Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel: Paul Van Dyk (vocals, programming); John McDaid (vocals, piano); Second Sun, Vega 4, Jan Johnston, Antoine, Hemstock, Jennings (vocals); Atomek Dogg, Trooper Da Don (rap vocals); Bruce Gainsford (guitar); Simon Walker (bass); Bryan McLellan (drums). | | Recorded at White Room, Nucleus Studios, Berlin, Germany and Eden Studios, London, England. | | This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. | | Personnel: Paul van Dyk (vocals); Chris Forman, Jan Johnston, Antoine Toupin (vocals); Bruce Gainsford (guitar); Simon Walker (bass guitar); Atomek Dogg (scratches). | | Recording information: Eden Studios, London, England; Nucleus Studios, Berlin, Germany. | | Photographer: Olaf Heine. | | As both a club DJ and a record producer, Paul Van Dyk is known for fusing the crowd-pleasing aspects of house and trance, and 2003's REFLECTIONS follows suit, while adding a string of pop hooks and catchy refrains to the usual mixology. The use of pop elements and guest vocalists on the album indicate Van Dyk may be moving away from his more progressive tendencies and toward--perhaps--a more crossover-directed sound. | | "Like a Friend," for example, features a sung moral lesson about friendship and trying to live with a clean conscience, adding some thematic weight to Van Dyk's percolating keys and beats. On "Homage," a wispy female lead gives the disco-fueled production the feel of a Donna Summer song. In general, the hook-centered thinking on the album balances nicely with the artist's trademark skill mixing up four-on-the-floor beats with heady atmospherics and shuddering effects. The combination heightens the appeal of this frothy electronica set. | | As both a concert DJ and a record producer, Paul Van Dyk is known for fusing the crowd-pleasing aspects of house and trance, and 2003's REFLECTIONS follows suit, while adding a string of pop hooks and catchy refrains to the usual mixology. The use of pop elements and guest vocalists on the album indicate Van Dyk may be moving away from his more progressive tendencies and toward--perhaps--a more crossover-directed sound. | | "Like a Friend," for example, features a sung moral lesson about friendship and trying to live with a clean conscience, adding some thematic weight to Van Dyk's percolating keys and beats. On "Homage," a wispy female lead gives the disco-fueled production the feel of a Donna Summer song. In general, the hook-centered thinking on the album balances nicely with the artist's trademark skill mixing up four-on-the-floor beats with heady atmospherics and shuddering effects. The combination heightens the appeal of this frothy electronica set. |
Producer: Paul Van Dyk |
Engineer: George Shilling |
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| Q (11/03, p.124)
- 3 stars out of 5 - "...Gorgeous, string-swaddled trance cuts like 'Buenaventura' and the title track are a reminder that the oft-imitated maestro has yet to be bettered..."Q (11/03, p.124)
- 3 stars out of 5 - "...Gorgeous, string-swaddled trance cuts like 'Buenaventura' and the title track are a reminder that the oft-imitated maestro has yet to be bettered..." CMJ (10/6/03, p.37)
- "...A fabulous vocal-driven record with a place in the club, as well as the home..." CMJ (10/6/03, p.37)
- "...A fabulous vocal-driven record with a place in the club, as well as the home..." |
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