classic reviews

Robert Miles
Dreamland

Released: 27th July, 1996
Label: Deconstruction

Italian pianist Robert Miles combined electronic music with the beauty of piano melodies. And the consequences of this experimental collaboration touched the pinnacles of musical splendors. Even when the world did not know about Trance music completely, he came up with one. The music jaunts on the lines of ambient and progressive trance. Monologue synths, simple beats and exceptional piano work are three musical elements which have been the success ingredients of Dreamland.

The first track of this album starts with the phenomenal 90's electronic anthem "Children" in the Dream Version. The tune takes off in very grave monsoon mood until the piano is brought in, slowly building up the ambient mood. Pictures of moving clouds under the skies start forming and the rapid beats push you in frenzy. This tune stands out to be a pure melodic reprise.

Almost with the same musical elements "Fable" was produced but, since it is Robert Miles, he made sure all the different tunes had a different story to tell. "Fable" has an emotionally charged piano work bejeweled with semi-pop and dreamy vocals of Fiorella Quinn.

Fiorella Quinn returns in "Fantasya" with deep and touching vocals. The song, this time starts with heavy beats - mighty enough for the speakers in the 90's and the music with obvious inclusion of piano sounds. By the time you break lose, the vocals drop in to help us further on the floor. Not to forget the beautiful synths that play in the background.

"Landscape" is more on the dark imaginative side of Robert's production with an equally matching title. Perfect to listen to while traveling in a high speed bus or a train, you just need to plug the Ipod and get lost in your world of imaginations. Analogue synthwork and sweet piano combine to push you in an inexplicable mystery where it becomes hard to know your own emotions.

"In My Dreams" carries a very mellow piano sequence and trancy synths to bring up dark reminiscences as if played in our previous incarnation. Highly inspired sequences form in the mind while listening to this one!

"One & One" needs no introduction because in the last 12 years everyone would have come across this beauty for sure. Maria Nayler sung it so beautifully that it can leave you gratified yet wanting for more! The lyrics are very inspiring and will teleport you to the world of your fantasies.

"Princess Of Light" starts with compressed male vocals and it can be described as a full-fledged trance tune with a comparatively faster BPM than other of his tunes and the great piano work is always included to maintain the 'Dreamland' trademark.

"Fable" in the Dream Version is the same beauty as the Message Version sans the vocals and holds a happy and uplifting feel to it.

The next tune "In The Dawn" sounds identical with "In My Dreams" but has more developed rich beats to it. The piano is played for shorter time and the progression feels faster.

"Children" in the Original Version sounds like the Dream Version's dub, if we analyze it from modern listening perspectives. But most of the emotion evoking elements will be found void in this version.

The last tune "Red Zone" is produced on grungy, hard and techno lines with minimal hush vocals, probably the only track in 'Dreamland' with no piano work. But then it gives the album a whole new angle. Great way to finish up the album Mr. Miles!

The album has impacted several millions emotionally since the last 12 years. And it will stand out as one of the biggest trance classics ever that sparked the electronic dance music revolution.

Track listing:
01 - Robert Miles - Children [Dream Version]
02 - Robert Miles - Fable [Message Version]
03 - Robert Miles - Fantasya
04 - Robert Miles - Landscape
05 - Robert Miles - In My Dreams
06 - Robert Miles - One & One [Radio Version]
07 - Robert Miles - Princess Of Light
08 - Robert Miles - Fable [Dream Version]
09 - Robert Miles - In The Dawn
10 - Robert Miles - Children [Original Version]
11 - Robert Miles - Red Zone

For more info related to Robert Miles check out the following links:
www.robert-miles.com
www.myspace.com/robertmilesofficial

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Written by: Apoorv