Customer Reviews

In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 5 Los Angeles

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

You know, I have heard a lot of opinions about Tiesto and even more opinions about his In Search of Sunrise series. Perhaps the one opinion that I have failed to understand is that In Search of Sunrise has fallen downhill after either the second or the third installment. I hear a lot who hold the opinion that In Search of Sunrise 4 was sloppy and not "in par" with Tiesto's other work. Which shocks me.

The same people cite Paul van Dyk and Markus Schulz, or even Armin van Buuren, as some who have had "superior" releases. But I am a trance addict. I have all those CDs. And my opinion is as follows:

That Tiesto, above all his peers, releases the most consistent, most uplifting, and newest tracks there is. Yes, some times the music will be moody, dark. Sometimes, cheerful. Sometimes, in fact lately, a lot of "lightness." These points are cited as "negative" against Tiesto. I cite them as positive. They are signs of evolution - personal evolution. While everyone else is pretty much stuck on cheese trance, boring beats, and tried and true formulas - although good - they fail to inspire something new, something beautifully new.

Tiesto does that, and he does it consistently.

This latest releases is no exception at all. While it will be called "the worst" by some due to its lightness, I will call it the best of the series so far. And upon listening to simply the first CD alone, it's hard to say that there are "filler" tracks in there when every track has some serious characteristics, some serious emotion, some passion and beauty.

CD 1 is an experience - probably the best we will see for the remainder of the year, as I seriously doubt than young Buuren will be able to match, much less, outmatch this. And I have already given up on van Dyk after his Politics of Dancing 2.

CD 1 is a series of emotions, moments, wonders, thoughts, and sighs. It's light, it's profound, it's very inspirational in that it will instill in you what all trance music should: it will instill that feeling of connection to the melody, of connection to beauty, of connection to the world, perhaps.

The mix itself is near flawless, as one moment goes by, leading to the next, sometimes dark, sometimes light, but always moody. The selection of the music is flawless. From the opening track which reminds us of lightness and subtlety - which will be the theme of the whole first CD - till the following tracks, up until about middle of the CD, you get nothing less than emotion personified.

Track 8 will make you sigh and whimper as you listen to the synth work, the mix job, the vocals. Track 5 will make you want to park you car, turn up the volume, and dance in a parking lot. Same with track 3 and 4. Track 2 is a great driving around alone kind of track. Beautiful.

You get what I call "transitional" tracks in tracks 9 and 10 - they're short, sweet, to the point, and pave the way to track 11, by the lovely JES herself. I wouldn't call it her best work, but definitely something memorable (Talk Like a Stranger is my favorite work of hers).

Track 12 and 13 are so beautiful it hurts. Track 12 is light, paving the way to something heavy and moody, track 13 - by Tom Cloud. When you listen to this track, don't say I didn't warn you: it radiates with emotion all the way till the last second. The bass work is delicious. The ethnic-like voices are dramatic. The whole track is filled with tension - it wants to explode, it wants drama, and it does just that throughout, up until it leads to its climax, which is found in the following track 14. The melodies on this track are simple, but so haunting and memorable. The synth and pad work is "old-school," which I know a lot of people will appreciate. Next we reach the closing track, which is dramatic in its own right. The vocal work, admittedly, seems a little bit too 90s for my taste - not that their bad though; the music itself on this track is, again, beautiful - memorable and haunting. A good closing.

If this is not great work, I honestly do not know what is, and I do not know what people want. This is Tiesto's best mix to date - yes, to me, it's better than In Search of Sunrise 1, 2, or 3.

I must confess that I am so overtaken by the first CD, attempting to digest its beauty, that I have neglected listening to the 2nd CD very thoroughly. Truthfully, though, I could care less what the second CD has - the fact that there is not a single track, that's right, not a single track, that I want to skip on the first CD makes it a great purchase alone. A word of advice, though - when you listen to the first CD, do not skip a single track. Try listening to it from beginning to end at least once.

If CD 2 is half as good as the first CD, I will consider it a bonus. Worst case - let's say it's horrible - then, I'll pretend it didn't exist. But, judging from what I've heard so far on the 2nd CD, it does sound like we are again in for a treat, though, again, from what I heard, it does sound a bit weaker as far as the content itself, hence the 4 star rating. When and if you purchase this CD, you will see while you will be caught in CD 1 for a long time before you even pay attention to CD 2.

