Search - Paul Van Dyk :: Reflections (Bonus CD)

People Never Cease To Amaze Me...

Xtian | Roseville, California | 02/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand how obtuse people can be about the album 'Relections,' and its subsequent reissues. Folks, don't you get the amazing DJ Paul Van Dyk is TRYING to be different ON PURPOSE??? Have any of you even bothered to read about his efforts for this album on his official website? That's WHY it doesn't sound like "the old Paul Van Dyk." DUH!!! Wake up and accept the fact that sometimes artists get BORED of doing the same tired old thing, day in, night out. Aren't they allowed to experiment, grow, and change?

The tracks on this album, when listened to for what they are, are actually very good. People just need to approach it with OPEN ears, not 'conditioned to expect the same old stuff' ears."

A much more enjoyable outing

Trevor C. Cook | Ramstein, Germany | 10/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Special Edition, double-disc set of Paul van Dyk's latest album, Reflections, is a much more enjoyable and "classic" outing than the original CD. The first disc is exactly the same as the standard version of the CD. For details, see my original review of that disc, but just for reference, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. This time around, however, PVD has included a second disc of remixes, presented as a single cohesive mix (though the mixing isn't note worthy). What does warrant one's attention are the individual remixes themselves, which combine PVD's usual high standard of production values, the classic trance feel that the original versions so lacked, and a fresh spin on the new material. The end result is a disc that sounds much more like PVD's third outing, the stellar Out There & Back. Nothing But You trades away its classic beat in favor of an almost electro breakbeat in this new Berlin Mix; it's an inspired choice, and this version of the song easily trumps the original in creativity and style. Time Of Our Lives, however, gives up its pop-ish feel for PVD's signature, subwoofer-breaking bassline, and is all the better for it; THIS is the version that should have been released in the first place. Buenaventura speeds up and echoes strongly of Santos (OT&B) and Forbidden Future (Seven Ways) this time around. Like A Friend still remains the weakest outing on the album, but its Vandit Club Mix is undeniably better than the original album. Homage ends the disc similarly to the remix of Nothing But You that opens it.



Reflections still isn't perfect, and it still lacks the majesty of PVD's previous outings. The first disc is still somewhat anemic and mediocre, but this second disc makes up for so much of the first's shortcomings. If you've already bought the original version of Reflections, think twice before picking this version up. Die hard PVD fans and those who haven't already picked up Reflections, however, should definitely get this version."

Not like A Forbidden Fruit

P. T. Vuong | Chicago, IL United States | 07/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I got this special edition hoping to find some pleasures in the mixes. I think you'd be better off saving money buying the single album version. This album is great in many ways, but not like PvD's older style. When I first heard Forbidden Fruit, I was determined to find out more about PvD...For one, there's more vocals on this album, featuring Jahn Johnston, whose voice is ok. You should check out the beautiful voice of Justine Suissa in Armin van Buuren's 76 album. If you are a die hard fan of trance, her voice will captivate you! Those who really liked PvD's trance-like music would find this album refreshing and different. There's certainly a mixture between pop, trance, dance, and hard progressive beats. The best songs are Homage, Connected, Spellbound, and Kaleidoscope."