Jump to content

Worlds (Porter Robinson album)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Pressforaction (talk | contribs) at 04:38, 12 August 2024. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Worlds
The artwork features a purple hand suspended in front of a pastel blue and pink cloudy sky. The hand has a cube at its center with a white circle and line connecting them. Above the hand, the texts "Porter Robinson" and "Worlds" are shown, along with Worlds's logomark, an emoticon of a frowning face.
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 12, 2014
GenreElectropop
Length57:49
LabelAstralwerks
ProducerPorter Robinson
Porter Robinson chronology
Spitfire
(2011)
Worlds
(2014)
Nurture
(2021)
Singles from Worlds
  1. "Sea of Voices"
    Released: March 2, 2014
  2. "Sad Machine"
    Released: May 13, 2014
  3. "Lionhearted"
    Released: June 17, 2014
  4. "Flicker"
    Released: July 29, 2014

Worlds is the debut studio album by the American electronic music producer Porter Robinson, released on August 12, 2014, by Astralwerks. Initially known for his heavier bass-centric production, Robinson became increasingly dissatisfied with the electronic dance music (EDM) genre, believing it limited his artistic expression. In 2012, Robinson released his first song with a greater emphasis on melody, "Language", and decided thereafter to prioritize aesthetic and emotional qualities in his work. He was inspired by media that evoked nostalgia for his childhood, and wrote music integrating elements taken from anime, films, and sounds from 1990s video games.

Robinson's primary inspirations for Worlds were Daft Punk's Discovery (2001) and Kanye West's Graduation (2007). Critics described the work as electropop, noting similarities to the styles of M83 and Passion Pit. In late 2013, a bidding war ensued to determine which label was to release the record. The album was preceded by four singles: "Sea of Voices", "Sad Machine", "Lionhearted", and "Flicker", and promoted with a tour in North America and Europe.

Worlds was well received by most critics, who praised it as innovative and forecast a promising career for Robinson, though others felt the record lacked coherence or was unexciting. Retrospectively, the album was noted for its impact on the EDM scene. It charted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands. Following Worlds's positive reception, Robinson felt pressured to write an appropriate follow-up work. As a result he experienced a period of writer's block and depression, leading to the seven-year gap until his next studio album, Nurture (2021).

Background and development

I feel more strongly about this music that I've written for this album than anything I've ever done in my life. I think it would be doing myself a disservice not to say that overtly. If I didn't totally believe in this, then no one would ever hear it.

—Porter Robinson, 2013[1]

Porter Robinson was initially known for his electro and complextro music, such as the 2010 single "Say My Name" and the 2011 extended play Spitfire;[2][3] Robinson described his initial sound as "very heavy" and "bass-aggressive".[4] "Say My Name" topped Beatport's electro house chart, while Spitfire caused the website to crash after being promoted by Skrillex and Tiësto.[4][5]

Across 2012, Robinson performed at major electronic dance music (EDM) festivals,[5] but gradually became dissatisfied with the genre. He mentioned having four or five intense anxiety attacks while performing onstage that year, at one point shouting that "dance music is terrible" during a show.[4] Robinson came to believe that the genre limited his expression;[5][6] in an interview with NME, he said "[EDM] is entertainment, it's not really art".[4][7][a] Robinson felt that by attempting to add DJ-friendly and dance-oriented features to his music, he frequently compromised and diminished the quality of his songs.[4][9]

Robinson conceived the idea for Worlds in 2012 following the release of "Language",[4] his first song to have a greater emphasis on melody.[3][10] Although it was a departure from his earlier sound, "Language" was accepted by audiences, surprising Robinson.[4] As a result, he decided to prioritize "beauty" and "emotion" in his music,[11] which became his first principles for Worlds.[12][13] He also considered it necessary to be "sincere" and "honest".[14][15] Rather than creating club-oriented music, he chose to produce the music he wanted to hear and believed should exist.[16] In 2013, he released "Easy" with Mat Zo, which Andy Kellman of AllMusic characterized as one of the standout commercial dance singles of the year.[17]

