Faithless – Reverence (2xLP)

Reverence, released in April 1996, is the debut album from Faithless and a bold manifesto of 1990s electronic ambition. The record melds house, trip-hop, and downtempo sensibilities with spiritually inflected lyricism and dynamic production. Tracks like “Salva Mea,” “Don’t Leave,” and the landmark “Insomnia” combine hypnotic grooves, layered keyboards, and emotive vocal contrast. The album’s flow balances club intensity with contemplative space, setting a versatile tone that would define the group’s trajectory. 

Over time, Reverence has been celebrated not only for its flagship singles but for its cohesive vision and range. Its texture shifts—from the driving energy of “Insomnia” to the lush restraint of “Drifting Away”—reveal a group comfortable in paradox. Many now view it as a foundational work of electronic music, one that helped blur the lines between dancefloor and emotional resonance. 

Reviews

"Moments are caught and lost, tangled, and straightened out. Really, it's brilliant." – AllMusic

“What appears to be a trip-hop album from the title track … veers off into a modern pop love song … The shifting between these styles effectively keeps the listener’s attention.” – Lollipop Magazine

“Reverence is definitely a mysterious journey … a quintessential album for electronic music … essential for the dancefloor.” – Sputnikmusic