FM4 Soundselection 31: A Genre-Bending Journey Through Austria’s Finest
Released in 2015 by Universal Music, FM4 Soundselection 31 is one of those albums that doesn’t just sit in one lane—it jumps across genres like a caffeinated DJ. With its mix of Rock, Electronic, and Hip Hop vibes, this Austrian compilation feels like an eclectic playlist made by someone who can’t decide what mood they’re in—and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The style leans heavily into Alternative Rock, but there’s enough variety here to keep things fresh for almost anyone.
The tracklist reads like a festival lineup, packed with 40+ songs from different artists. It's hard to pick standouts because so much of it blends together after a while, but two tracks stuck with me for different reasons.
First up, “Left Hand Free” by Alt-J (yeah, I know, not Austrian—but hey, it’s on the album). This tune has this raw energy that just grabs you by the collar. The guitar riff hits like a punch, and the vocals are all smoky and mysterious. There’s something about how simple yet addictive it is—you don’t need fancy production tricks when the bones of the song are this solid. Every time it comes on, I find myself air-drumming or muttering the chorus under my breath. It’s the kind of track that makes you wanna crank the volume and annoy your neighbors.
Then there’s “Wo Ist Die Euphorie” by Bilderbuch—a total vibe shift. If “Left Hand Free” is gritty rock, this is slick, swaggering pop-rock with attitude to spare. The opening line alone sets the tone: sharp, sarcastic, and dripping with irony. The beat bounces along effortlessly, and the lyrics feel like a middle finger to modern life. It’s catchy as hell, too—don’t be surprised if you catch yourself humming it hours later. Plus, hearing German sung with such confidence gives the track an edge most English-language songs lack.
What’s wild about FM4 Soundselection 31 is how it mirrors Austria itself—a country known for its classical music heritage but also embracing edgier, more experimental sounds. You’ve got everything from brooding electronica to anthemic indie rock, and somehow it all works. Sure, some tracks fall flat (looking at you, filler moments), but even those lulls give you time to breathe before the next banger kicks in.
If I had to nitpick, the sheer length might scare off casual listeners. Forty-plus tracks? That’s a commitment! But if you treat it like a buffet rather than a sit-down dinner, dipping in and out as the mood strikes, it becomes way more digestible.
Here’s the unexpected part: listening to this album felt like scrolling through social media. Some songs grabbed my attention immediately; others faded into the background. And maybe that’s fitting—it’s a snapshot of 2015, a year when streaming services were starting to dominate how we consumed music. In a weird way, FM4 Soundselection 31 feels ahead of its time, even though it’s rooted in the past.
So yeah, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up downloading half the tracks onto your phone afterward.