Robinson moved to his parents' home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and spent a year revisiting soundtracks of Nintendo 64 video games from the 1990s and 2000s.[5] Robinson produced the album in FL Studio, and wrote around 50 tracks for the album, which were later narrowed to 12 on the final tracklist.[18][19] In a May 2013 interview, Robinson said he had set July as the deadline to finish the album, and that the title still had not been chosen.[20] When Robinson signed with Astralwerks in November 2013, the album was in a near-complete state.[1] Robinson collaborated with Spanish illustrator David Aguado to create the album's artwork and design.[21]

Composition

Porter Robinson stands at a table with a brightly-lit screen; another screen is behind him
Robinson performing in 2013

Robinson was inspired by themes of fantasy, escapism, fiction, and nostalgia;[15][5] he said that Worlds is not associated with, nor has a place in, reality.[5][22] Robinson incorporated elements from video games, anime, and movies.[23] His experiences with massively multiplayer online role-playing games and associated nostalgia were an influence. He admired the worlds these games – Star Wars Galaxies (2003) in particular[4][24] – provided and was affected by how dwindling player bases and bankruptcies eventually brought them offline.[22][23][25] These themes influenced Robinson to title the album Worlds.[26]

Robinson used General MIDI sounds that resembled the music of Nintendo 64 and PlayStation video games,[25][27] including those he played while growing up in the 1990s, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998),[28] which evoked childhood nostalgia for Robinson.[29] By emulating the "slight[ly] sad vibe" of the stories that inspired him, Robinson wanted to give the album a retrospective and emotional atmosphere.[23] Daft Punk's Discovery (2001), an album Robinson considers the best of all time, was his biggest influence for the record, with Kanye West's Graduation (2007) in second.[23] Multiple critics wrote that the album's sound resembled M83[b] and Passion Pit.[10][30]

Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork said that Worlds is clearly electropop,[10] and Megan Buerger of Billboard wrote that the album combines ambient, disco and electropop.[33] Vice's Elissa Stolman felt that several tracks on the album were inspired by new wave.[34] While Robinson intended to stray from EDM, the album still kept some of its elements;[31] some critics described the album's sound as "post-EDM".[32][33] Sharon O'Connell of Uncut said that Robinson mixed EDM tropes and nu-rave with M83-like synth-pop and "bangers" by Daft Punk and Justice.[35] Conversely, Buerger wrote that bass drops and dance-like rhythms were substituted by "delicate chord progressions and deep, forceful synths".[33] Barry Walters of Wondering Sound wrote that, in contrast to the typically higher tempos of EDM, much of Worlds is at a lower, ballad-like speed.[36]

Songs

Tracks 1–5

Worlds opens with "Divinity", which contains vocals by Canadian singer Amy Millan, from the bands Stars and Broken Social Scene. Robinson chose the track as the opener because it was the first he wrote with a slower tempo and more emotional chords, a style he considered representative of Worlds.[37] Tatiana Cirisano of Billboard wrote that there is a large contrast between the intro and chorus; while the former contains "underwater-sounding", smooth vocals, the latter contains a "cacophony" of cymbals and glitch-like sounds reminiscent of video games.[38] Barry Walters of Wondering Sound said that it features common characteristics of EDM, such as a powerful beat, dense layers of synthesizers, and an airy female vocal,[36] while Elissa Stolman of Vice described the track as an indie-electronic "festival rave anthem", with synths that resembled M83's "Midnight City" (2011).[34] Alternatively, Rupert Howe of Q found similarities to electronica and M83-like space rock.[39]

The next track, "Sad Machine", was the first song for which Robinson had recorded his own vocals.[40] Describing it as a "duet between a lonely robot girl and the human boy",[40] Robinson employed Avanna, a Vocaloid voice, as the song's lead singer.[5] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork considered it one among other tracks on Worlds which resembled the "high-wire synth-pop fantasias" of Passion Pit, as it contained a mid-tempo instrumental and "starry-eyed melodic structure".[10] Las Vegas Weekly's Mike Prevatt identified inspirations from M83 and Sigur Rós.[41] Lucas Villa of AXS described the track as "heroic and awe-inspiring" and felt that it evoked the "dreamier" elements of electronic music.[42] The third song, "Years of War", features Breanne Düren of Owl City and Sean Caskey of Last Dinosaurs. Pursuing a "cutesy synth-pop thing", Robinson said it was the hardest he had ever worked on a song.[37] It leans into electropop,[33] synth-pop,[39] and new wave.[34][43] The song's main instrument is a trance synth, which Stolman felt contrasted with the song's retro elements, such as a boom-clap rhythm and "sepia-toned synths".[34]

