"4" is the opening track from Aphex Twin’s influential 1996 release, the Richard D. James Album. This album marked a stylistic leap for Richard D. James (alias Aphex Twin), renowned for its innovative blend of rapid-fire breakbeats, lush synths, and intricate programming.
Track Details
- Artist: Aphex Twin (Richard D. James)
- Album: Richard D. James Album
- Release Date: November 4, 1996
- Length: 3:37
- Label: Warp Records
Musical Style and Structure
- The track juxtaposes fast-paced, complex drum programming—drawing heavily from the genres of jungle and drum and bass—with gentle, melodic synth lines and strings12.
- The percussion features snare, kick, and hi-hat, with Aphex Twin’s hallmark manipulation of rhythm, including rapid 32nd-note snare rolls and creative use of reverb to accent particular notes.
- Structurally, the song has been described as having an ABCDABCDA form:
- A: Calm segment in Db major, based on interplay between strings and lead synth.
- B: High string line leading a call-and-response with the bass.
- C: More energetic variant with a developing melody, ending in a distinctive breakdown.
- D: Dreamy section with pads and strings, including atmospheric studio samples.
- The track is especially noted for its rhythmic breakdowns—sections that shift tempo and impart a trippy, off-kilter feel while still landing firmly on the downbeat.
Context and Legacy
- "4" opens the Richard D. James Album, which earned critical acclaim for its technical mastery and remains a touchstone of late-90s IDM (Intelligent Dance Music)2.
- The combination of breakneck beats and serene ambient textures is emblematic of Aphex Twin’s style during this period, showing both playful experimentation and melodic sensitivity.
- The album, and particularly tracks like "4", are highly regarded for their role in cementing Warp Records’ legacy and influencing a generation of electronic musicians2.
Notable Elements
- Production: Created mostly on a Macintosh computer, using advanced digital manipulation far ahead of its time2.
- Reception: The album is widely considered among the best electronic albums of the 1990s, with "4" often cited for its balance of complexity and listenability4.
Summary:
"4" is a landmark track in Aphex Twin's career, featuring intense breakbeats beneath warm, wistful melodies—an ideal entry point into the Richard D. James Album and the artist's signature style21.
