Unmasking Samples on Daft Punk’s ‘Discovery’

The use of samples in music has proven to be a revolutionary cultural act influencing genres across the spectrum - from pop to electronic to hip-hop - often extracting a sound or phrase from an existing composition into a completely new piece of music in fascinating yet sometimes in unrecognizable ways.

The French electronic duo - Daft Punk are the pioneers who have influenced concurrently disrupting the convention in terms of the music of the 21st Century. Over the years they’ve turned themselves into near-mythical cult figures by rejecting celebrity culture and by rarely granting interviews, often letting their music speak for itself. 

All of their albums are worthy of savored contemplation but it is their sophomore effort “Discovery”, released in 2001, which stands as an enduring masterpiece. This is the album that generated profound ripple effects, challenging preconceptions at every moment. Though initial reactions were somewhat varied, as with any forward-looking art piece, “Discovery” showcased unbelievable diversity in texture, structure & other subtleties. Each song is composed with childlike joy where samples are manipulated with live recordings to create an ever-changing, futuristic universe as compelling after 20 years as it was at the turn of the millennium. 

All these years internet sleuths have made it into a sport in identifying hidden samples stitched into the compositions. The genre obliterating geniuses have pulled impressive samples from 80s disco, soft rock & R&B, unsuspectedly. Capturing the wonder as a music fan the duo felt growing up.

"One More Time"

Daft Punk’s greatest hit of stadium anthem proportions takes its most infectious part from a horn riff in Eddie Johns - “More Spell on you”.

"Aerodynamic"

This is a true masterclass in flipping a forgotten B-side by Sister Sledge - "Ill Maquillage Lady" in the foxiest way possible.

"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"

The main highlight of “Discovery” for many is a twisted & distended playful keyboard pulse from the 1979 funk song by Edwin Birdsong’s - “Cola Bottle Baby” turned into a self-improvement anthem expressed by a cyborg.

"High Life"

Daft Punk, in a typical fashion, opted for a more obscure cut from Tavares' - “Breakdown for Love” from his ninth album, Love Uprising, when they sourced Discovery's "High Life." Cutting and re-pitching several vocal breaks from the original, they converted it into a goosebump - inducing tune that's loopy in every sense of the word.

"Face to Face"

Daft Punk can build captivating songs out of sizable chunks of obscure old tracks without letting their audience recognize any of them. "Face to Face," a promo single from the album, is a Frankenstein prominently assembled from parts of Electric Light Orchestra's smash hit "Evil Woman," along with Alan Parsons Project’s “Silence & I” & “Old & Wise".  A shining example of Daft Punk possessing both a perceptive eye & a deft touch.

Daft Punk - Discovery Record Is now available at The Revolver Club 

Read more: The Story Of Daft Punk's Random Access Memories