Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
A trip-hop classic featuring a slowed-down beat, minor key melancholy, and sampled instrumental elements that create a distinctive dark atmosphere.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: contemplative, dreamy, introspective, melancholy, spacious
Traditions: downtempo, electronic, trip-hop
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 4/10 is within the normal pop-mix band. There is variation between verse and chorus, but it's the kind of variation most listeners encounter routinely.
Sudden changes: mild. There are one or two transitions worth knowing about, though they're musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.
Predictability is high — the song telegraphs what it will do next. A sensory-sensitive listener can usually guess where it's going without close attention.
Vocal style: soft vocals.
Where this sits in Portishead's catalog
We have 32 songs from Portishead in the library. Of those, 4 are rated Safe, 20 Moderate, and 8 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 4/10 sits below the artist average of 5.8, making it the #24 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
Other tracks from Dummy
We have 9 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans moderate in sensory profile.
- Wandering Star — intense DR 8
- Glory Box — moderate DR 8
- Mysterons — intense DR 6
- Strangers — moderate DR 7
- It Could Be Sweet — moderate DR 6
- It's a Fire — moderate DR 6
- Numb — moderate DR 5
- Roads — safe DR 4
1994 context
Released in 1994. We have 365 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.7/10. This track is quieter / less dynamic than the year average. Explore more from the 1990s.
Explore by mood and tradition
Why this rating
We rate this song Moderate because it falls between our Safe and Intense thresholds on at least one dimension. Moderate is the default for most well-produced music that has real arc but no surprise elements. Full rubric: methodology.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-13. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Sour Times"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Sour Times" by Portishead?
"Sour Times" by Portishead rates as Moderate intensity. Dynamic range 4/10, mild sudden changes, layered texture. Moderate is the default for well-produced music with real arc but no surprise elements.
How loud is "Sour Times" — what is its dynamic range?
"Sour Times" has a dynamic range of 4/10. Within normal pop-mix variation. Movement between verse and chorus but nothing dramatic.
Does "Sour Times" have sudden or surprising changes?
"Sour Times" has mild sudden changes — one or two transitions worth knowing about, but they are musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
What is "Sour Times" best for?
In our library "Sour Times" is recommended for: anxiety relief, deep listening, focus, meditation, relaxation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Sour Times" released?
"Sour Times" is from 1994, on the album "Dummy". It appears in our 1990s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Sour Times"?
We tag "Sour Times" as contemplative, dreamy, introspective, melancholy, spacious. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Sour Times"?
The vocal style is soft vocals.
Should I listen to "Sour Times"?
"Sour Times" is Moderate intensity — fine for most listeners, but with enough dynamic activity that it works best as active listening rather than background.
Songs with the same DNA
layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
Safer alternatives with a similar feel
These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.
What this song means to people
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