To make it fair for Tiesto, and you, I will say this - the first CD gets a solid 5 stars from me. It alone is worth your money.

If you like dance music, trance music, house, electro, or just looking for something moody, emotional, and beautiful - this CD is probably a great place to start. Don't be without this CD for long. Summer is around the corner, and this is its great soundtrack.

These 2 CDs are full of quality Trance, Euphoric Trance, Vocal Trance, Melodic Trance and Morning Trance. There is only one Epic song and it is:
Helsinki Scorchin which is an absolute winner!

If you need high bpm or frantic bass, Progressive Trance (more bass, less synths and a bit more housey) or Tech Trance or Hi NRG Trance or Housey Trance STAY AWAY from this CD. Go to Armin Van Burren's last release or check out Infected Mushroom or DJ Preach.

If you like Dance Music, Refreshing and Exciting Trance Music, or Euro, you are in for a treat!

Note that Tiesto does not have any of his own songs on here.

This is a mix CD so the songs overlap.

This CD is listenable and danceable throughout. Each CD starts off with lovely Morning Trance. Malibu Beach by Conil, and LAX by Pink Elephant. It is hard to pick out the stand-out tracks because the selection is so good. Only one track out of 28 is really out of place! That is Something Wrong by Alex Stealthy. There is something wrong with that one for sure.

Disc 1 has more Vocal Trance than Disc 2.

Now for more on the positives: The flow is good and on Disc 1 the following tracks really stand out:

Empty Streets by Late Night Alumni 12/10 Great Sultry voice. Sounds like Jewel meets Morcheeba with a Trance twist IN THIS VERION OF THE SONG.
Let the Games begin by Matthew Dekay Vs Proluctors 9/10 This is going to tear up some dance floors.
Your Loving Arms by Karen Overton 10/10 - Romantic while not being fluffy. Great for dancing with a partner.
Small Step on the Other Side by Basic Perspective 12/10 - Euphoric and Heavenly
Arise (Exclusive Hammer and Funabashi Remix) by M+S 12/10 - Sexy and upbeat
The other songs on disc 1... everything is above 8/10.

Note there is a high concentration of Vocal Trance here and some would find it too Pop-like or Commercial.

ISOS was always about the gentler stuff.

I think Tiesto hits the nail on the head for an In Search Of Sunrise Disc. It's all Trance still.
And the good thing about Tiesto, is that time and again he has proven that he can play any kind of music well. In fact I think he can do this CD like this because he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. He can play and produce just about anything.

Tiesto: In reviewing an earlier CD I said you were forsaking your roots... that this is the kind of music that put you on the map and you had gone off playing harder stuff. You have definitely not forsaken your roots here. And it is understandble that as a musician you would pursue divers interests. But BIG THANKS for this album!


OK, on to disc 2!

Again starts off with an excellent Morning Trance song. The second track is bad. Just skip it. Maybe it's used for contrast, but I find it takes away too much from the CD. On the rest of the CD Tiesto kicks up the tempo with less Vocal Trance and more Energetic Trance. Stand-outs here:

Zanzibar by Shah and Laruso - 9/10 Lush.
Tales from the South (Jonas Steur's Revision Flow) by Estuera - 10/10 Hard to describe... a range of emothions in this one
Helsinki Scorchin by Super8 & DJ Tab - 12/10 Epic!

Everything else on CD 2 (with the exception of track 2) is at least an 8/10.

Overall the CDs flow well and there is consistency in the feel. Tiesto stays true to what ISOS is about and doesn't include many styles of Trance here to try and please everyone. Again, if you are looking for Hard Trance, this album is not for you.

While others seem to indicate that Modern Trance must be high bpm, Tiesto and others such as DJ GT and DJ Doboy demonstrate through their song selections that Modern Trance is more intricate, with more layers of varied 'instruments', less formulaic, more original, and more about music and harmony and intelligent lyrics rather than high bpm, thumping (monotonous) bass and less lyrics.