The song is followed by "Flicker", which Robinson considered one of his proudest moments on the album.[37] The song begins with a calm disco beat reminiscent of old video games and a faint bassline building in the background. A female voice enters, speaking chopped-up Japanese phrases.[33][34] Prevatt said that the song uses a classic hip hop breakbeat before the chorus, which he described as an "emotional payoff".[41] Just after the two-minute mark, the song switches to a bass-heavy atmosphere, and Buerger comments that Robinson retains his "invitation to the party" in spite of the song's experimental elements.[33] She described the song as the most dynamic on the album.[33] Garrett Kamps of Spin identified melodic similarities with Boards of Canada.[32] "Fresh Static Snow", the fifth track on the album, also uses Avanna.[5][37] Robinson said that the song focuses on his feelings of loneliness and the idea of soulmates.[37] Consequence of Sound's Derek Staples found the song's "ethereal electro vibes" to be reminiscent of The Glitch Mob and The M Machine.[30] Stolman described it as a "coiled, metallic guitar squall" which goes to "midrange bass grit" culminating in a heavenly breakdown with melancholy robotic vocals.[34]

Tracks 6–12

The album's sixth track, "Polygon Dust", is a collaboration with Lemaitre, a band Robinson was fond of.[37] Its main element is a trance synth. Stolman described the track as one of the safest of the album, containing natural vocals as opposed to "Sad Machine" and "Fresh Static Snow", as well as calmer synths.[34] It is followed by "Hear the Bells", which features Imaginary Cities. It is based on one of the band's existing songs, "Bells of Cologne".[37][44] Robinson felt that the song is where he sings with the greatest stage presence.[37] Kamps thought the vocal choir was "fantastical and defiantly cheery",[32] while Stolman wrote that the song contains Givers-like layered indie vocals and emotional lyrics.[34] Fitzmaurice said that "Hear the Bells" has a good amount of "rocket fuel" due to its dynamic electronics and anthemic synthesizers.[10]

"Natural Light", Worlds's eighth track, is an interlude. Robinson enjoyed the track due to its intelligent dance music passages inspired by artists such as Aphex Twin and Venetian Snares.[37] Stolman commented that, despite its driving bass, sharp drum hits, vocal fragments, and sparkling keys, the track could be called minimal in the context of the album.[34] The ninth track is "Lionhearted", which features Urban Cone. It was one of the first tracks Robinson wrote for the album, describing it as "anthemic".[37] Critics wrote that this was the album's first display of a faster tempo.[34][36][42] Kamps described the sound as "exuberant pop"[32] and Prevatt felt there were similarities to the styles of Holy Ghost! and Passion Pit.[41] The next song, "Sea of Voices", went through multiple iterations before its release.[37] It is a five-minute orchestral track[33] that contain no drums in its first minutes,[33][34] being only composed of synths reminiscent of atmospheric big room.[34][42][43] Noting the late introduction of beats, Buerger said the track has "the emotions of a tear-jerking blockbuster".[33] Kamps found the build-up similar to ones by Sigur Rós.[32]

"Fellow Feeling" is Worlds's penultimate track. In a criticism of EDM composition, Robinson starkly juxtaposed what he felt was "beautiful and serene" with aggressive and violent elements.[37] Sharon O'Connell of Uncut felt that the opening section was reminiscent of chamber music,[35] that was described by Villa as "cinematic"[42] and Walters as "symphonic".[36] Further into the song, a voice says, "Now, please, hear what I hear",[36] and a strong bass enters.[10][32][35] Walters claimed the track is interrupted by aggressive dubstep elements[36] which O'Connell described as electro funk that had been chopped and screwed.[35] Villa named it the album's most climactic moment.[42] The final track, "Goodbye to a World", is the third to use Avanna.[5][37] Robinson wanted the feeling of a "beautiful apocalypse" for the song.[37] It has lullaby-like moments[31][34] contrasted with sections that Staples found similar to breakcore[30] and Stolman characterized as "fist-pumping brutality".[34]

Release and promotion

An emoticon of a frowning face
The Fader's Duncan Cooper felt that Robinson had "made [Worlds's logomark] his trademark".[4]

