Illenium begins a brand new part of his profession with launch of ‘Fallen Embers’: Album Assessment
The following chapter of the phoenix has formally begun as Illenium has launched his extremely anticipated 4th studio album, “Fallen Embers.” This undertaking follows after the primary three broadly profitable albums of Illenium’s discography “Ashes,” “Awake” and “Ascend,” and is the subsequent story in his music tenure. The album consists of 14 tracks with 20 featured artists. Some songs have already gained reputation by being launched as singles. Nevertheless, most of the tracks will probably be listened to for the primary time.
The title “Fallen Embers” resembles a brand new part within the bass producer’s life. As the primary three albums symbolize the rise, development and rebirth within the phoenix’s (Illenium’s) journey, it might additionally relate to the listener’s journey. This 4th album resembles the therapeutic powers that the phoenix possesses in what creates a model new part.
“Fallen Embers is simply wanting on the journey of a phoenix ascending. The phoenix is hearth and what that creates is embers. I simply thought it was so cool to present these therapeutic powers, the embers themselves, a form of mystical in its personal gentle. It simply doesn’t need to be concerning the phoenix however what about it leaves behind. Whether or not the phoenix falls or dies, you are taking the fallen embers of that occasion and also you study and heal via that.” – Illenium, “Fallen Embers” Trailer
Contemporary off his iconic record-breaking stadium present “Trilogy” in Las Vegas, the place he previewed a 20 minute set of what was to come back on the brand new album. The world is now in a position to hear and expertise the total 54-minute undertaking.
Picture Credit score: Illenium/12 Tone Music
Observe 1: “Blame Myself” – Illenium and Tori Kelly
This monitor begins the brand new journey. The track was first featured on the “Trilogy” present and obtained nice suggestions. Illenium wastes no time accessing feelings as he begins with a delicate guitar accompanied by highly effective piano chords. With 18 seconds in, Grammy-winning Tori Kelly’s voice begins to take over with stunning lyrics that match completely with the instrumental beneath. The lyrics say, “Deceive me, it could assist. Simply deceive me, say you discovered another person so I don’t blame myself.” The track is among the greatest opening tracks Illenium has placed on an album, and with Kelly’s vocals, it’s a assured 3 minutes and 50 seconds of uncooked emotion.
“As soon as quarantine hit this was the primary track I labored on. I really feel prefer it set the tone for the entire album. If folks requested me if I needed to hear to 1 track from the album what wouldn’t it be? I might in all probability say this.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 2: “Heavenly Aspect” – Illenium and Matt Maeson
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
The final monitor promoted as a single earlier than the discharge of the album. It already has over 5 million international streams. “Heavenly Side” takes the listener on a progressive journey because the monitor begins very comfortable with only a few devices after which by the final drop options heavy guitar and fascinating percussion. Based on Illenium throughout his “Falling Embers” listening celebration, virtually no synths have been used throughout the manufacturing. The track options vocals from Virginia-based singer, Matt Maeson that do an amazing job at enjoying off the thundering sound that Illenium has created. With lyrics like “you possibly can let go if you wish to, trigger I’ll love you all the identical” the monitor can have you singing on the high of your lungs.
“Matt’s voice is simply so sick. And you realize the lyrics, I really feel like they’re simply so intelligent and trustworthy. I adore it”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 3: “Fragments” – Illenium and Natalie Taylor
This is among the tracks that wasn’t previewed on the “Trilogy” present. However among the best and most fascinating productions Illenium has ever created. The track includes a very heartwarming synth arp and takes listeners again to the nostalgic sound Illenium is understood for. Very melodically pushed, the track brings in American singer-songwriter, Natalie Taylor. Who’s lyrics “you possibly can faux that you simply don’t care. I do know you hate the best way it occurred. No matter’s left of what we had is scattered in fragments” can have you singing this monitor again and again in your head.
Observe 4: “Sideways” – Illenium, Valerie Broussard and Nurko
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
Additionally, one of many final singles launched, “Sideways” has earned 25 million international streams and involves life with an official music video directed by Rafatoon (Rafael Perez) and exhibits the imagery of the phoenix falling and the embers. The drop could be probably the most fascinating breaks that Illenium has ever created and with the assistance of trance sounds from Nurko, this is among the greatest hitting tracks on the album. Valerie Broussard offers the vocals for the track with phrases resembling “when your hope’s gone, can barely maintain on. When your sky is working out of blue. When the world goes sideways. I’ll be sideways, sideways right here with you.” There is no such thing as a query that this monitor is prepared for the competition phases.
“[This] track is such an excellent listening track and [so] good enjoying reside. [It] hits so onerous.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 5: “First Time” – Illenium and Iann Dior
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
Probably the most radio-ready track on the album and one other early single that generated 50 million international streams. This monitor options rising hip-hop artist Iann Dior and virtually ditches all conventional dance methods for genuine band devices. With a rock-oriented tone blended with a hip-hop-style beat, this track additionally comes within the type of an official music video starring Illenium and Dior. When you haven’t performed this within the automotive with the home windows rolled down, you must.
