Artist: 808 State Album: Ninety

Year: 1989
Duration: 39:09

A of the Album: Ninety by 808 State

If you're into electronic music, you've probably heard of 808 State, the British electronic music group who rose to fame in the late eighties and early nineties. Their music has been described as pioneering and influential in the techno and house genres. And one of their standout albums is Ninety, which was released in 1989. In this post, we'll be taking a closer look at Ninety, its standout tracks, innovative parts, and a critical analysis of the album.
To give a brief history of 808 State, the group was formed in Manchester in the mid-eighties by Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson. The group's name was derived from the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which they used extensively in their music. After a series of releases and lineup changes, they gained popularity in the UK and beyond with their second studio album, Ninety.
Ninety is an album that stands the test of time, with its mix of acid house, techno, and ambient music. The standout tracks on the album include Pacific, which is now considered an electronic music classic, and Magical Dream, which features the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Louise Rhodes. The album also includes collaborations with guest artists such as MC Tunes, who provides the rapping on The Only Rhyme That Bites.
What makes Ninety innovative is its use of sampling and layering of sounds, which was groundbreaking at the time. The album's opening track, Cobra Bora, features a sample from the 1974 film Zardoz, which is looped and layered over a driving beat. The album also includes snippets of classical music, such as Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, which adds a cinematic quality to the music.
While Ninety is a standout album, it's not without its flaws. Some tracks like Kinky National and Spanish Marching come off as filler tracks, lacking the innovation and catchiness of the standout tracks. Additionally, some of the tracks on the album can blend together, making it hard to distinguish between them.
In conclusion, Ninety by 808 State is a seminal album in the electronic music genre that still holds up today. Its standout tracks, innovative use of sampling, and layering of sounds make it a must-listen for fans of electronic music. However, the album is not without its flaws, and some tracks can come off as filler. Despite its shortcomings, Ninety remains a classic album and a testament to the creativity and innovation of 808 State.