ALESUND's Review of Tiesto's Elements of Life

[Guest]

THers,

It's always risky to review a Trance track, let alone a full album, only two weeks after you purchase it.

So let me start off by saying that the following is in no way an objective or comprehensive review of Tiesto's new album. It is a rushed review that is purely based on my own first reactions. I would not be surprised if I felt differently about the album three or four weeks from now. It's only normal, I guess.

Having closely followed this artist since his rise to prominence in the late 90s and having personally made an extensive effort to promote his music (and Trance music in general) in Lebanon since 02-03, I feel like I owe the Tiesto community in TH a small review of his latest album.

I hope the following words will spur a productive, serious, and calm discussion:

Here we go.

My breaking news: Tiesto is losing creativity, both in style and substance.

This album pales in comparison with both Just Be and the older yet legendary In My Memory. Few tracks in the album will be later remembered as fine electronic music productions. Elements of Life is a mediocre album that reflects Tiesto's penchant for change. Change meaning gradually drifting away from the signature sound of Tiesto: uplifting, energetic and melodic Trance.

By attempting to appeal to as many listeners as possible, Tiesto is arguably losing his "grassroots and early followers" crowd. This is why I am not surprised to hear that this album is already sold out in major European capitals. The interesting statistic for me would be: how many of those buyers are even remotely attached to Trance music? But this is somewhat off topic.

Tend Second Before Sunrise instantly reminded me of ISOS 5's first track. But here comes the piece of bad news. It's not even close. Malibu Beach followed by Colour my Eyes was a masterful and flawless introduction. Ten Seconds before Sunrise tries to follow suit but fails miserably. It is theme-less, it is linear, and it really fails to captivate. I found it boring and easy to forget.

Everything's vocals saved the song. These are enchanting vocals. The bass line however is way too familiar and the melody at the end I am certain I heard in an old Tiesto-mixed track. All in all, nothing special about the track.

Do You Feel Me sounds like a late 1990s drum and bass track. Again, easily foregttable. There is just nothing there. A major disapointment.

Carpe Noctum is a catchy and slightly inventive track, definitely reminiscent of the Housy-upbeat ISOS 5 tracks. The dancefloor will embrace this track with ease. The Single, if released, will sell like cupcakes. For the Trance lovers, this of course is another disapointment. I enjoyed this track a lot. I found myself tolerating its brief but still poignant and unmissable "newness".

Driving To Heaven will suffer. Looking at what the market has to offer in terms of progressive sounds, this track will not even last more than a couple of months. Weird middle when the bass cools down. All in all, this is not the track I would envision listening to while driving to heaven. There are way too many better songs that do a better job in capturing the proposed theme.

Sweet Things will survive because it has the prerequisites. Great bass line, great melody, great vocals, enough oumf and enough power. But again, it falls short of expectations. It gets pretty annoying when the vocalist says the word Sweet. The ending is graceful though.

Bright Morningstar is wonderful. You can tell right from the start that a lot of work and ingenuity has been invested in it. It almost has the Sasha touch, very technical. I loved it. This song will NOT be forgotten. It's got the winning package: power and emotion. You will enjoy listening to this track while cruising in your car. It effortlessly passes the test.

Break My Fall is true to its name. The bass line sounds like it is breaking something. It is a happy song with okay vocals, but nothing special. I guarantee it will be be played in clubs, cause it's got the typical breaks and typical ups and downs. All in all, it is a very predictable and cheesy song.

In the Dark is an experimental song. I digged it, but it requires open-mindedness. The vocals are meaningful and the bass line is powerful. The melody is magnificent and is not repetitive. This is a mature track that has a message. It is my favorite track in the album. Pure quality.

Dance for Life has been reviewed before. So let's skip that. I do appreciate it though, very very powerful bass line. The clubbers go mad for it.

Elements of Life is lovely, jovial and triumphant. Again, a lot of work and thinking has been put into it. You are 100% tuned in to the song, you never lose interest, everything flows. The middle is serious but very charming. This is a first rate and again the important word INVENTIVE track. It will last forever.

He's a Pirate has its advantages and disadvantages. Perfectly progressive, extremely powerful, has a phenomenal melody. But guess what. Tiesto cannot be credited for it. The melody is not his and that, for me, makes a world of difference. Point a la ligne. Great job of remixing it, yes, but that's excatly what it is, a remix, not a personal product.

I look forward to your comments and reviews. But please, let's have a nice and serious discussion.

[Guest]

[JAD]

[samlbronkowitz]

its unfair for me to review this album as i haven't heard in its entirety. From various livesets, and podcasts, it is obvious Tiesto is trying to latch on to the minimal, techno, housey sound blowing up in Europe and all over the world. however, unfortunately, like his recent live sets and productions, they come across as fake and uninspired. The man went downhill for me a good 2yrs ago and seems he can't stop the snowball from growing.

FYI: I enjoyed Carpe Noctum and absolutely despise "Everything"--i find it like 17million other vocal trance tracks and there is noting new, nothing special about it.

[samer]

[Guest]

Aboussik, I didn't know you already reviewed the album. sorry for starting another post on this.

In the Dark jayydeh, shou bek..............

[Guest]

I found your earlier post Samer. Crow's review was the most exhaustive I guess (reviewing all tracks in the album). Many things in common between mine and his.

Crow: I agree with most of what you said. I would just dispute your first words in your review of the song Elements of Life. The very basic intro (1998 Yamaha style ) was intentional, in my opinion, not the result of lack of imagination.

But like I said, the album as a whole lacked imagination.

[JAD]

[lebanese_raver]

[Qulture]

Its not bad , overall ....

In the dark , is a very good track , its original , and the remixes out are also good , carl b and dirty south .

Bright morningstar .... It has BT written all over it .... expect this one to be big , with alot of remixes.

Ten seconds before sunrise is not bad ... but like you said bilal , gets boring very fast ...

Break My fall is ok ... catchy ... will be popular amongst many people ....

Care Noctum is a good track , slightly similar to traffic , but its good .... keeps you interested ....

Sorry , but i hate He's A pirate and Dance4life ...

The rest were nothing special to me ....

[DJW!SO]

i hate this album... you should've seen tiesto play live in Ultra miami, it sucked big time.... akthough it was really crowded

[DIONYSOS]

[Guest]

[samer]

[Guest]