In My Memory is DJ Tiësto’s first album of all original electronic music. This CD represents DJ Tiësto’s formal musical journey from his native country Holland into the itinerant U.S. dance scene. DJ Tiësto real name Tijs Verwest may not be familiar but his techno house sounds are already well known throughout the UK underground dance scene.


The first track on this CD, "Magik Journey" embarks on a musical voyage starting off with classical strings converging upon a progressive house track that really gets you going. Magik Journey is a fresh evocative synthesized piece allowing you to bask in the beauty of this morphed trance experience. The song flows into a pulsing trance/progressive house tempo, with some cool and enjoyable loops, don’t worry this tune will hook you.


My favorite track on the CD is track 4. This fast trance song has lots of fun beats synths that will keep your foot beating in a rhythmic trance. Fortunately for listener’s DJ Tiësto, keeps up the pace in track 5 with the progressive house cut, Obsession, as he obsessively works a dynamic beat that totally energizing.


Things are gracefully slowed down a bit on Track 6. Battleship Grey, with the futuristic sounds and the lovely ethereal female vocals of Kirsty Hankshaw. Battleship Grey is an enjoyable excursion engineered for the 5am slot with a deep, smooth bassline, and calm shuffling beats; it’s definitely worth a listen.


Flight 643 is a tribute to techno music as it picks up the pace again sweeping you into a smooth yet hyped groovy trance session making you want to float away. Flight 643 is an atmospheric tech-house jam that is both dreamily blissful and absolutely wired. This song will have you dancing in your shoes.


The 8th track Lethal Industry is something that sounds better pump at the local dance club than on my home speakers. This track beats will linger in your mind long after the piece has stopped playing.


The final track Suburban Train is not like the MARTA or any train I’ve been on before. This track explodes with energy getting me in the mood for a full-blown aerobic workout, yelling, “Work it!” “Work it!” like fitness guru Billy Blanks. Although this tune has a repetitive beginning the intensity and hypnotic beats and elevating synth patterns, make this track the ultimate treat.


In My Memory contains mostly warm and uplifting trance songs. The only major problem with this CD is that it’s not long enough; fortunately my CD player has the replay feature. There is no doubt that “In My Memory” is a success, however it’s not going to cross in all musical genre. After playing it a few times the only complaint would be Tiësto mixing fast and slow trance/house music. DJ Tiësto’s CD In My Memory aligns puts him firmly with the progressive elite.


Bottom line, this 70 minute, nine track CD bridges the gap between electronica, techno and house music. Tiësto’s unique blend of progressive trance and vocals mixed with up-beat house may not strike a chord with every listener but guaranteed a spot in trance history.


Tracks listed on CD:

1. Magik Journey
2. Close To You
3. Dallas 4 PM
4. In My Memory
5. Obsession
6. Battleship Grey
7. Flight 643
8. Lethal Industry
9. Suburban Train


Recommended: Yes