Following a bidding war over the record, it was announced on November 14, 2013, that Robinson had signed a deal with Astralwerks; Worlds would be released through their Capitol Records imprint in the US and their Virgin EMI Records imprint internationally. Robinson chose Astralwerks because it was not an EDM label.[1] On February 10, 2014, Robinson revealed the album's title in a video that featured a robotic voice repeating worlds for ten hours. When the video was released, Robinson stated that he disliked marketing campaigns that were "wishy-washy", and attempted to create all of his work with a clear intent.[45]

On a distant stage, many lights shine outward, and Porter Robinson is silhouetted against a screen depicting the sky and floating cuboidal structures.
Robinson performing on the Worlds Live Tour in 2014

Astralwerks wanted to release "Shepherdess"[c] as the album's first single, which Robinson described as the "most EDM thing" he had made since 2011. However, he decided to lead with the song he felt was "the least accessible to fans of dance music", "Sea of Voices".[19] The single was released on March 2,[48] shortly before the 86th Academy Awards. "Sea of Voices" became a trending topic on Twitter during the event, and received positive reactions from audiences, contrary to Robinson's expectations.[5][40] Though originally intending "Flicker" to be the album's second single, Robinson changed it to "Sad Machine" three days beforehand, which he claimed caused "mayhem" at the label. "Sad Machine" was the last song written for the album, and Robinson felt certain it should be the next release upon its completion.[19] "Sad Machine" was premiered by The Fader on May 12, 2014, and made available elsewhere a day later.[40][49] A lyric video was released on May 21.[50]

On June 3, Stereogum premiered Worlds's third single, "Lionhearted", which features Swedish band Urban Cone.[51] It also debuted at BBC Radio 1.[52][53] The single was officially released on June 17, accompanied by a music video in which Mixmag's Carré Orenstein described Robinson and a group of women "wreak[ing] havoc around the city streets, resulting in an eruption of [color]".[54] "Flicker" was premiered on July 28 by Vogue,[55] being officially released the next day as Worlds's fourth and final single.[56] An official music video was released on August 14. The video is set on a train and views glitchy effects occurring on a passing Japanese landscape through the window.[57]

In July, Robinson announced a limited edition box set of Worlds containing bonus remixes and tracks.[46][58] On August 4, the album was premiered by NPR as part of their "First Listen" series.[59] It was fully released on August 12, 2014.[60] From August 28 to October 18, Robinson performed on a North American tour for Worlds,[61] which later extended to Europe.[62] He once again took inspiration from fictional universes for its visuals, which featured video game-like, pixelated worlds on large LED displays.[63] The visuals were managed by Imaginary Light Network.[21]

On October 2, 2015, Robinson released Worlds Remixed, a remix album involving artists and producers such as Mat Zo, Odesza, Sleepy Tom, Galimatias, and San Holo.[64] As with Worlds, David Aguado illustrated several pieces for the remix album.[21] Robinson revealed in 2020 that he originally planned for another song, "Hollowheart", to appear on Worlds, but did not submit it in time to be included. He intends to release it on August 12, 2024,[needs update] Worlds's tenth anniversary.[65]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.4/10[66]
Metacritic63/100[67]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[17]
Alternative Press[68]
Consequence of SoundC[30]
Las Vegas Weekly[41]
Pitchfork6.9/10[10]
Q[39]
Rolling Stone[43]
Spin8/10[32]
Uncut6/10[35]
Wondering Sound[36]

According to review aggregator Metacritic, Worlds received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 63 out of 100 from 8 critics scores,[67] while, on AnyDecentMusic?, the album received a rating of 6.4 out of 10 from 7 critic scores.[66]

Some reviewers praised Worlds as innovative.[32][33][42] Lucas Villa of AXS felt that Robinson exceeded expectations by crafting a complete experience, venturing boldly into uncharted territory for DJs,[42] while Garrett Kamps of Spin said that "it's pretty hard to deny this kid has done something amazing, no matter what you call it".[32] Writing for Billboard, Megan Buerger thought Worlds was "the next frontier" for Robinson, praising its focus on the individual instead of the collective. She described the album as "ideal headphone music",[33] while Rolling Stone's Elissa Stolman wrote that it "manages to retain the thrilling rush of emotions that the best raves inspire", despite not fully sounding like EDM.[43] Las Vegas Weekly writer Mike Prevatt wrote that the album was "a necessary crosscurrent to the swells of EDM" even if it did not catalyze a new musical trend.[41]

