Artist: 808 State Album: Forecast

Year: 1993
Duration: 0:0-1

A of 808 State's Forecast Album

Summer time is synonymous with music festivals, outdoor concerts, and road trips with the windows down and tunes blasting out of the car stereo. As the temperatures climb, so does the number of artists releasing new music. One group that has stood the test of time and continues to mesmerize music lovers is 808 State. Released in 1993, their album Forecast wasn't just ahead of its time, but it remains a testament to their unique sound and creativity. In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the album, the music genre, the best songs, and the innovative parts while offering our honest and critical analysis.

A Brief History of 808 State

808 State has been a staple in the music industry since the late '80s. The group hails from Manchester in the UK and consists of members Graham Massey, Andrew Barker, and Darren Partington. They've received critical acclaim for their unique blend of electronic music, dance, and industrial sounds. The group has released nine studio albums and countless singles, EPs, and collaborations over the years. The release of Forecast in 1993 sparked a new era for the group and received high praise from both critics and fans alike.

The Music Genre of the Album

Forecast is an electronic music album with influences from techno, acid house, and ambient. It's a heady mix of different genres that the group successfully combined to create a unique sound. The album has an ethereal feel to it, with tracks like Mondonet, 10x10, and Banacheq transporting you to another dimension. However, the album isn't without its danceable tracks. Ooops and Invader are two classics from the album that still get played at dance parties even today.

The Best Songs of the Album

Picking the best songs from Forecast is a daunting task since every track offers something unique. However, Ooops, Invader, and 10x10 are three songs that stand out from the rest. Ooops featuring Bjork has a hypnotic melody that's both calming and cathartic. Invader has a pulsating beat and industrial sounds that highlight the group's experimentation with different genres. 10x10 is an ambient track that feels like you're floating in space.

The Most Innovative Parts

The most innovative part of the album is how the group combined different genres to create a sound that was uniquely their own. They managed to blend techno, acid house, and ambient sounds effortlessly, which wasn't something many artists were doing at the time. The use of guest vocalists like Bjork and James Dean Bradfield on Ooops and Lopez added another layer to the album, making it more than just an electronic music album.

A Critique of the Album

A Critique of the Album

While Forecast is a brilliant album, it does have a few flaws. The album's pace feels a bit slow towards the middle, with tracks like Magical Dream and Lopez not quite living up to the rest of the album's high standards. Additionally, the album's themes aren't as clear compared to other works in the electronic music genre, leading to a lack of connection for some listeners. However, these minor flaws don't take away from the album's brilliance and the group's innovative approach to music-making.
808 State has been a force in the music industry for several decades, and Forecast is one of their classics. The album's unique blend of techno, acid house, and ambient sounds stands out even today. Ooops, Invader, and 10x10 are three must-listen tracks from the album. The group's ability to blend different genres and experimental sounds is the most innovative part of the album. With a few minor flaws here and there and a lack of clear themes, Forecast is still a fantastic album that music lovers should add to their playlist.