Illenium’s Discography Album by Album – ‘Ashes’

It is no surprise that Illenium is one of my favorite artists of all time (check here for all my reasons why), and one of the biggest reasons is his expansive discography. Every album is a work of art and worth celebrating. In this series, I will break down each of his full-length albums; get your tissues ready because with Illenium, it’s a fact that you will need them.

Illenium – Ashes – Released in 2016

Ashes was Illenium’s first full-length album, and it marked the start of his legendary ongoing career. Even though it was his first, you could tell immediately that he was a superstar and would be a true headliner. Released on Seeking Blue Records and Kasaya Records, this album peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Album charts, and for good reason. Illenium’s ability to not only create strikingly beautiful vocal-driven journeys in his songs but also to create a world through electronic production is second to none. This was the start of something new, something different, and something that millions would resonate with.

Illenium starts off his album with “Reverie,” a beautiful future bass track with vocal manipulation in the drop supported by incredible accents. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, which in itself is a journey through one’s personal struggles. What sets this album apart from others, in my opinion, is the depth and the apparent intention behind not only every track but every sound in the track. The cohesion is next level, and you can really see this in the transition between “Without You” and “Only One”, two incredible tracks that describe complicated emotions through vocals and future bass, and complement each other through their messages. Illenium ended the album with “Afterlife,” one of his most popular songs, a song that still touches souls to this day. You can hear Illenium play an Ashes/Awake Set in the official live stream from Trilogy Denver, which many songs from the album are featured!

Illenium made his mark on the world with this release, and luckily it was far from his last. His ability to guide your soul, often when you feel your soul is drowning with no light in sight, is the main reason why his music is timeless. Illenium is a gift to humanity, and here’s to hoping it never ends.

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