Although some reviewers were critical of the album, they acknowledged it was evident Robinson had a promising career ahead of him.[10][17][35] Andy Kellman of AllMusic felt that it was clear Robinson was yet to become accustomed to creating music outside the context of raves due to the album's "several clumsier moments".[17] Kellman, when considering Robinson's ambitions and accomplishments with the work, forecasted a "fascinating" career in his future.[17] While Pitchfork's Larry Fitzmaurice did not find Worlds's style to be inventive, he admired the transition Robinson was making and wrote that his career seemed "extremely promising".[10] Sharon O'Connell of Uncut felt that many characterized Robinson as a stylistic pioneer, a view she disagreed with, but also wrote that "youth is on Robinson's side."[35] Q's Rupert Howe said that Robinson had fulfilled his reputation as an accomplished producer, but that, while having different aspirations than his peers, he "hasn't completely freed himself of their influence".[39]

Some reviewers thought that the record lacked coherence;[30][68] Consequence of Sound's Derek Staples felt that while reinventing EDM was a noble idea, Robinson's execution was weak, and Worlds more resembled a "remix compilation" than a proper album.[30] Others found the album unexciting.[31][36] Samuel Tolzmann of Spectrum Culture wrote that Worlds ultimately embraces generic conventions and that the expectation for the album to redefine the genre highlighted more about the stagnation of this style of EDM than Robinson's music's complexity or creativity.[31] Barry Walters of Wondering Sound said that little of Worlds was memorable, suggesting that Robinson's personal universe felt notably derivative.[36]

Worlds was considered the second best album of the year by Thump[69] and appeared in a list of best albums of the year by Complex.[70]

Commercial performance

In the United States, Worlds debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums, holding that position for a week. The album spent a total of 23 weeks on the chart.[71] On Billboard 200, the magazine's main album chart, it peaked at number 18 and spent a total of seven weeks on the list.[72] In the United Kingdom, the album debuted and peaked at number 13 on the Official Charts Company's UK Dance Albums[73] and at 86 on the company's main chart, UK Albums Chart.[74] The album also charted at number 13 in Australia[75] and 96 in the Netherlands.[76]

Legacy

Worlds had a notable impact on the EDM scene. John Ochoa of DJ Mag described it as a "breakthrough" that precipitated a wider shift in the electronic music industry,[3] allowing for "softer" and "dreamier" music in the genre.[2] According to Ochoa, "Worlds was Robinson's attempt to change the course of an entire genre and scene. He succeeded."[3] Similarly, Kat Bein of Billboard said that the album influenced "a generation of producers to make pretty, emotional dance music", as well as attempt live performances.[77] According to Paper's Matt Moen, a wave of artists would cite Worlds as a major influence,[78] and Krystal Rodriguez and Bein of Billboard said that Worlds and its tour became a model for a generation of young producers to emulate.[79] In November 2019, Billboard staff ranked Worlds as the fifteenth greatest dance album of the 2010s and as the ninety-seventh greatest album of the decade more broadly.[79][80]