“That track is only a vibe. I adore it. I really feel prefer it’s a terrific change of tempo.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 6: “U & Me” – Illenium and Sasha Sloan
Presumably the best sounding tracks in the whole compilation? “U & Me” consists of masterful vocal chops included by Illenium all through its period that may have you ever on the sting of your seat. Together with lyrics like “let’s depart the world behind us. A spot they’ll by no means see. Go someplace solely we all know. Someplace for you and me,” the track depicts two folks looking for their place collectively on the earth. And with wonderful vocals from Los Angeles-based singer, Sasha Sloan the track offers a feel-good expertise that listeners can join with.
Observe 7: “Nightlight” – Illenium and Annika Wells
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
As of proper now, the most well-liked track on “Fallen Embers” with over 150 million international streams. This was the primary single heard off the album. And is among the most thundering tracks Illenium has in his discography. The drop leads with an electrical guitar that’s unforgettable. The official music video is visually fascinating, with naturistic surroundings being the background and as soon as once more depicts a state of affairs through which the phoenix falls and leaves its embers. Based on Illenium, the vocalist, Annika Wells, wrote all of the lyrics for the track and despatched him a tough demo of the primary verse and refrain. Listening to that draft blew him away. The principle phrase being “however I nonetheless want you to ease my load. Maintain me when the lightning strikes. Lead me house. Once I don’t know which method is true. Love me when it’s onerous. I promise that I’m not leaving out of your facet. And once I collapse, promise at nighttime you’ll be my nightlight,” the track has the whole lot one might need in an Illenium manufacturing.
“I really feel like [this song] is the one which began this complete factor. This complete part.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 8: “Hearts on Hearth” – Illenium, Dabin and Lights
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
One other in style single, this track noticed a December launch of final yr, having over 60 million international streams. The plain point of interest of the monitor is the masterful guitar enjoying from Canadian-based producer and good pal of Illenium, Dabin. Additionally becoming a member of in is one other Canadian-based artist, Lights. Her unimaginable vocals give the track its energy. The music video depicts two people in a fallen world looking for one another in a superbly crafted story. With the phrase “that is for the hearts on hearth, outta management. Boy, you gotta let ’em know. That is for the hearts on hearth, singing alone. There’s just one method to know. I want you possibly can learn my thoughts or gimme an indication. Inform me you wished to be mine. That is for the hearts on hearth, singing alone. There’s just one method to know,” this can be a monitor that may have the whole crowd chanting in unison.
Observe 9: “Lay it Down” – Illenium, Krewella, and SLANDER
This track was essentially the most anticipated monitor amongst followers. It options the highly effective sister duo, Krewella (Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf) and Slander (Derek Andersen and Scott Land). First showcased at Ubbi Dubbi Festival in Dallas, Texas, Illenium stunned attendees with a visitor look from Slander. Since that night time, “Lay it Down” has been essentially the most talked-about monitor on the album. Based on Krewella, this track started in 2018. With contributing to the manufacturing, the 2 are additionally the featured vocalists. The well-thought lyrics and the vocal adlibs and chops are what makes this track stand out from the remainder. Krewella says it greatest with the road, “I might lay my guard down for you.” It’s unquestionable how a lot the monitor means to all these concerned within the manufacturing. Amongst followers, this was a high-demand collaboration for years and, it lastly finds gentle on”‘Fallen Embers.” With these three extremely regarded acts working collectively, the monitor had excessive expectations. However to no shock, not solely did the track reside as much as the hype, it exceeded it exponentially.
Observe 10: “Dropping Persistence” – Illenium and Nothing, Nowhere
Probably the most distinctive collaboration on the whole undertaking. Illenium groups up with American rapper and singer Nothing, Nowhere, for a track that was not anticipated however most actually welcomed. Illenium just isn’t shy of his fandom for Nothing, Nowhere, even having a tattoo of the track “Readability in Kerosene” on his leg. The chemistry on this track shines and brings out a unique facet of Illenium because the drop is in contrast to something he has created earlier than. Lyrics like “shedding endurance, I’ve been ready for one thing to cease all this ache. Caught prior to now. Life strikes so quick. I strive nevertheless it don’t really feel the identical” will resonate with listeners. And the emotion in Nothing, Nowhere’s voice will probably be what makes this monitor liked amongst followers.
“[The drop] is certainly totally different. I’ve by no means completed a drop that feels like that, which is enjoyable. I’m excited to play it out.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 11: “In My Thoughts” – Illenium, Excision and Haliene
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
Nothing extra must be stated whenever you see these three names on the credit of a monitor. Illenium joins forces as soon as once more with dubstep king Excision and American singer Haliene, who’s well-known within the dance group for her many profitable options. As anticipated, that is essentially the most aggressive monitor on the whole album. Haliene acknowledged in an Instagram post that she sees this track as a continuation of the extremely regarded singles “Rush Over Me” (with Illenium) and “Erase You” (with Excision). As soon as once more, Haliene delivers a deeply emotional efficiency, and together with her favourite lyrics being “I’ll smile and say I’m transferring on however my coronary heart betrays me in a track” the monitor is sure to attach with hearts worldwide. Showcasing the sounds of Illenium within the first drop and the gorgeous aggression of Excision within the second, this track is one other good yin and yang from the 2 producers after their first two collaborations, “Gold (Silly Love)” and “Really feel One thing.”
