Progression

Markus Schulz | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ultra Records
• ASIN: B000UGG3IM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,554 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Schulz is one of THE rising stars of the trance scene. He recently broke the top 20 in DJ Mag's prestigious top 100 DJ's In The World poll. His mix of energetic, dark, moody trance is infecting trance enthusiasts across the globe. With a relentless tour schedule, weekly radio show, and stellar studio skills, Markus is sure to continue his rapid rise amongst the top ranked DJs in the world.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mature, Simplier, September 23, 2007

By 

John Sparda (Rimini, Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Progression (Audio CD)

Labeling this album progressive trance would be really bias, maybe misinterprated, considering Markus' now well known reputation as a disc jockey. As a producer, he's much more than that. I would be insulting his game by calling this just another 'trance' album. Whatever. This is a piece of music that's emotional, multifarious and most of all, mature.

If you ever compare his styles as a DJ and as a producer, you'll notice certain subtle differences between his music. If you've tuned in to his radio show Global DJ Broadcast the past year and more recently his sets on Ibiza Summer Sessions, his distinct sound is still dark, yes, still very diverse, still emotional, but this album truly emcompasses something elementary, a simplier style with straightforward beats combined with sound-piercing bass, to which I think will force a new wave of producers to look back and say, let's get back to the basics to where this type of music got embraced in the first place.

It seems like every track featured here takes you somewhere out there, whether i'd be a nostalgic feel to a place or just remembering a time where you felt a connection to something or someone. Much of the credit of making this album emotional is the collaboration with Mike Targanski, or you know him better as Elevation. He did five tracks that really caught me eye, now considering if you've listen to their other collaborations of 'Severance', the breakout 'Clear Blue', the successful 'Your Loving Arms' etc., it was much more unique and club driven. It's now compressed, slower, progressed better for a mature audience, I think. 'Spilled Cranberries' reminded me a time where I drove across through Europe in a cold, harsh winter. Yeah, that was fun.. I almost cried first hearing 'On A Wave', reminded me of a lost loved not too long ago. The vocals by Anita Kelsey pretty much killed me. Simply emotionally visceral. 'Lost Cause' is another one that impressed me, couldn't really tell what Carrie Skipper was saying half the time, but I'm starting to love the track. 'Let It Go' and 'Is This The End' encompasses the feel of his live Coldharbour sets. Hard and emotionally electrifying.

The first introduction track 'I Am' eerily remided me of what he did to 'Clear Blue', a restricted, shorter version of the what the radio version is, nothing more. 'Perfect' is so cheesy, but I'm beginning to love it! Reminded me of the late 1990s vocal club singles a while ago. 'Cause You Know', the beats are so mild, nothing special, but I love the 80s house or 'robot' vocals of Departure, very classy and yet, so futuristic. 'Fly To Colors', is the quintessential Coldharbour sound and if you've ever listened to it with loud speakers, be prepared for something earmarked.

Just to clarify something. Markus Schulz has ALWAYS done vocals, for a long, long time. The original production of 'You Won't See Me Cry', for an example, which was released, what, eight years ago? Or his remixes of 'Do What You Do' or 'Stand', his recent mashups of 'Perspective Space' or 'Falling Moan', etc.. So don't be suprised if you've never heard 'Without You Near' or this album in particular expecting something else.

All in all, if you like Markus Schulz as a producer, come to expect the usual, except this time, it's like I said, for the older audience. Now, if you expect something pulsating and darkly fun, go see him live or tune in to Global DJ, whichever way, DJ or producer, you're gonna hear something special that you'll never forget.

Keepin' my fingers crossed for Phoenix 08' or maybe Berlin 08'!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He does it again..., September 26, 2007

By 

Mateo 23 (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Progression (Audio CD)

I cannot put it any better than Mr. Sparda from Italy did. Great review. I just wanted to clarify something for the first reviewer whom deducted a star due to "poor mixing/weak arrangement and some weak tracks." I too am a HUGE fan of Coldharbour Sessions, Miami '05 and Ibiza '06; however, you cannot put this album in the same category as those others, or even compare them. This is an ARTIST album; whereas the aforementioned were compilations with tracks chosen and the album mixed by Markus. All of the tracks on Progression are composed/produced by Markus himself. It is not a MIX album. It is like any other album from any other genre. I feel that as a producer, Markus is among the best; especially, if you compare him to others such as Tiesto, Armin or Van Dyk. I love his sound--always have. It's such a soothing sound....almost like you're listening to trance under the water....bubbly almost. He's definitely unique---which is why he is so loved and appreciated around the world. I love this album, but also hope to see another compilation on par with Ibiza '06 next year!!!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good album, Progressive Trance, September 11, 2007

By 

S. WOLFE "sam_dc" (Washington, DC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Progression (Audio CD)

I've been a Markus Schulz fan for 4 years now - he is without a doubt the best progressive trance DJ on the scene.

This is a very good album from him - for those that enjoyed his first 'solo' album (Without You Near - 2005), I would recommend this.

Is it his best work? Sadly, no. I'm comparing (possibly unfairly) to the sensational "Coldharbour Sessions" (2004) and "Ibiza '06" compilations - these were 2CD continuously mixed masterpieces (while "Progression" is more an assembly of a variety of tracks, mixed slightly together).

There are moments of Markus' usual brilliance - the 2nd track (Spilled Cranberries) is wonderfully moody and melodic with exceptional composition. "Let It Go" and "Daydream" are quintessential Schulz and the final two tracks are, in my opinion, the best on the album - once again Markus collaborates with Departure to produce 2 excellent tracks (one a slower reprise of the other that cleverly re-interprets the vocals - think "Without You Near" (Reprise) and you'll be very close).

This is still a strong progressive trance album. It won't be everyone's cup of tea (and I've already read a few negatives about the last two tracks), but if you enjoyed "Without You Near" (the album), or if you like some of his peers (Van Buuren, Gabriel & Dresden, Airwave), this is worth picking up. I only deducted a star for the arrangement of the tracks, a couple of weak tracks, and the lack of an extra CD.