Trance is alive and well, and on these CDs, Tiesto proves it!

Very Highly Recommended.

Iv'e been listening to Tiesto for quite some time now but have hesitated recently on writing some reviews to his more recent work because although good, not quite enough to write a raving review about it. That guy from San diego doesn't know what he's talking about, so i will clear something up right away. As you may have noticed, Tiesto moved away from his "magik" sound after his last effort "magik" 7 live in los angeles in 2001 because he stated that he was moving away from that progressive trance sound and although you can find a few progressive tracks on his ISOS series, he stated that he no longer wanted to be known just as a "trance" DJ because his music style has been influenced in the past 5 years due to world travel, working with different artists, etc. You can see this to be true in his latest efforts such as Nyana, ISOS 4 and ISOS 5. Its a sign of maturity. You have to evolve and be diverse to be considered great! Don't expect him to be coming out with some banging trance tunes like in his Magik series anytime, as he has retired from that sound. And don't compare and judge this CD wrongly just because you wanted to hear bangin trance as in his "Magik" compilations. This is ISOS and has always had that warm, housey, lounge, chill sound to it...any person that has been following Tiesto's work will know this.
CD#1 is simply amazing, the track selection is extremely good with one song complimenting the next one. This CD is nothing short of Perfect. Yes their are a significant number of Vocals which is a good thing, something different and exciting. You simply cannot beat this CD In my opinion his absolute best work thus far. Very warm, melodic, chill sound to it perfect for relaxing.
CD#2 has a completely different sound to it and you wouldnt think that these 2 Cd's would be a part of the same album (maybe done intentionaly?) a more obscure, hidden sound to it. Quite darker more personal taste. We all have two sides to us and Tiesto definately makes that distinction in this Album. Im not going to point out any favorite tracks cause CD1 is all good, ridiculously good! I mean i'd like to see him top himself on that! Just amazing!

ISOS 5 is very good, but not quite up there with ISOS 3 or even 1 and 2 but had some moments that will draw listener's attention. I felt Tiesto should of made it a one disc set because too many good tracks are spread out between both disc one and two at times I wish he could rearrange them together to one disc. Regardless Tiesto has improved since ISOS 4 he's going in the right direction ISOS 5 put him back in gear.

Starting with disc one, Malibu Beach is a perfect start gliding to tracks 2 and 3 but stumbles a bit on 4. Track 5 is nice makes me want to dance in the parking lot. I felt there were too many vocal tracks to follow after 3 since Tiesto has set the tone down already with the first three amazing tracks. I'm not really big on vocals tracks so after the first three I was waiting for more of a nice instrumental beat from there, nonetheless very good. Highlights for disc one really kicks off after track 6 by Leama & Moor. From 6 to 10 the transition is solid good progression up and down (especially going from Karen Overton's "Your Loving Arms" to "Let Me Be" by Hanson & Parker to Novocaine) those are pure Tiesto I know right in those tracks. Now track 11, I know Jes is good, but here it's not her best vocal performance. Track 12 to the end is quite smooth. If only disc one could pull it off with a better ending song perhaps switching Way Out West from disc two to disc one.

As for disc two the setting is more trance driven less vocal tracks with an excellent ending by Way Out West. First track brings you right back to where disc one left off except track 2 has a odd transition going from 1 for a couple seconds but settles down quick combining uplifting tempo all the way to end. After 2 we have 3 with Zanzibar and from there everything glides smoothly with tracks like Jonas Steur's Second Turn I also like Hi-Jack, Genesis, Irony, Green Astronauts those are solid tracks and Tiesto finishes off perfectly with Way Out West. These are terrific taste in track selections from Tiesto he has once again build and layered the progression to the very end.

Overall both disc are mixed very well more or less disc one features a bit more vocal than I anticipated still nothing short of excellency. I can't say it's like ISOS 3 but it does put me closer in search of sunrise.

For those that have been to or live in LA, you will get this CD right away. The first CD is where it's at, very chill, very relaxed, very LA.

