BT - This Binary Universe
2006
Electronic, Ambient
Have you ever listened to an album so perfect that it changes the way you view music? Have you ever listened to an album where genre classification and album ratings just seem to be unnecessary? This Binary Universe manages all that and then some. Inspired by the birth of his daughter, BT created an album filled with lush landscapes and beautiful atmosphere. It is almost misleading trying to call this album electronic, as it contains elements from jazz, classical, indie, and dance. One moment you will be listening to soft ambiance, and the next you will be bombarded with a 110 piece orchestra.
Not only did BT put all his effort into the music, but the package he gives it to you in is great. When you buy the album you not only get the CD, but also a 5.1 mix, and music videos to accompany all the songs. These music videos range from CGI to live action. The videos are well done and add to the experience. You get the idea that BT wanted to make this a truly special album.
This Binary Universe beings with All That Makes Us Human Continues, a beautiful song that captures the feel of the album. The 8 minute length of the song feels like a mere 5 minutes. It begins and ends almost like a lullaby, with a bit of electronic flare in the middle. I would say it is one of the more straightforward tracks on the album, as it keeps the same mood throughout. The next course of tracks all span over various genres and moods. Dynamic Symmetry manages to tread grounds of jazz, ambient, and dance. While The Internal Locus starts calm, but evolves into an orchestral odyssey. See You On The Other Side takes a break from all the complexity and remains very minimal, slow, and peaceful.
The album closes with Good Morning Kaia, an extremely powerful and beautiful track. The music video really puts the song on an entirely different level. It is obvious that when making this BT put all his heart and soul making this track, and he succeeded at making it perfect.
If you are looking for an album that you can just put on in the background while playing a game, or doing work, than this album will not work well. It is designed for a close, and focused listen. I made the mistake of just passing this album off as just another electronic album. But when you listen to it with full attention you really notice how great it is. The sound and production, the music and flow, it all just fits together so perfectly. I know most people will not get the same experience I do from this album, but it is worth at least a few listens. And if you purchase the album, I highly recommend watching the short films that accompany the songs, it makes the experience much more memorable.
Album Rating - 10/10
TL/DR Version: “In a hundred years, it could well be studied as the first major electronic work of the new millennium.” - Keyboard Magazine
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