Diplo’s new release is full of mesmerizing danceability

“Superstar DJ,” music producer, and label owner, Diplo (born Thomas Wesley Pentz), has just released his latest collection of work on March 4th. The electronic, self-titled album is full of effervescent sounds and danceable rhythms. A testament to Diplo’s expert DJ-ing and producing skills, this album of 14 songs flows beautifully from one track to the next, never breaking the mellow mood they create at any point. 

“Don’t Forget My Love” is a nostalgic love song with a catchy theme and hook. The song builds around a motif that implies longing and depth of emotion. The choice of instrumentation is that of piano and an electric guitar, along with a techno beat and synths, which complement each other very well. The lyrics are poetic and intense, bringing a lovely complement to the music. 

The slight reggae beat of “High Rise” gives it a mellow feeling that flows very beautifully throughout the song. Leon Bridges vocals are graceful and beautiful, and the rhythm of the vocals is a great addition to the overall rhythm that is present underneath. Overall, this song is sweet and soft, but still offers danceability and melodic beauty. 

“Your Eyes” is a bubbly song that follows up “High Rise” quite nicely, as it still achieves that characteristic mellowness. The song has a distinct quality that gives the sense of being underwater. The mesmerizing lyrics are sung beautifully by RY X, and the song is deeply poignant overall. 

The slight minor qualities of “One By One”, are represented expertly by both the lyrics and music of this song. This track is reminiscent of a late night, vaguely full of loneliness or sorrow. The frail-sounding horns in the first chorus give a sense of fragility to the mood, but then Diplo adds a powerful sounding electric guitar to the hook. This complements the lyrics that state that the singer “can still hold on,” creating a beautiful story-like arc trajectory for the entire piece. 

Following “One By One” is “Promises,” with Paul Woolford and Kareen Lomax. This pop-y, blues-sounding song, is wistful but also confident, with the singer stating they “can’t make no promises [they’ll] still be home.” The sad lyrics are underpinned by a slow chord progression that builds into a rhythmic movement-packed dance song. The music is the perfect background for the confident yet sorrowful lyrics of the song. 

For any EDM fan, this album fits any dance playlist and offers a variety of stylistic techniques to listen to and enjoy. The album is a full hour of dance bliss, but it will probably take more hours to enjoy, as each song will likely be repeated many times.