Don Diablo-Future: Album Review

“Future” is the second studio album by Dutch DJ Don Diablo. It was released in February 2018 through his Hexagon label. “Future” marks the follow up to 2008’s “Life is A Festival” and to get people talking and spread the buzz factor, