Review Summary: A truly gorgeous blueprint of trance that perfectly displays the famous West coast city
Tiesto’s mix,
In Search of Sunrise 5: Los Angeles is his obvious 5th chapter in the making of his
In Search of Sunrise compilations. In this 28 track adventure in the world of trance, it has a spacious range of genres that circle from uplifting trance to euphoric trance to deep trance to progressive trance; all of these are densely covered in distinguishable melodies, marvelous vocals, and promoting lyrics that will help you move forward in life. Tiesto has so far released 7
In Search of Sunrise compilations that have all been such a gigantic effort from the guy, and Los Angeles is no different whatsoever. This compilation, being released in 2006, marks some of his achieving song-choices/mixes to date. It’s a heavenly beauty.
Disc 1 is comprised mainly of inspirational, uplifting, euphoric material as opposed to the 2nd disc which is focused more on deeper, darker, more depressing material. Even though they may be a complete polar-opposite for some, both discs will bring passion to your soul/heart in some way or other. As for the vocal delivery, it’s primarily stapled on the first disc, where it also constituents a large fraction of guest singers. But for the most part, however, Disc 1 is the true gem of it all; its beautiful, hypnotizing, absolutely captivating melodies/basslines that deliver an enchanting aroma that is heavily distinct from the other disc. Even the exhilarating vocal display seems to find its way in your heart somehow, and pierce a needle straight into your skin. Well now, I’m sure there’s possibly countless people located on the earth that will find those “trance-like euphoric vocals” to bring discontent, but the first disc on
In Search of Sunrise 5: Los Angeles is a definite exception. At times they may result in cheesiness, but aside that, they will bring heaps of emotion. Another positive on Disc 1 is the organic experience; many sounds of nature, Mediterranean-like guitar strings, and oceans perfectly replicating the actual seaside of Los Angeles (even though it is very brief). If you’ve ever felt an experience or journey vacationing throughout the smog-infested city, then the entire mix/compilation will captivate you fully.
The album opener ‘Malibu Beach’ is the obvious attraction to the organic snippet on the first disc. While it’s a swift, quick opener (being 1 or 2 minutes), it features a taste of Los Angeles; the sound of the beach making its way into a very gentle melody which fades into ‘Colour My Eyes’. The track has its moments with the female vocalist and approachable melody, but it certainly isn’t the best on the first disc.
‘Novacaine’ and ‘Let Me Be’ are the most nostalgic on the 1st side, surprisingly due to the melody. Both melodies on the tracks are magnificent, incredibly tear-jerking, and will easily bring back appreciative memories from your past. ‘Novacaine’ is more renowned for the Mediterranean guitar strings, and ‘Let Me Be’ has a catchy, warm melody with reflective lyrics. Altogether, those two relatively quick songs are the highlights, and among the best on the compilation in general.
Other songs on the first disc like ‘Arise’ fiddle heavily with the reverberation, and ‘People Will Go’ features a blurry melody, and amazingly haunting lyrics.
As for the 2nd disc (just as I explained before), the songs are significantly much darker, deeper, and feature more progression within the tracks. Song length, the tracks are more elongated, complex, and are very time-consuming compared to the 1st disc. As in, you will probably need to sit down and 1v1 with the specific track and examine it more than one time. The material encountered here is (well at least in my opinion), doesn’t quite situate itself with the 1st disc, but nevertheless, it still features some beautiful trance tunes. However, because of the lengthy songs, people may find it simply boring. The most family-friendly tune on the 2nd disc that has a catchy melody and danceable beat is ‘Technophobia’. ‘Irony’ and
‘Helsinki Scorchin’ have the heartrending, gloomy vibe to it and ‘Tales from the South’ has the most shadowy, threatening melody. Truthfully, though, the 1st disc has so much more emotion on it, and is basically much more impressive in terms of song wise than the 2nd disc.
Sincerely enough, this mix is a beautiful blend of trance and is easily one of Tiesto’s best compilations to date. Nearly all tracks here will make you raise your fists up high with joyfulness, or emotionally or physically
move you In some shape or form. Between the two discs, they are hardly comparable because of the vastly different styles and librettos that are stumbled upon.
In Search of Sunrise 5: Los Angeles is an absolute beauty.
