Greatest Album by Album: Louis the Child’s ‘Candy 2 Beat Tape’
October 4, 2024
October 4, 2024
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 – ILLENIUM – Released in 2023
Illenium broke new ground with his self-titled album in 2023, welcoming fans into a new era of his music. While this album maintained the beautiful melodies and complex musical structures Illenium is known for, it was also designed as a prequel to his first “trilogy” of albums, drawing inspiration from the music Illenium listened to during his youth. This resulted in a hybrid of future bass and rocktronic, creating a sound that stood out in the often-oversaturated EDM market. The album reached number 42 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and Illenium toured the world with a new live show showcasing the album. Personally, this album took some time to grow on me, as is often the case with vocal-heavy albums that require time to appreciate the lyrical depth. But now, I sing it loud and proud. This album is a perfect blend of what Illenium does best: incredibly touching lyrics, unreal sound design, and a masterful mix of heavy EDM, future bass, and rocktronic that creates a lasting listening experience.
Illenium kicked off the album with the powerful track “Starfall,” which, though expected from an Illenium album, stands out as a true highlight. The vocals are manipulated recordings of both Illenium and Said the Sky, and the drop features a heavier future bass sound with the melody pulsing throughout. Following that is “All That Really Matters,” a deeply touching song about love and recognizing its importance. Illenium brought in several incredible collaborators, including legends Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker, for “Eyes Wide Shut.” Rocktronic elements were prominent in this album, with tracks like “Shivering,” “Insanity,” and “Nothing Ever After” offering a refreshing and impressively smooth blend of sounds. The album concludes with the powerful track “Luv Me a Little,” showcasing Illenium’s unmatched ability to arrange songs. With Nina Nesbitt’s stunning vocals over a cascading melody, the album leaves listeners deeply moved. You can hear an entire set dedicated to this album as the last set in Illenium’s monumental Trilogy Los Angeles Show!
What’s next for Illenium? Only time will tell. He continues to elevate his sound, live performances, and overall artistry, with a bright future ahead. Illenium has stated that even after his fifth album, he’s still inspired to push the boundaries of music. Illenium is truly a gift to humanity, and here’s to hoping it never ends. I hope you enjoyed this series and have a newfound appreciation for the legend that is Illenium.
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