I'm really liking posting in the #mondaytrance tag! I always forget about trance as a genre because House Music feels like my home base, but this gives me the opportunity to dig through old music libraries and check out new material from the other people who post in the tag.
The songs today are from arguably one of the most recognizable albums to ever come across the genre, "Elements Of Life" by Tiesto. It was released in April 2007 on his own label Magik Muzik and was the trance megastar's third studio album. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album and was certified Gold in Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Hungary.
It's one of those immortal albums that will stand the test of time. Absolute trance masterpiece. It came about when some burgeoning momentum for electronic music on an almost mainstream level began to brew the United States. More and more festivals devoted to the music were starting to emerge, and ticket prices of previous mainstays were on the rise. People in the industry were seeing DJs like Tiesto sell out huge arenas like Giants stadium and saw profit potential.
These are two personal favorites from the album, but if you've listened to Elements of Life yourself then I'm positive some of the others made an impact on you as well.
"Ten Seconds Before Sunrise" is a piece that remains profound while utilizing
the minimal amount of sonic tools. Some basic bass and a kick with soaring strings punctuated by an occasional otherworldly chant crescendo slowly to create something that feels truly elemental.
Dance4Life" is a funny one. The first few notes are bold and they hit you like a ton of bricks if your speakers are all the way up. Me and my cousin (who introduced me to Tiesto) use it as a joke when we're getting stupid buzzed with the friends. Someone will be playing a rap or house music playlist and one of us will sneak off and slip this baby on, and when those first few notes hit we turn it all the way up - DEE. DEE. DEE-DUN.
You go on this smooth ride led by the deep seducing vocals of Maxi Jazz. He's incredible on this track. Check out all the outdated technology in the music video too hahaha.
If you're familiar with Elements of Life, what are your favorite tracks? Let me know!
Tiesto - Ten Seconds Before Sunrise
Tiesto - Dance 4 Life feat. Maxi Jazz