Epic Soundscapes: 5 Tracks That Captured My Brain This Year
November 4, 2024
November 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 – Awake – Released in 2017
Illenium’s second full-length album, Awake, solidified him as a titan in the industry. While I may be biased (this is one of my favorite albums of all time), the numbers speak for themselves. With multiple songs from the album cracking the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, this album brought Illenium into the limelight, a place he has never left. The songs on Awake are timeless and served as an introduction to electronic music for hundreds of thousands of fans. Illenium showcased his ability to blend powerful future bass synths with emotionally charged lyrics, creating a combination perfect for touching one’s soul. This album is worth revisiting, and I hope you give it another listen!
Illenium starts Awake with one of the best album openers ever. “Needed You” is not only emotionally packed but has a cinematic buildup that creates a depth only Illenium can achieve. He hammers it home with a powerful future bass drop, showcasing why he is one of the greatest in the genre. The lyrical genius in this album is truly remarkable, with songs such as “Crawl Outta Love,” “Free Fall,” “Where’d U Go,” and “Fractures” touching souls with their ability to articulate complex emotions. These are songs that millions of people turn to for understanding and processing their feelings, a priceless ability. With tracks like “Beautiful Creatures” and “Feel Good” rounding out the album, Awake is packed full of emotion. You can experience a showcase of this album in Illenium’s first set in his livestream of Trilogy Denver, an Ashes and Awake dedicated set.
Illenium changed the world with Awake. This album is a testament to how music is more than just having a good time; it can be a light in the darkness and help you navigate through your journey. This album always needs to be accompanied by a box of tissues, as it will have you feeling some type of way. Illenium is a gift to humanity, and here’s to hoping it never ends.
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