Orbital is an English electronic music duo that emerged in the late 1980s and quickly became one of the most influential and innovative acts of their time. With their blend of techno, trance, and ambient music, Orbital helped to define the sound and style of electronic dance music and inspired countless musicians around the world. Over the course of their career, they released a string of classic albums and songs that continue to be beloved by music fans of all ages.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Orbital songs of all time. These are the tracks that have defined the duo’s sound and style, and that continue to be recognized as some of the greatest songs in the history of electronic dance music. From early hits like “Chime” and “Belfast” to later classics like “Halcyon” and “The Box,” we will be taking a deep dive into Orbital’s discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
Orbital’s music is not just about beats and rhythms; it’s also about the power of music to create emotions and transcend boundaries. Their songs are filled with passion and energy, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless electronic and dance musicians today. Listening to Orbital’s music is like taking a journey through the possibilities of sound and technology, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Orbital or just discovering their music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for the duo’s incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 10 best Orbital songs of all time.
1. “Chime”
“Chime” is a 1990 single by British electronic duo Orbital, and it is considered one of their signature tracks. The song features a distinctive blend of techno, breakbeat, and house music, with a driving beat and layers of atmospheric synthesizer sounds. The track’s catchy melody and repetitive vocal samples add to its hypnotic quality, and it quickly became a dancefloor hit in the UK and beyond. “Chime” remains a beloved classic of early 90s rave culture, and it helped establish Orbital as one of the most innovative and influential electronic acts of their time.
2. “Funny Break” (Plump DJ’s Remix)
“Funny Break” is a song by British electronic music duo Orbital, released in 2001 as part of their album “The Altogether”. The Plump DJ’s Remix of the song gives it a new twist, with a more upbeat and energetic rhythm and a groovy bassline that will make you move. The remix maintains the original’s hypnotic melody and haunting vocals, but adds a dancefloor-friendly edge with its driving beats and playful sound effects. “Funny Break (Plump DJ’s Remix)” is a club classic that showcases Orbital’s versatility and the Plump DJ’s remixing skills.
3. “Satan”
“Satan” is a 1996 single by Orbital, and it is one of their most recognizable tracks. The song features a sample from an obscure track by Brazilian musician Os Mutantes, which the duo manipulated and distorted to create a distorted and unsettling sound. The track’s pounding beat and menacing synthesizer riffs create a dark and foreboding atmosphere, and the repeating vocal sample of “Satan” adds to the song’s hypnotic quality. “Satan” is a standout track on Orbital’s 1996 album “In Sides”, and it remains a classic of late 90s electronica, demonstrating the duo’s skillful use of samples and innovative approach to electronic music production.
4. “Belfast”
“Belfast” is a song by British electronic music duo Orbital, released in 1991 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song’s hypnotic synth melody, pulsating beats, and intricate sound effects create a mesmerizing and immersive atmosphere that transports the listener to a world of electronic dreams. The song’s title refers to the Northern Irish city, but the music itself is a universal and timeless tribute to the power of electronic music to evoke emotion and capture the imagination. “Belfast” is a classic of the early techno scene and a landmark of Orbital’s influential career.
5. “Impact”
“Impact” is a 1999 single by British electronic duo Orbital, and it is a standout track on their “The Middle of Nowhere” album. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and a driving beat, punctuated by bursts of distorted guitar samples and a vocal sample of “make that impact”. The track’s layers of synthesizers and electronic sounds create a dense and dynamic soundscape, with a distinct energy and sense of urgency. “Impact” showcases Orbital’s ability to blend different genres and sounds into a cohesive and infectious track, and it remains a fan favorite and staple of their live shows.
6. “Halcyon + On + On”
“Halcyon + On + On” is a song by British electronic music duo Orbital, released in 1993 as part of their album “Orbital 2”. The song’s ethereal and uplifting synth arpeggios, sweeping strings, and pulsating beats create a transcendent and euphoric journey that evokes a sense of blissful transcendence. The song’s title refers to the mythical halcyon bird, which represents peace, prosperity, and tranquility, and the music itself embodies these ideals with its soaring melodies and hypnotic rhythms. “Halcyon + On + On” is a classic of ambient and trance music and a highlight of Orbital’s illustrious career.
7. “Are We Here?”
“Are We Here?” is a 1994 single by British electronic duo Orbital, and it is a haunting and introspective track that explores themes of identity, mortality, and the nature of reality. The song features a sparse and atmospheric arrangement of synthesizers and samples, with a subtle and pulsing beat that gradually builds to a climax. The repeating vocal sample of “are we here?” adds to the song’s sense of unease and existential questioning, and the track’s overall mood is one of contemplation and introspection. “Are We Here?” is a standout track on Orbital’s “Snivilisation” album, and it showcases the duo’s ability to create complex and thought-provoking music.
8. “Dwr Budr”
“Dwr Budr” is a song by British electronic music duo Orbital, released in 1996 as part of their album “In Sides”. The song’s title is Welsh for “dirty water,” and the music itself reflects the murky and mysterious vibe of its namesake. The song’s brooding and atmospheric soundscape, with its haunting synth pads, glitchy percussion, and distorted vocals, creates a sense of unease and tension that builds throughout the track. “Dwr Budr” is a showcase of Orbital’s ability to create evocative and immersive sonic landscapes that challenge and stimulate the listener’s imagination.
9. “Remind”
“Remind” is a 1994 single by British electronic duo Orbital, and it is a dreamy and uplifting track that showcases the duo’s melodic sensibilities. The song features a lush and atmospheric arrangement of synthesizers and samples, with a pulsing and upbeat rhythm that drives the track forward. The ethereal vocal sample of “you remind me of the sun” adds to the song’s sense of warmth and positivity, and the track’s overall mood is one of joy and celebration. “Remind” is a standout track on Orbital’s “Snivilisation” album, and it demonstrates the duo’s ability to create beautiful and uplifting music that transcends the boundaries of electronic dance music.
10. “Where Is It Going?” feat. Stephen Hawking (Phil Hartnoll n Steve Mac Remix)
“Where Is It Going?” is a song by British electronic music duo Orbital, featuring a spoken word sample from renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. The Phil Hartnoll n Steve Mac remix adds a fresh and dynamic spin to the original track, with its driving beats, squelchy basslines, and glitchy effects. Hawking’s monologue about the mysteries of the universe and humanity’s search for meaning and purpose is set against the backdrop of Orbital’s futuristic and innovative sound, creating a unique and powerful fusion of science and art. “Where Is It Going?” is a thought-provoking and inspiring track that showcases Orbital’s ability to push the boundaries of electronic music and explore new frontiers of creativity.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
