"Portishead" is the second studio album by the English electronic music group Portishead, released on September 29, 1997, by Go! Discs. This album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, incorporating darker, more complex themes and a broader range of instrumentation compared to their debut, Dummy.
The album is known for its haunting melodies, layered production, and the distinctive vocal style of Beth Gibbons. It features standout tracks like "All Mine," "Over," and "Only You," showcasing the band's signature blend of trip-hop, electronica, and jazz influences. Critics praised Portishead for its emotional depth and atmospheric sound, solidifying the band's place in the music scene of the late 1990s.
With Portishead, the band opted to move away from sampling other records, which had been a hallmark of their debut, Dummy. Instead, they focused on crafting original compositions, resulting in a richer and more textured sound. The only track that utilized samples was "Only You," which features elements from Ken Thorne's score for Inspector Clouseau and The Pharcyde's "She Said." Interestingly, "Western Eyes" is noted in the album's liner notes as sampling a non-existent track titled "Hookers & Gin" by the Sean Atkins Experience, highlighting the band's creative approach to sound design. This shift contributed to the album's unique atmosphere, reinforcing its emotional depth and sonic complexity.
