As the #6 DJs voted in the latest DJ Mag Top 100 Poll, Above & Beyond are a true dance music success story. As artists, DJs, remixers, and label owners, their dedication and independent ethos permeate everything they d... more »o. Here, the group is joined by the vocal talents of Justine Suissa, who has collaborated with some of the world's top DJs, including Armin Van Buuren. This release contains remixes by Jaytech, Andy Duguid, Oliver Smith, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, and of course, Above & Beyond.« less
As the #6 DJs voted in the latest DJ Mag Top 100 Poll, Above & Beyond are a true dance music success story. As artists, DJs, remixers, and label owners, their dedication and independent ethos permeate everything they do. Here, the group is joined by the vocal talents of Justine Suissa, who has collaborated with some of the world's top DJs, including Armin Van Buuren. This release contains remixes by Jaytech, Andy Duguid, Oliver Smith, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, and of course, Above & Beyond.
CD Reviews
You get what you expect and more...
Clay G | 07/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Given the economy and my "situation" I don't buy as much music as I used to and am very discerning now about what I do buy. For all of "us" considering buying this double CD it's the Miracle (A&B Club Mix) that probably brought you here, same as me; and I'd hoped I'd picked well and I think I have. Overall you could categorize the compilation as "progressive vocal trance", "edgy" and with a bit of progressive vocal tech house in spots. This is not a "mix", but individual tracks with a half second to 3 second gaps. I also, for the first time, downloaded the 256bit "non protected" MP3's and they "pop vibrantly" on my sound system compared to a CD.
CD 1 is the "signature" A&B sound we all expect with my personal favorite Miracle (A&B Club Mix) as my "anthem of the year" pick for 2009 based on the lyrics and changes "we" are all going through... it speaks to my soul. Next to that, I Am What I Am (Lange Remix) stands out well and Ashes (Oliver Smith Remix) is my 2nd most "inspiring" pick of them all.
CD 2 goes "darker" and more "club style" with a progressive deep trance sound that "washes over you" with ethereal vocals, perfect, way more than I expected. My personal stand out favorites are Just Listen (Myon & Shane 54 Remix), On A Good Day (16 Bit Lolitas Remix) and the "progressive house" Sirens Of The Sea (Sonorous Remix) is a welcome contrast to the rest.
So, after almost 3 weeks, no regrets, a couple of tracks only are "4 stars" on my track list, think of them as the "beauty marks" on the cheek of this great compilation full of symphonic orchestrals, piano interludes, deep and dynamic electronic elements and Justine's absolutely flawless vocals and that all consistently delivers the escape and bliss we all are seeking nowadays."
Absolutely fantastic female vocal trance.
Jack Broyles Jr. | Seattle, WA | 06/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There has been so much said about Oceanlab Sirens of the Sea CD-including that it should have been Chicane's next CD. I have to agree with most assessments, the original album has only 1 song that I can take or leave.
This remix compilation provides more of Justine's ethereal vocals along with some more up tempo remixes.
Particularly good tracks include Gareth Emery's remix of Lonely Girl, the Above & Beyond remixes of On a Good Day and Sirens of the Sea as well as the 16-bit Lolitas remix of Lonely Girl and finally the Duderstadt Remix of Breaking Ties. Also the original release of Satellite has been added for those that don't have this vocal trance classic.
In summary, no bad songs-no bad days here. Sunny, upbeat, and great fun to listen to. Above & Beyond/Anjunabeats are on a roll right now. Get this one-you won't regret it."
OceanLab - Pure Serenity
LeviDevi "Bubman" | Frankfort, KY USA | 07/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was "shopping" and came upon this CD quite by accident. Having never heard of OceanLab, but nonetheless piqued by the title "Sirens of the Sea," I thought what the heck. I can say I'm not disappointed at all. In fact, this is one of the best CDs I've purchased this year.
The SOUND of the CDs (this is a 2-disc CD) is impeccable: very crisp, very sold, very clear--well, you get the idea. And the singer (I only know her first name: Justine) reminds me so much of Jan Johnstone who sang vocals for some of BT's first mixes. Her vocals are hypnotic! The great thing for me about trance music is that I can so easily lose myself in the beats and rhythms. This is no different. I was swept away in no time at all and taken to a very peaceful place. If music can do that, then you haven't wasted your money.
The only down side for me (at this is minor) is this is NOT flow-to-flow mixes. These are individual songs with a good three second lapse between songs. However, that makes the music stand out and, thus, appreciated more. And even though I prefer mixed music, that's not going to stop me from giving this 5 stars. My favorite mixes are "Lonely Girl" and "Just Listen," but I enjoyed EVERY song. Thank you Above & Beyond/OceanLab. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 7/29/09."
This album was conceived when the original was launch
H. Martinez | CA, USA | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was well awaited, after you hear the original versions, u wonder how can this sound remixed??? Well this is a solid answer,
This is the best "original" (not compilation) trance / progressive album of 2009 so far
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1