Observe 12: “Paper Skinny” – Illenium, Tom DeLonge and Angels & Airwaves
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
That is the second single launched in preparation for the album. In collaboration with Tom DeLonge (co-founder of Blink-182) and his band Angels & Airwaves, the track performs across the vocals of the frontman that listeners keep in mind him greatest for within the 90s and early 2000s. The drop is one other distinctive creation by Illenium that focuses on vocal chops together with highly effective synths. This music video transports the viewer once more right into a fallen world the place people seek for one thing to heal their wounds. In direction of the top of the story, crystals start to fall from the sky and launch particles that heal folks and restore the world round them. It’s the greatest visible depiction of the that means behind “Fallen Embers” and one other beautiful video so as to add to the spectacular resume of the Illenium staff. That includes the lyrics “your damaged coronary heart was identical to mine. We constructed these partitions and hid inside ’em. I stated, I wouldn’t allow you to in and now you realize, I’m paper skinny,” this monitor is an ideal mix between rock and dance music.
“That was a dream collab. I really feel like [Tom DeLonge] introduced such a cool vibe. I had like a completely totally different verse and instrumental within the verse once I despatched it to him. And he simply added that guitar which is so sick and so his sound. So it was positively a fanboy second for me.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 13: “Loopy Instances” – Illenium, SAID THE SKY and Rock Mafia
Is it an Illenium album if there isn’t a SAID THE SKY collaboration on it? It’s no secret that Illenium and SAID THE SKY (Trevor Christensen) are long-time mates and, at one cut-off date, roommates. This track was the nearer for the “Trilogy” present. It consists of Tim James (vocalist on “Take You Down”) and his band Rock Mafia, sharing a message that may depict what the world has gone via over the previous yr and a half. Saying “it’s so onerous to search out some peace of thoughts in these loopy occasions,” this can be a track that everyone can relate to. With James utilizing his unmatched falsetto and the magic that Illenium and SAID THE SKY create within the drop, this track is the proper selection for the penultimate monitor on the album.
“That final minute and a half of that track maxed quantity simply smacks, smacks me.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
Observe 14: “Courageous Soul” – Illenium and Emma Grace
The phrase “saved the very best for final” might be utilized right here as Illenium holds by far essentially the most emotional track off till the top with “Courageous Soul.” First premiered on the “Trilogy” present, the track has a particular place in Illenium and Emma Grace’s coronary heart. Based on Illenium, the story within the track is concerning the lack of Grace’s brother and is a tribute to him. It’s for anybody who has ever misplaced a liked one to habit. The monitor introduces Grace, who provides a efficiency that may put tears within the listener’s eyes. Nevertheless, no phrases attempting to explain this stunning but deep track in an article will ever be capable of do it justice. It’s a monitor that deserves to be listened to with undivided consideration. Arguably, essentially the most emotional part of the whole track is “right here’s to your courageous soul. You fought however you misplaced maintain. Now I’m alone to face the reality. You left me damaged. Shattered to items. And the way can I’m going on with out you. And I do know you’re shining ever so brightly. Received’t you lead me via the night time? Right here’s to your courageous soul. I’m attempting to go on with out you.” It ranks up there as one in all Illenium’s most emotional songs he has ever created. However with that, it’s also one of many best songs Illenium has ever made. And no doubt goes to attach with followers and develop into a favourite on the tracklist. It’s the good method to finish the album. And Illenium and Grace put the ultimate interval on this undertaking in essentially the most breathtaking method. As soon as the final second ticks off, it’ll depart the listener speechless.
“The story behind the track… I really feel like that blended with simply the general tone of the track and the way it progresses, oh yeah that one [messes] me up.”- Illenium, “Fallen Embers” listening celebration
General Abstract:
“Fallen Embers” isn’t just an album, it’s an expertise and arguably Illenium’s greatest undertaking to this point. You may hear the transition into the subsequent part of his life as he conveys it in essentially the most fascinating method possible. It consists of breathtaking options that every one share stunning messages and distinctive productions. This album cements Illeniums identify as one of many greatest in all of dance music.
“This album is the results of my therapeutic and private development. Loads of ardour went into each single track. Thanks to everybody concerned who helped make this album what it’s. I’m stoked it’s lastly right here and I hope you benefit from the begin of this new chapter I’m sharing with you”. – Illenium, press launch
It doesn’t matter what the journey of the phoenix means to you, this album is licensed to take you on an emotional journey. And till the subsequent chapter of the story is written, this one will probably be effectively value listening to for fairly a while.
Stream Illeniums 4th studio album “Fallen Embers” by way of 12 Tone music on Spotify beneath:
Picture Credit score: Illenium/press