The opening is so serene and lush with sounds from the ocean....reminds me of driving up and down the PCH (pacific coast highway)The lead into the next track is perfect with some light tribal shounds over female vocals. When the second track actually begins, there is a nice funky baseline that screams summer beach party. Tracks 8,9,10, and 11 flow into each other so well, you cn loose yourself inside the subtle guitar chords and can imagine a warm summer sunset driving down Sunset Blvd.

The second CD has a very similar soft opening but takes the mix in a completely different direction. This CD is strictly for LA club nightlife and is a driving mix of dreamy trance.

I found the first CD more enjoyable for me simply due to preferrence. I like the housier fell to tracks and appreciate organic sounds (guitar, ocean, ect.) although the second CD will please the pure trance-heads. All in all, my favorite ISOS so far...a very fresh approach.

Tiesto's 5th entry into his signature "In Search of Sunrise" series has Tiesto dishing out the usual assortment of tracks. Disk 1 features a wide range of soft and melodic trance songs with mostly female vocals and ethnic vibes, and an overall "beachy " feel. Many of the songs can be lumped into the progressive trance genre, and still fare well on the dance floor. High notes can be attributed to - "Colour My Eyes", "Beside Me", "Told You So" and quite a few others. The mixing is a little abrupt in places however, as evidenced by the sudden beat matches with nearly a quarter of the track left.

The second disk is more of a throwback to Tiesto's early 2000's mix compilation Nyana. This half of the mix has a slightly darker feel in places, with not-so melodic trance songs that have unusual drum beats and overall strange feels to them when compared to the general feel of the "In Search of Sunrise" experience. The Nyana feel especially creeps out on tracks such as "Green Astronauts", "These Days", and "Irony". While none of the tracks are as drum beat oriented as those on the first disk of Nyana, there still is that seemingly "unique/out of place" feel that they contain. And again, there are still some abrupt beat matches and sudden mixings that feel rushed, a flaw that somewhat degrades the experience of ISOS5.

Overall, the second disk is a welcome listen (although many Tiesto listeners will regard the first disk as the true half of the album), and it can probably be said that Tiesto was trying to satisfy both fans of his melodic trance mixes as well as fans of his clubbier mixes by having a double CD album that has distinctly different styles on each disk. (It should also be worth mentioning that the second disk of In Search of Sunrise 5 is comparable to last year's "Miami 05", by Markus Schulz. Some of the trance on ISOS5 has the same feel as the trance that Markus spun on that compilation.)

We all have our genre and subgenre favorites in the world of electronica. Since the turn of century, [Non-progressive] trance is admitedly near the bottom for me, and generally, I'm also not a big fan of Tiesto's overly familiar track selections. Not surprisingly since he is predominantly a trance DJ.

I hate to use the word "commercial" when describing electronica albums or tracks. If you and I are listening to it on something we bought in a store or online...it is COMMERCIAL. Mainstream is a better description for Tiesto and his sets. Regardless, I try not to let my personal biases influence my listening to all genres and albums at least once.

Disc 1 is what I have come to expect from Tiesto. Mainstream trance with every other track featuring a female vocalist that sounds exactly the same as the others. All competing for the "Who Can Come up With the Lamest Lyrics" award. It is this overabundance of cheesy vocal trance tracks (which usually become trance anthems) that have truly destroyed the genre of trance over the years.

Disc 2...well...I had to listened to it over and over. I couldn't believe how good it was! I have no doubt that my enjoyment of this set comes from the track selection being predominantly progressive trance. Tiesto does sneek in a female vocal trance track to close the set out, but it works well. Nicely done. Hmmm, I may have to check out Tiesto's earlier releases because of this disc!

Disc 1 is a dust collector and gets 2.5/5 stars. Disc 2, makes my list of "Exceptional Electronica Sets (by Disc) with 4.5/5 stars.

I have had these CDs on my ipod for a short while and the second Cd has been growing on me, I think it is excellent. Very uplifing as usual with Dj Tiesto, but also very deep and driving in parts, which is how I like it. I especially like "Something is wrong",track 2 on CD 2 and absolutely love the last track by Way out West "Don't forget me", a really beautiful track...but generally the whole Cd is excellently fun driving mood enhancing music. DJ Tiesto has defintely churned out some good stuff lately, at least as far as this old techno junkie is concerned ;-) Parts of this CD reminds me of the more underground music we used to dance to in the mid-nineties in London, like Dj Lulu's kind of stuff (which is a compliment, by the way, as she used to spin some awesome music in those days).