As a result of the album's positive reception, Robinson had set high expectations for himself,[81] stating in 2018 that he felt significant pressure to create something similar to a follow-up.[2] This caused him to go through an extended period of writer's block and depression, during which he released very little music.[82][83] Robinson's second studio album, Nurture, was released on April 23, 2021, seven years after Worlds.[84] His experiences with his mental health during this time were reflected in Nurture's lyrics.[85][86]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Porter Robinson, with additional writers noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Divinity" (featuring Amy Millan) 6:08
2."Sad Machine" 5:50
3."Years of War" (featuring Breanne Düren and Sean Caskey)
  • Breanne Düren
  • Sean Caskey
3:56
4."Flicker" 4:39
5."Fresh Static Snow" 5:58
6."Polygon Dust" (featuring Lemaitre)
  • Ketil Jansen
  • Ulrik Denizou Lund
3:29
7."Hear the Bells" (featuring Imaginary Cities)
  • Marti Sarbit
  • Rusty Matyas
4:46
8."Natural Light" 2:21
9."Lionhearted" (featuring Urban Cone)
4:26
10."Sea of Voices"Düren4:58
11."Fellow Feeling" 5:50
12."Goodbye to a World" 5:28
Total length:57:49
Limited edition box set: Remix CD
No.TitleLength
1."Sea of Voices (RAC Mix)"6:08
2."Sad Machine (Anamanaguchi Remix)"4:29
3."Lionhearted (Arty Remix)" (featuring Urban Cone)5:17
4."Lionhearted (The Alexanders Remix)" (featuring Urban Cone)5:56
5."Lionhearted (Giraffage Remix)" (featuring Urban Cone)3:59
6."Lionhearted (Urban Cone Remix)" (featuring Urban Cone)3:26
Total length:29:15
Limited edition box set: "Lionhearted" 7-inch single
No.TitleLength
1."Lionhearted" (featuring Urban Cone)4:26
2."Shepherdess"7:16
Total length:11:42
Worlds Remixed
No.TitleLength
1."Divinity (Odesza Remix)" (featuring Amy Millan)5:26
2."Sad Machine (Deon Custom Remix)"5:06
3."Years of War (Rob Mayth Remix)" (featuring Breanne Düren and Sean Caskey)3:55
4."Flicker (Mat Zo Remix)"4:55
5."Fresh Static Snow (Last Island Remix)"3:12
6."Polygon Dust (Sleepy Tom Remix)" (featuring Lemaitre)4:07
7."Hear the Bells (Electric Mantis Remix)" (featuring Imaginary Cities)4:45
8."Natural Light (San Holo Remix)"2:55
9."Lionhearted (Point Point Remix)" (featuring Urban Cone)3:25
10."Sea of Voices (Galimatias Remix)"3:01
11."Fellow Feeling (Slumberjack Remix)"4:51
12."Goodbye to a World (Chrome Sparks Remix)"6:13
Total length:51:51

Notes

  • "Sad Machine", "Fresh Static Snow", and "Goodbye to a World" feature vocals from Avanna, a Vocaloid voice.[5][37]
  • "Flicker" contains samples from Waiting in the Summer, produced by the Natsumachi Production Committee.[44]
  • "Hear the Bells" contains samples from "Bells of Cologne" by Imaginary Cities.[44]
  • "Sea of Voices" features uncredited vocals from Breanne Düren.[87]
  • "Fellow Feeling" features uncredited vocals from Amanda Lee.[19]

Personnel

Adapted from the CD liner notes.[44]

  • Porter Robinson – production, engineering, mixing, additional drum programming
  • Mike Marsh – mastering
  • Simon Davey – mastering
  • Karen Thompson – mastering
  • Nicole Frantz – art direction
  • David Aguado – artwork, design
  • Randall Leddy – layout

Charts

Chart performance for Worlds
Chart (2014) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[75] 13
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[76] 96
UK Albums (OCC)[74] 86
UK Dance Albums (OCC)[73] 13
US Billboard 200[72] 18
US Top Dance/Electronic Albums (Billboard)[71] 1

Notes

  1. ^ Robinson later retracted this statement in a 2024 interview with The Independent, saying "That was so wrongheaded. EDM is clearly art ... that video was me trying to escape something and being a bit of a dickhead honestly".[8]
  2. ^ Attributed to multiple references:[10][30][31][32]
  3. ^ "Shepherdess" does not appear on the album but on the B-side of the "Lionhearted" 7-inch single, which was included in the album's limited edition box set.[46][47] See § Track listing.

