Reflections - Paul Van Dyk

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Some stunning trance anthems
Disadvantages:	One dodgy track

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

--Introduction--

Ever since i first 'For and Angel' a few years ago, I have become a huge fan of DJ Paul van Dyk. He has been voted the best DJ in the world in a number of polls in music and DJ magazines and is held in regard among clubbers and fellow DJ's alike. If you ever have the opportunity to witness one of Paul's sets live, don't miss out. He is a truly amazing artist with a pedigree to be truly proud.

--Who Is Paul van Dyk?--

I appreciate that many of you reading this review, will not know who Paul van Dyk. He is from a small town on the outskirts of Frankfurt in Germany. He was born in 1971 and began his DJ career at the age of 17. He thrived in the up and coming techno scene that was sweeping over Germany. He was in the ideal surroundings to learn his trade as a successful DJ and record producer.

--The Album--

This album is certainly worthy of a great deal of respect. I have been hooked on it ever since I bought it, jus before Christmas. It is a very chilled out album, that allows you to relax for a while. It lets you escape from any problems you might be having in life, giving you the chance to escape. I have often gazed at the stars after many long and tiring days with Reflections playing softly in the background. It is very peaceful and calm, but in some tracks you do get some nice base rhythms that you would associate with van Dyk. However, there are some uplifting tracks that will pick you up after a hard day.

Track 1 - Crush (7/10)

This track starts off with some soft strings and a bit of glockenspiel adding to the mood. It establishes a nice gentle rhythm but moves on before it becomes too boring. It builds up slowly before the thumping base kicks in. Next, comes some lovely female lyric, followed by some banging base. This gives the tune a nice balance and gets the album away to a good start.
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Track 2 - Time of our Lives (8/10)

It is difficult to explain the start of this one. You could say that it's very mellow and sombre, as well as a bit 'dark'. Soon after, some male lyrics kick-in with some well written lyrics. The low pitch of the singing matches that of the sing. The pace does 'quicken up' at times throughout the song and it does become a bit more lively after a slow start.
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Track 3 - Like a Friend (5/10)

The song kicks into life verry quickly, the introduction is very short. Some heavy female lyrics are introduced. I have struggle to work out what Paul was trying to achieve with this tune and still now i'm puzzled. Not a great track by any means. It fails to match the changing moods of the first two.
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Track 4 - Reflections (8/10)

Now for the title track. There is a good, bouncing, base line throughout which is very good. It slowly builds up into a characteristic creschendo much associated with van Dyk's work. Some repetitive female lyrics take hold, but they soon subside into more of a 'house' tune. It is a great mix and blend that results in a very good tune.
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Track 5 - Nothing But You (10/10)

This has to be my favourite off of the album, so much so that I bought the single on the day it was released. Some of you readers may know this tune as it was widely played on the music channels. This version is a little different to the single release, but is still an anthem. It begins with some angellic 'noises' and then soon breaks into a heavy base line. It has a lot of lingering 'oooooos' in it is coupled with a super melody. I can't find the words, but this song is truly amazing.
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Track 6 - Buenaventura (7.5/10)

This offering takes well over a minute to actually start going somewhere. By the end of the second minute, it has a well established base line but is very bland and boring. By now you are thinking that the track is rubbish, but just as the 3 minute mark draws closer, Bingo! Some spangly strings breaking up the base and then the base kiks in again. The tune ends as a real 'head nodder'. The song is very much redeemed at the end by the masterful DJ.
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Track 7 - Homage (7/10)

This track has a very heavy base line and the early build up indicates a massive and banging tune. Some gentle melody and some stunning female lyrics, create a lively tune. It is a very refreshing, 'summery' sort of concoction that makes you feel very upbeat. This is certainly a big crowd pleaser and will be a dancefloor favourite for a while.
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Track 8 - Never Forget (8/10)

The title suggests a very thoughtful and philosophical offering. With a rap style intro and then some 'rock' style base, the song is very heavy. Some nice strings are introduced as the stong starts to pick up a bit of pace. It doesn't really move on from its solid start and stays like a repetitive house tune. However, after three minutes, some nice piano is intriduced, much reminissent of Robert Miles tracks. Yet again, this rescues another track and provides a nice peaceful ending.
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Track 9 - Knowledge (4/10)

The beginning of this song would be out of place on a scooter album. It is soon however into a super base line put then fails to really move on, with an annoying mans voice and lots of loud thuds. He should have given this track to Scooter - they would have been proud of it. That's enough said about this one. It was a nice change from the rest of the tracks but it isn't good enough.
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Track 10 - That's Life (9/10)

A throbbing base line gets the song off to a super start and it then moves on to a very special trance track. There are some odd mumblings from a male vocalist, but these don't disrupt the flow of the tune. The song then settles and changes direction ever so slightly to keep the listner interested and focused. It then just slowly fades away to give a well balanced ending.
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Track 11 - Connected (7/10)

The start of this track, blends in with 'That's Life' and you hardly know that it's a different track. The tune is very up lifting and makes you want to just nod your head ever so slightly. It settles down in the middle section, before once again reviving itself to become a banging anthem.
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Track 12 - Spellbound (9.5/10)

A very heavy base line immediately greets you and the song feels like it's going to be very good. There are some well used female vocals that are employed sparingly to great effect. This song would sound great on the open road with the roof down. It is a song that offers everything you could want. Just sit back, close your and eyes and just enjoy it.
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Track 13 - Kaliedoscope (10/10)

Yet again, a banging intro that sets the song up in superb style. Once again, some pleasant female lyrics, split the the banging base line and add a sense of atmosphere to the track. The vocals aren't over done and they are too dramatic and powerful, which allows the tune to stay the course. It is a super ending to a super album. It is the ideal end to an album, that gives you a little something just to think about.
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Anyone who loves music, especially trance, has to have this masterpiece in their collection. It is an amzing blend of sounds, lyrics and some wacky base lines. The vocalist aspects are used very well and only where needed, they aren't too over powering. There is only one track that should be called into question. Track 9, Knowledge was a good idea but Paul van Dyk didn't quite pull it off. Paul certainly deserves the title as the world's number one DJ on this evidence. I'm very much looking forward to the future material that Paul will release.

INFO -
The album is on the Positiva dance label, part of EMI music and the record number is 593 6232

Visit: paulvandyk.com and positivarecords.com for more information.