After reading the reviews for this compilation, I thought I would sound off. First of all, many of the other reviewers are correct, the mixing is questionable at some points expecially the first half of CD1. However, this is not the first CD I have purchased from Tiesto that has had less than perfect mixing and programming. I get the impression Tiesto is a stream of conscious "one take and I am out" type of DJ. I will say that I have seen him spin in person a half dozen times, and he is actually a very good DJ and one of the few stalwarts who still uses mostly vinyl in his sets.

Mixing aside, few can argue with his ear for tunes. Both CDs contain a slew of great records. The first CD is full of uplifting, proggy trance tracks. The highlights for me on CD1 were the cover of "Loving Arms" which has been given a facelift and the new record from Jes. Her voice is incredible. All in all, CD1 is a mellow, mid-tempo trance record that really fits the ISOS vibe.

CD2 is totally different. It is closer to what Tiesto would spin live, but pitched (slowed) down a notch. CD2 is dark and moody while still melodic at times. It really takes a few listens to get it, but believe me it is a terrific set. I think CD1 is for dusk and CD2 for dawn. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, I think this compilation is very enjoyable. In fact, I cannot stop listening to it. Unlike many other DJs, Tiesto plays fun tracks that warrant repeat listening. His mixing may not be perfect, but his track selection more than makes up for it. I highly recommend picking this one up. I can't wait for the next installment.

WOW....
More than driving down the 405 in Los Angeles, this mix reminds me of driving down the 95 in South Beach, maybe because it was there where I unwrapped it for the first time. I bought this CD while traveling on business by myself in Miami. I had rented a red convertible. I about almost missed my flight back home because I kept turning back, on my way to the airport, to drive through that bridge over the ocean, through it twice and around again, on a sunny, blue sky day, with my hair messy and Tiesto blaring. The wind carried my beats away and into the cars of the people behind me, putting us all on top of the same cloud.

By no means buy this CD, you will set the bar too high for the other DJ's. I mean it. I tried going back to my comfortable PVD and just wasn't satisfied.

CD1 is happy trance-house filled with syrupy vocals. The first half of the CD is about the big dance party. Track 1 sets the scene-- you've just left the beach and are getting ready for the party. Track 2... Track 3 is walking across town to the party, you're there by track 4 and then there's dancing and you can't stop, the DJ never lets you stop. Track 5 is closing the party when the sun puts orange in the sky. Tracks 6 and 7 are transition tunes, the end of track 7 being flirtation. And THEN.... comes what I call RABIES. Rabies makes you jump up and dance, and scream also. Track 8 is a push of the love that hurts. Track 9 is lip-biting desire... and maybe sex also. Then, the aftermath. "People come, people go, people lead you to your highest note." (Magical words, but who listens for the words?) It was good (the party, or the lover), but it's okay that it's over. This Disc One is a story. I adored it.

CD 2 is Tiesto style you can recognize. Deep beats, housey even, no vocals until the end. Masha asked to borrow this disc but I pretended I didn't hear her, because I knew she would never return it. Here there are some songs that make you squint your eyes and cringe, those type of bass, vrroung-oung-oung electric shocks that cause the hairs on your neck to stand up. The ones with beats that make you feel like you're being >squished< by the music. There is no story to this disc, or I haven't found it yet. My favorite part is the transition between Tracks 1 and 2. Tiesto starts the mix pretending it's a mellow CD2, but then, he gives you RABIES. You've pressed play on the mischief.

I have listened to this set on and on for months. I know every song by heart. I can hear the next song coming on in the undertones of the first one. I haven't found another mix that comes close. With Tiesto-- and those who know him will know-- his mixes, you have to listen to them two or three times before they GRAB you. And then you get to a place and you park your car but you don't want to get out because THAT track is still playing... and people are outside waiting for you, banging their fists on the windows, kicking the tires, calling you on the cell phone... Good thing that when you do finally turn the radio off and stand up from the car, it's sunny outside and beautiful.