My Bloody Valentine: "Loveless" (Album Review)

Genres: Shoegaze, Noise Pop, Dream Pop

When you think of “shoegaze,” what’s the first album that comes to mind? What’s the first band? There’s a strong chance that you answered with Loveless and My Bloody Valentine. The 1991 release by the band is more than just a staple of shoegaze, but it is what many consider to be the gold standard, inspiring plenty to recreate it. However, as stated by Pitchfork, “Loveless is often imitated but never reproduced.” This album is one of a kind, and its impact shows that there is something important about not just being “new” but being unique.

Loveless has a sound that’s very hard to pin down but easy to recognize as purely gorgeous. The heavy amounts of reverb mixed with the otherworldly vocals of Bilinda Butcher and the more grounded but also beautiful vocals of Kevin Shields create an experience that can only be described as special. On a track like “To Here Knows When”, where the lyrics are barely audible through the thick distortion, there is beauty in the accompanying melodies and in trying to piece together the song through the foggy atmosphere. 

Whereas beauty is created through some of the rough sounds on here, songs like “When You Sleep” and “What You Want” create bliss alongside the harsh noise. It’s fascinating how concepts of roughness and gentleness are presented concurrently, with both qualities working independently, and yet are interpreted as a whole. Contrast plays a huge role in Loveless, combining to create something new on other tracks while staying separate to show how different qualities play off each other on tracks like these. Sound becomes a living element on the album, and the different ways it’s utilized creates a dynamic piece. Although there are times when the contrast is so stark that sounds lose their weight and become diluted, overall the dual nature of the record creates layers. 

The lyrics across Loveless aren’t intricate or deep, but they do a nice job of adding to the dreamy and romantic atmosphere. What I find to be especially compelling about the lyrics is that nobody knows exactly what they are. Through a mixture of careful listening and the transcription of live shows, there has been a general sense of what is being said, but it’s nothing concrete. I can understand how people might not appreciate this because of the vagueness and apparent lack of certainty. However, I don’t think this should be viewed as a negative when considering the context of the album. Bliss and wonder are essential qualities that make up Loveless. The mystery of the lyrics only adds to the dreamlike nature of the record. There’s also the personal aspect of interpreting the sounds and trying to attach meaning and give clarification to the words. Although I like this part of Loveless’ lyrics, I also think it’s a shame that the harsh instrumentation drowns so much of it out. Bilinda Butcher’s beautiful vocals are covered and not given the proper focus they deserve. Alongside this, the unintelligible lyrics are interesting to put together, but not being able to hear some of the lines can make them feel duller.

Loveless spectacularly blurs the line between the borders of reality and mysticality. The soundscape is something that’s so completely expressed by the band, still stunningly unique decades later. Through the noise, there are some smaller moments and overall beauty lost, but this sharp quality also serves as a source of deeper energy that flows throughout the album. This album is definitely a spectacle and there is something that feels almost impossible about how the sounds flow, crash, and maneuver. I love the coarse and warm texture, but at the same time, I'm left with the feeling that it never fully reveals itself. While it’s not without its flaws, what makes Loveless special is the never-ending sense of magic within the music. 

Favorite Tracks: When You Sleep, Sometimes, Blown a Wish, To Here Knows When, Loomer, I Only Said, Come In Alone

Least Favorites: Soon

Enjoyment: Mid 8

Critically: Mid 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.5/10