Complete List Of Portishead Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Portishead, named after the coastal town in Somerset where band member Geoff Barrow grew up, was formed in 1991 in Bristol, England. The band comprises Beth Gibbons (vocals), Geoff Barrow (turntables, production), and Adrian Utley (guitar, keyboards). Known for pioneering the trip-hop genre, Portishead’s music fuses rock, hip-hop, electronic, and jazz influences, marked by its atmospheric sounds and Gibbons’ haunting vocals.

The band has released three studio albums: Dummy (1994), Portishead (1997), and Third (2008). Dummy, their debut album, was a critical and commercial success, winning the 1995 Mercury Music Prize and peaking at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. This album introduced their innovative sound to a global audience and included hits such as “Glory Box” and “Sour Times.” Their second album, also highly successful, continued to feature their signature sound, peaking at number 2 in the UK and number 21 on the US Billboard 200. After an extended hiatus, they released Third, which represented a stylistic shift with more experimental soundscapes; it reached number 2 in the UK and number 7 in the US, their highest US chart position.

In addition to studio albums, Portishead has released a live album, Roseland NYC Live (1998), which features a performance with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, capturing the band’s ability to translate their intricate studio compositions into compelling live interpretations. They have also produced several compilation tracks and singles, contributing to soundtracks and collaborative projects.

PORTISHEAD STUDIO ALBUMS

Dummy (1994)

Released: August 22, 1994

Dummy is the debut studio album by Portishead, which became a critical and commercial success, often credited with popularizing the trip-hop genre. Featuring the innovative use of samples and live instrumentation, the album’s dark, melancholic sound was a groundbreaking development in the music scene of the 90s. Produced by Portishead themselves along with Adrian Utley, who also played guitar and other instruments, the album was recorded at State of Art and Coach House Studios in Bristol, England. Dummy won the 1995 Mercury Music Prize and reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, while also making significant impacts on international charts.

CD Track Listings:

“Mysterons” – 5:02
“Sour Times” – 4:11
“Strangers” – 3:55
“It Could Be Sweet” – 4:16
“Wandering Star” – 4:51
“It’s a Fire” – 3:49
“Numb” – 3:54
“Roads” – 5:02
“Pedestal” – 3:39
“Biscuit” – 5:01
“Glory Box” – 5:06

Portishead (1997)

Released: September 29, 1997

The band’s second album, Portishead, continued to refine their innovative sound, combining atmospheric textures with haunting melodies. This self-titled album, which was recorded at the band’s own studio in Bristol as well as in London, did not deviate much from the formula of their debut but deepened their distinctive style. Produced by Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley, and Beth Gibbons, the album reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and also entered the top 20 in several other countries, including the United States where it peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200.

CD Track Listings:

“Cowboys” – 4:38
“All Mine” – 3:59
“Undenied” – 4:18
“Half Day Closing” – 3:49
“Over” – 3:55
“Humming” – 6:02
“Mourning Air” – 4:11
“Seven Months” – 4:15
“Only You” – 4:59
“Elysium” – 5:54
“Western Eyes” – 3:59

Third (2008)

Released: April 28, 2008

After an 11-year hiatus, Portishead returned with Third, a departure from their previous sound that incorporated elements of electronic, experimental rock, and folk. The album’s more abrasive and rhythmic approach was a significant shift that still retained the eerie atmosphere characteristic of the band. Third was highly anticipated and upon release, it was met with widespread acclaim. It debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and number 7 on the US Billboard 200, marking their highest US chart position to date.