So BT's new album, These Hopeful Machines, came out this week. These hopeful Machines is the follow up to his modern classical masterpiece, This Binary Universe. This album sees him return to the dance roots that has made him one of the top producers in the industry, while keeping much of the more mature sound he'd built over the last several years. The result, an almost 2 hour journey through electronic soundscapes that should go down as one of the best dance albums ever made. Here's a track by track breakdown:
Suddenly - He hits you straight out of the gate with the albums big single (although it was the third to be released). And why not? It's a massive pop-rock anthem. With sweet synths and catchy guitar hooks, including a simple but strong bridge, how can you not want to throw this song on repeat? But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself.
The Emergency - This track is a call back to his old trance style, but is laced with veins of his newer work. It would have fit in well on one of his older albums, and would probably have been a single. But on this album it comes across as filler. That is not meant as an insult to this song, but a testament to how strong this album is.
Every Other Way - Next he slows things down with the albums second single. The songs starts out with a beautiful acoustic part, then slowly builds up a smooth electronic base that gives it a solid groove that still makes you want to move. I would be seriously surprised if this song doesn't find its way into soundtracks. It takes a strange, but welcome, turn at the end into glitch heaven which leads it perfectly into the next track. Take a listen below (sans outro, couldn't find one with it).
The Light in Things - This has got to be the catchiest song on the whole album! You know, the kind of song where even though you don't know the words you can still hear the singer in your head. This is partly due to BT making a track that has the best of what turn of the century trance had to offer and mixed it with a modern sound, and partly due to the fantastic vocals of JES. Take a listen, I dare you not to move.
Rose of Jericho - This, the first single off the album, was released over the summer and was used in BT's iPhone app Sonifi. This is a flat out trance anthem. Songs don't get much more fun than this. It takes a very simple melody then lets it play in chaos. Come on, bust out those glow sticks, you know you want to!
Forget Me - Yet another single worthy track. This may be my favorite off the album. A fantastic pop-rock powerhouse. Plus the part where his 6 year old daughter sings the final chorus fits perfectly with the feel of song without burying it with cuteness.
A Million Stars - To start out the second disc, BT gets straight back to his trance roots again. Simple, but sweet is the m.o. of this track. It should be making the rounds at the clubs this year.
Love Can Kill You - I'd never thought I'd say this, but in this case, a pop-rock track that's only 5 minutes long is too short. But on an album where the average song length is about 9 1/2 minutes, that is exactly the case. An extremely well crafted song that is just at home on the dance floor as the radio.
Always - When I first heard this song I thought I was listening to a new David Bowie song. If that's not enough to make you want to listen to it then I just don't know what is.
Le Nocturne de Lumière - A fantastic, semi-ambient, glitch number. It evokes some of the same feelings that This Binary Universe did. This is the kind of song that is perfect for driving through the city a night.
The Unbreakable - It starts out sounding like a classic, end-of-movie song from the 80's, but build to a classic lighter trance song. Yet another song that should find it's way into some soundtracks.
The Ghost in You - Last, but not least, is a cover of a song originally done by The Psychedelic Furs. A mostly acoustic track that is highlighted by soft synth textures that gain more prominence in the later minutes of the song. A perfect and fitting end to a dance floor dominating album.
All in all, this is one of the best albums of any genre that I've heard in the last decade. I seriously recommend adding this album to you collection if you are a fan of good music, regardless of style. If you love electronica, then this is a can't miss album. I'll definitely have this on repeat for weeks to come.
-Josh
So I went on a binge, and I'm watching a nice retro-pair on eBay too. Shoes are the one part of my wardrobe that I've more or less ignored over the last several years. However with the people I hang around with now, I need to step my game up a little.
-Josh
Finally got the banner at the gym. So psyched on how well the kids did and how much effort they put in to bring this thing home. Almost feels like there's no time to celebrate; We're head down into rope season now. Fortunately the kids are ready and willing to carry over their hard work and success to the next challenge. Look out, VW is looking for a two-for!
