"Reverence" is the debut album by British electronic band Faithless, released in April 1996. The album contains several singles that have subsequently become Faithless classics, including "Don't Leave", "Salva Mea", and "Insomnia". The album reached number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.
Faithless, made up of musicians Rollo Armstrong, Sister Bliss, and rapper Maxi Jazz, is known for their fusion of various musical genres, including house, trip hop, dub, and classical music. They're often credited for bringing dance music to the mainstream.
"Reverence" set the tone for Faithless's unique sound and style. The album provided a more introspective and lyrical approach to dance music. Expressing themes of existential quandary, spiritual curiosity, and societal critique, it strayed from the hedonism typically associated with the genre.
Importantly, it carried a progressive socio-political message which was epitomized by Maxi Jazz's conscious lyrics that offered commentary on subjects like introspection, society, and philosophy.
The album cover is also of note, featuring a still from the video for "Insomnia", with Maxi Jazz depicted mid-air, appearing to be in a state of tranquility, thereby reflecting the group's search for peace and consciousness within the chaos.
The success of "Reverence" helped Faithless to become one of the most influential and respected bands in the world of electronic dance music. Their debut project remains a classic offering within the genre, setting a high standard for electronic music and inspiring countless artists who followed in their footsteps.
