Complete List Of Slowdive Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Slowdive was formed in 1989 in Reading, Berkshire, by Neil Halstead (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rachel Goswell (vocals, guitar), Christian Savill (guitar), Nick Chaplin (bass), and Simon Scott (drums, electronics). The band initially emerged amid the shoegaze movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a scene characterized by its ethereal soundscapes, heavy use of guitar effects, and indistinct vocals. Slowdive released their debut album Just for a Day in 1991, followed by Souvlaki in 1993 and Pygmalion in 1995. After an extended hiatus, they reformed in 2014 and subsequently released two more studio albums, Slowdive in 2017 and Everything Is Alive in 2023, bringing their total to five studio albums.

The band’s early work, especially their second album Souvlaki, which peaked at number fifty-one on the UK Albums Chart, is frequently cited as one of the seminal albums of the shoegaze genre. Despite a lukewarm initial reception, including being dropped by their label after their third album, Slowdive’s music gradually received critical acclaim and achieved cult status. Their 2017 self-titled comeback album reached number sixteen in the UK and number seventy-eight on the US Billboard 200, their first entry on the American charts, illustrating a significant resurgence in popularity and critical approval.

SLOWDIVE STUDIO ALBUMS

Just for a Day

Released: September 1991

Just for a Day is the debut studio album by the British shoegaze band Slowdive. It was released under Creation Records and marked the beginning of the band’s venture into the ethereal soundscapes that define shoegaze. The album was produced by Chris Hufford and Slowdive themselves, recorded at Courtyard Studios in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, from late 1990 to mid-1991. Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, the album has since been recognized for its atmospheric textures and is a staple in the shoegaze genre. It charted modestly, peaking at number thirty-one on the UK Albums Chart.

CD Track Listings:

“Spanish Air” – 6:02
“Celia’s Dream” – 4:09
“Catch the Breeze” – 4:20
“Ballad of Sister Sue” – 4:33
“Erik’s Song” – 4:25
“Waves” – 5:52
“Brighter” – 3:49
“The Sadman” – 4:45
“Primal” – 5:30

Souvlaki

Released: May 1993

Souvlaki is the second studio album by Slowdive, recorded at Protocol Studios in London and produced by Slowdive with additional production by Ed Buller. This album is often cited as one of the defining works of the shoegaze genre, incorporating more electronic influences and ambient sounds compared to their debut. The recording sessions were notably influenced by the band’s internal tensions and external pressures but resulted in a critically acclaimed album that reached number fifty-one on the UK Albums Chart.

CD Track Listings:

“Alison” – 3:51
“Machine Gun” – 4:28
“40 Days” – 3:16
“Sing” – 4:51
“Here She Comes” – 2:19
“Souvlaki Space Station” – 5:59
“When the Sun Hits” – 4:47
“Altogether” – 3:42
“Melon Yellow” – 3:53
“Dagger” – 3:33

Pygmalion

Released: February 1995

Pygmalion is Slowdive’s third studio album, a drastic departure from their earlier work, embracing a more minimalist, ambient sound. Produced by the band and engineered by Chris Hufford, the album was recorded at Courtyard Studios. It initially received mixed reviews due to its radical shift in style but has grown in esteem over the years. The album reached number fifty on the UK Albums Chart, underscoring a warm reception despite its initial commercial struggles.

CD Track Listings:

“Rutti” – 10:06
“Crazy for You” – 6:01
“Miranda” – 4:49
“Trellisaze” – 6:21
“Cello” – 1:34
“J’s Heaven” – 6:45
“Visions of LA” – 1:46
“Blue Skied an’ Clear” – 6:55
“All of Us” – 4:10

Slowdive

Released: May 2017

After a 22-year hiatus, Slowdive returned with their self-titled album, Slowdive. Recorded at The Courtyard Studio in Oxfordshire and produced by Chris Coady, this album marked a triumphant return, blending classic shoegaze elements with modern sensibilities. It was well-received, peaking at number sixteen on the UK Albums Chart and number seventy-eight on the Billboard 200, showcasing their continued relevance and appeal.

CD Track Listings:

“Slomo” – 6:53
“Star Roving” – 5:39
“Don’t Know Why” – 4:36
“Sugar for the Pill” – 4:31
“Everyone Knows” – 4:22
“No Longer Making Time” – 5:48
“Go Get It” – 6:09
“Falling Ashes” – 8:01

Everything Is Alive

Released: May 2023

Everything Is Alive is the latest album by Slowdive, showcasing further evolution in their sound with an even more expansive approach to ambience and melody. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire and produced by the band alongside John Congleton, it delves into themes of existence and the natural world. This album has achieved critical acclaim and entered the UK Albums Chart at number thirty-two, reflecting its positive reception and the band’s enduring legacy in the music scene.