Illenium’s Discography Album by Album – ‘Ascend’

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 – Ascend – Released in 2019

Illenium’s third full-length album, Ascend, arrived in 2019 and marked a significant evolution from his previous album, Awake. In this album, Illenium focused less on future bass synths and more on complex melodies to create texture and depth in his tracks, accomplishing this beautifully. This album is a true journey through emotions, lyrically charged to the max, with songs touching on grief, love, and everything in between. This release demonstrated that Illenium was not just a fleeting phase but someone who could truly elevate electronic music for the foreseeable future. Ascend marked the end of his unofficial “trilogy” of albums, and what an end it was!

Illenium comes in powerfully with songs such as “Hold On” and “Good Things Fall Apart,” featuring beautiful drops and vocals countered by the heartbreaking meaning of the lyrics. This contrast is something that Illenium does better than anyone else, mirroring complex emotions with complex arrangements in his tracks. The lyrical genius in this album cannot be overstated. “Take You Down,” “Takeaway,” and “Sad Songs” are not only standouts but monumental tracks in the future bass genre. “In Your Arms,” a collaboration with the X Ambassadors, coupled with “Lonely,” drive the emotion to the next level, with heart-piercing lyrics that evoke tears from any listener. Luckily for us, Illenium showcased this album in his second set at his Trilogy Denver show, an Ascend and Fallen Embers dedicated set.

Illenium took his brand and sound to the next level with this album. With countless timeless tracks, Ascend still resonates today. This album marked the beginning of something bigger than himself, featuring a few notable collaborations, a trend that would increase significantly in his next full-length album. Illenium is a gift to humanity, and here’s to hoping it never ends!

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