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b c McCarthy, Zel (November 14, 2013). "Porter Robinson signs with Astralwerks after bidding war: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Ochoa, John (February 15, 2018). "Porter Robinson: DJ Mag North America cover feature". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Ochoa, John (January 22, 2019). "10 moments that defined Porter Robinson". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Cooper, Duncan (July 31, 2014). "Porter Robinson conquered EDM, and now he wants more". The Fader. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Brown, Harley (June 30, 2014). "'I expected a backlash': Porter Robinson talks 'virtual' music, denouncing EDM, and online games". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  6. ^ NME 2014, 0:58–1:16.
  7. ^ NME 2014, 2:33–2:56.
  8. ^ Nugent, Annabel (April 28, 2024). "DJ turned pop star Porter Robinson: 'It makes me cry to think I can never reverse my veneers'". The Independent. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  9. ^ The AU Review 2014a, 1:34–1:42.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Fitzmaurice, Larry (August 11, 2014). "Porter Robinson: Worlds album review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  11. ^ The AU Review 2014a, 3:53–4:04.
  12. ^ NME 2014, 0:43–0:57.
  13. ^ Fuse.tv 2014, 0:00–0:06.
  14. ^ Fuse.tv 2014, 2:11–2:17.
  15. ^ a b Polonsky, Sarah (September 11, 2014). "Interview: Porter Robinson shares his new world". Vibe. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  16. ^ The AU Review 2014a, 1:42–1:59.
  17. ^ a b c d e Kellman, Andy. "Worlds – Porter Robinson". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  18. ^ The AU Review 2014b, 2:31–2:35.
  19. ^ a b c d Greene, Scott (October 31, 2014). "Your EDM exclusive interview: Porter Robinson on Worlds". Your EDM. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  20. ^ Fuse 2013, 1:01–1:24.
  21. ^ a b c Yoshida, Emily (October 5, 2015). "Talking to Porter Robinson about the fantastical artwork for Worlds Remixed ". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  22. ^ a b "New 'world' order: Porter Robinson interviewed". Clash. June 11, 2014. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d Masley, Ed (September 10, 2014). "Interview: Porter Robinson on the making of Worlds". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  24. ^ Brown, Andy (February 27, 2023). "Porter Robinson says Star Wars Galaxies inspired his first album". NME. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  25. ^ a b DeVille, Chris (August 8, 2014). "The week in pop: Porter Robinson welcomes us into his Worlds". Stereogum. Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  26. ^ Pharms, Gabrielle Nicole (August 20, 2014). "Porter Robinson: The vision of Worlds". Life + Times. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  27. ^ The AU Review 2014b, 1:04–1:20.
  28. ^ Fuse.tv 2014, 0:35–0:52.
  29. ^ The AU Review 2014b, 1:38–1:53.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g Staples, Derek (August 12, 2014). "Porter Robinson – Worlds". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  31. ^ a b c d e Tolzmann, Samuel (September 3, 2014). "Porter Robinson: Worlds – album review". Spectrum Culture. Archived from the original on October 10, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kamps, Garrett (August 14, 2014). "Porter Robinson invents shoegaze-EDM on dazzling Worlds". Spin. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Buerger, Megan (August 6, 2014). "Album review: Electronic producer Porter Robinson's dramatic Worlds is ideal headphone music". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Stolman, Elissa (August 5, 2014). "Beat by beat review: Porter Robinson – Worlds". Vice. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g O'Connell, Sharon (September 2014). "Porter Robinson: Worlds". Uncut. No. 208. p. 76. ISSN 1368-0722. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i Walters, Barry (August 12, 2014). "Porter Robinson, Worlds". Wondering Sound. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Pizzo, Mike "DJ" (October 5, 2015). "Porter Robinson reflects on Worlds, one year later". Cuepoint. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Cirisano, Tatiana (July 6, 2017). "Porter Robinson's 10 best songs: Critic's picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c d Howe, Rupert (September 2014). "Porter Robinson: Worlds". Q. No. 338. p. 112. ISSN 0955-4955.
  40. ^ a b c d Medved, Matt (May 13, 2014). "Porter Robinson drops 'Sad Machine' single, reveals release date for Worlds album". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  41. ^ a b c d e Prevatt, Mike (September 3, 2014). "CD review: Porter Robinson's Worlds". Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  42. ^ a b c d e f g Villa, Lucas (August 13, 2014). "Album review: Porter Robinson's virtual reality comes alive on Worlds". AXS. Archived from the original on August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  43. ^ a b c d Stolman, Elissa (August 5, 2014). "Worlds". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  44. ^ a b c d Robinson, Porter (August 12, 2014). Worlds (Media notes). Astralwerks. B002002002.
  45. ^ McCarthy, Zel (February 10, 2014). "Porter Robinson announces new album title, Worlds, in 10-hour video". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  46. ^ a b "Porter Robinson Worlds box set + remix EP = happy machine". Vice. July 16, 2014. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  47. ^ Robinson, Porter (2014). "Lionhearted / Shepherdess" (Media notes). Astralwerks. B002143987.
