “Half-Life” – 3:58
- “The Ghost in You” – 4:48
Complete List Of Duncan Sheik Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
