An Energizing EDM Experience

Legendary Dutch DJ and producer Tiësto recently released his seventh studio album Drive that presents listeners with a warm welcome back to the nightlife scene. Tiësto became inspired to create Drive during the COVID-19 pandemic when clubs began to close down. Instead of waiting for an unknown amount of time for clubs to reopen, Tiësto decided to make the most out of his free time and captured the sound and feeling of clubs by creating Drive while in quarantine. Filled with catchy melodies and various features from notable artists like Ava Max, Charli XCX and The Black Eyed Peas, Drive is an engaging experience that is sure to get listeners up on their feet and dancing. 

The first track, “All Nighter,” sets the tone for the rest of this dramatic, danceable and fun album. Containing elements like Sam Gray’s low-register vocals and a four on the floor drum beat, this track perfectly encapsulates the club sound/imagery that Tiësto was going for. The next track, entitled “The Motto,” features Ava Max, who is most famously known for her hit song “Sweet but Psycho.” Punchy bass drum and thin snare hits are heard continuously while Ava Max sings, “Drop a few bills then pop a few champagne bottles.” This track is undeniably a catchy summer anthem.

Some of the most memorable tracks in this album are “Hot In It” featuring Charli XCX and “Pump It Louder” featuring The Black Eyed Peas. “Hot In It” was one of the easiest tunes to envision being played in a club; it undoubtedly brings the listener to the setting that is represented in the music. This track is an extremely fun and energetic experience that is brought to life through Charli’s invigorating vocals. The use of delay and spaced out rhythmic hits to build up into the melody was very effective and it is without question that clubbers will love this track. Additionally, “Pump It Louder” is a new and refreshing version of The Black Eyed Peas iconic party song “Pump It.” The horn lines, modified lyrics and chopped up vocals added some extra flavor to this song and made it a very compelling listen. 

It is safe to say that Tiësto was successful in bringing the sounds of a club to his audience’s ears. Drive is everything you can expect from an EDM album and more, with plenty of catchy and danceable hits. As the pandemic begins to stabilize and people are becoming more comfortable with going out to clubs again, it is clear that the numerous jams on Drive will be heard all throughout clubs this summer.