  48. ^ Mason, Kerri (March 2, 2014). "Porter Robinson drops dreamy, non-EDM single 'Sea of Voices'". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  49. ^ Cooper, Duncan (May 12, 2014). "Hear Porter Robinson, post-EDM's greatest hope, duet with a robot on 'Sad Machine'". The Fader. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  50. ^ Porter Robinson – "Sad Machine" (Official lyric video). PorterRobinsonVEVO. May 21, 2024. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
  51. ^ DeVille, Chris (June 3, 2014). "Porter Robinson – 'Lionhearted' (feat. Urban Cone) (Stereogum premiere)". Stereogum. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  52. ^ "Porter Robinson drops new single 'Lionhearted'". The Music. June 5, 2014. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  53. ^ "Listen: Porter Robinson debuts new track 'Lionhearted'". Variance Magazine. June 3, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  54. ^ Orenstein, Carré (June 17, 2014). "Watch the video for Porter Robinson's new track 'Lionhearted'". Mixmag. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  55. ^ Frank, Alex (July 28, 2014). "Porter Robinson gives EDM a makeover with his latest track". Vogue. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  56. ^ "'Flicker'". Spotify. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  57. ^ Villa, Lucas (August 19, 2014). "Porter Robinson colorizes Japan in music video for 'Flicker'". AXS. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  58. ^ "Worlds (Limited edition box set)". MyPlay Direct. December 21, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  59. ^ "First Listen: Porter Robinson, Worlds". NPR. August 4, 2014. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  60. ^ Chow, Andrew R. (August 15, 2014). "Embracing fantasy to live the dream". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  61. ^ Schwartzberg, Lauren (May 20, 2014). "See Porter Robinson's Worlds live on tour, starting August 28". Vice. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  62. ^ Sterling, Scott T. (August 9, 2014). "Listen to Porter Robinson's new song, 'Flicker'". Radio.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  63. ^ Pangburn, D. J. (September 24, 2014). "An inside look at Porter Robinson's electrifying Worlds tour visuals". Vice. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  64. ^ Baltin, Steve (September 3, 2015). "Porter Robinson interview: Worlds Remixed, EDM 'stigma' and Taylor Swift". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  65. ^ Murray, Eoin (August 18, 2020). "Porter Robinson unreleased music meant for Worlds on sixth anniversary: Listen". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  66. ^ a b "Worlds by Porter Robinson reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Archived from the original on December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  67. ^ a b "Reviews for Worlds by Porter Robinson". Metacritic. Archived from the original on August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  68. ^ a b "Worlds review". Alternative Press. No. 314. September 2014. p. 107. ISSN 1065-1667.
  69. ^ "The 50 best albums of 2014". Vice. December 17, 2014. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  70. ^ K Dowling, Marcus (December 23, 2014). "The best albums of 2014". Complex. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  71. ^ a b "Porter Robinson Chart History (Top Dance/Electronic Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  72. ^ a b "Porter Robinson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  73. ^ a b "Official Dance Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  74. ^ a b "Official albums chart". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  75. ^ a b "Australiancharts.com – Porter Robinson – Worlds". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  76. ^ a b "Dutchcharts.nl – Porter Robinson – Worlds" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  77. ^ "The top 100 moments of the EDM decade". Billboard. December 17, 2019. Archived from the original on May 2, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  78. ^ Moen, Matt (August 24, 2021). "Let Porter Robinson Nurture you". Paper. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  79. ^ a b "The 40 greatest dance albums of the decade: Staff list". Billboard. November 26, 2019. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  80. ^ "The 100 greatest albums of the 2010s: Staff picks". Billboard. November 19, 2019. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  81. ^ Ochefu, Christine; Simpson, Dave; Snapes, Laura (April 27, 2021). "'If not hope, then what?': The musicians finding optimism in dark times". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  82. ^ Joyce, Colin (October 20, 2022). "Is Porter Robinson satisfied?". The Fader. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  83. ^ Pappis, Konstantinos (April 29, 2021). "Album review: Porter Robinson, Nurture". Our Culture Mag. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  84. ^ Skinner, Tom (January 27, 2021). "Porter Robinson announces first album in seven years, shares hopeful new single 'Look at the Sky'". NME. Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  85. ^ Simpson, Paul. "Porter Robinson – Nurture". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  86. ^ Jolley, Ben (April 20, 2021). "Porter Robinson – Nurture review: Dance don trades bombast for blissed-out beats". NME. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  87. ^ McCarthy, Zel (March 28, 2014). "Porter Robinson's tired of 'electro bangers,' will switch things up on Worlds debut album". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2021.

Video sources