Danny L Harle's 'Cerulean' is a complex release that defies easy categorization, presenting a striking blend of nostalgic influences and modern production. The album's guestlist, featuring a slew of high-profile artists including Clairo, Caroline Polachek, PinkPantheress, and MNEK, underscores Harle's ascension to the upper echelons of pop production.
Musically, 'Cerulean' is firmly rooted in the pop-trance sound that dominated BBC Radio 1 playlists during the early 00s. Tracks like "Laa" and "Island (Da Da Da)" are unapologetically Eurodance, with catchy hooks and cheesy synths that recall the likes of Eiffel 65's 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)'. While Harle claims to be drawing inspiration from Italian artistry of the Renaissance period, this seems largely tongue-in-cheek.
The album's eclecticism is on full display in its varied tracklist, which includes lengthy instrumentals, beatless sections, and even a 75-second Clairo feature that shifts seamlessly from solo vocal to cinematic backing. However, beneath its sugary, high-energy surface, 'Cerulean' sometimes feels like an exercise in nostalgia rather than genuine artistic expression.
The question remains: is Harle's love letter to his youth genuinely heartfelt, or is it a smarmy attempt to recapture the magic of Eurodance's heyday? Tracks like "Azimuth", featuring Caroline Polachek, strike a more nuanced balance between two distinct styles - pop-trance and gothic hard rock - yielding a unique sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ultimately, 'Cerulean''s appeal will likely be dictated by how fondly one recalls the era of Cascada, Kelly Llorenna, and Trance Nation. For those who lived through this musical period as its nonpareil high point, Harle's tribute may prove a sweet treat. However, for others, it might come across as an intense, sugary experience that's equal parts thrilling and grating.
Musically, 'Cerulean' is firmly rooted in the pop-trance sound that dominated BBC Radio 1 playlists during the early 00s. Tracks like "Laa" and "Island (Da Da Da)" are unapologetically Eurodance, with catchy hooks and cheesy synths that recall the likes of Eiffel 65's 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)'. While Harle claims to be drawing inspiration from Italian artistry of the Renaissance period, this seems largely tongue-in-cheek.
The album's eclecticism is on full display in its varied tracklist, which includes lengthy instrumentals, beatless sections, and even a 75-second Clairo feature that shifts seamlessly from solo vocal to cinematic backing. However, beneath its sugary, high-energy surface, 'Cerulean' sometimes feels like an exercise in nostalgia rather than genuine artistic expression.
The question remains: is Harle's love letter to his youth genuinely heartfelt, or is it a smarmy attempt to recapture the magic of Eurodance's heyday? Tracks like "Azimuth", featuring Caroline Polachek, strike a more nuanced balance between two distinct styles - pop-trance and gothic hard rock - yielding a unique sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ultimately, 'Cerulean''s appeal will likely be dictated by how fondly one recalls the era of Cascada, Kelly Llorenna, and Trance Nation. For those who lived through this musical period as its nonpareil high point, Harle's tribute may prove a sweet treat. However, for others, it might come across as an intense, sugary experience that's equal parts thrilling and grating.
the way he blends those classic Eurodance elements with modern production is pure magic 
but at the same time, I get what you're saying about it feeling like a love letter to his youth rather than genuine artistic expression... maybe that's just part of its charm? 
His album 'Cerulean' has some fire tracks like "Laa" and it's cool that he's working with other talented artists like Clairo and Caroline Polachek 
. But at the same time, I can see why some people might find it a bit cheesy or over-the-top 
- I mean, who doesn't love a good dose of nostalgia every now and then? 
... I mean, have you heard "Azimuth" with Caroline Polachek? That track is fire 
, but then there are songs like "Laa" that feel more like, well, a laughable attempt at nostalgia 
, but I gotta say, the production is super polished to a fault 
. It feels like it was made by a team of experts rather than just one person trying to make something special. The guest list is on point, though - who wouldn't want to hear Clairo and Caroline Polachek on their track? 
But at the same time, I'm getting a little tired of all the nostalgia vibes... it feels like Harle is more interested in recreating the sound of his youth than pushing the boundaries of what's possible with pop music 
. Can't wait to see how this album plays out on repeat though! 
the thing is, dan harle's 'cerulean' feels like a masterclass in contradictions - its pop-trance vibes are super nostalgic, but also kinda cheesy 
. i mean, who else but us brits would've grown up on eiffel 65 and cascade? 
️. i'm all for nostalgia, but when it feels like harle's just name-dropping influences instead of truly exploring them, it can get a bit dull 
.
Danny L Harle's new album is literally giving me all the feels 
! The way he blends nostalgic vibes with modern production is pure 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to listen to some epic pop-trance beats 
like "Laa" and "Island (Da Da Da)"? 
! 
. Like, come on, dude 
, it's a bit cheesy 
. Can't he just let go and make something new? 
!
Pop-trance meets gothic rock is the ultimate combo