Tiesto: Elements Of Life

The dutch trance producer Tiesto became active in 1997 as the producer of several series of compilation albums. Following several remixes, he released his first solo album in 2001 and continues to do so today. The album here reviewed, 'Elements Of Life' is the producer's third studio album, released in 2007, reportedly selling an impressive 73,000 units in the first month of release.

Tiesto: Elements Of Life

The album begins with the largely instrumental trance 'Ten Seconds Before Sunrise' track, which throughout its 7 minute runtime evolves through typical trance writing to extended sustained chords which would also serve in an ambient music context. This is followed by 'Everything' featuring Jes which, after an extended drum oriented introduction exhibits a more uptempo trance style which would be welcomed on the dancefloor.

While this album is by no means short of commendable material, the highlights certainly appear in the second half of the album, including all five of the singles released from the album. Tracks such as 'Dance4Life,' which is the most overtly commercial with a note worthy hook and 'Sweet Things' are among some of the finest trance tracks contained within this reviewer's library. 

The album closes with a remix of 'He's A Pirate' from the Disney Film 'Pirates Of The Caribbean,' also released as the first single from the album. This particular track is interesting given its roots in orchestral film music, and very popular film music at that. The track combines elements of Tiesto's signature trance aesthetic with an extended section of orchestral music, creating a very interesting take on the music origionally written by Klaus Badelt. This album comes highly recommended for readers of The Sonic Music Review who are partial to trance music.

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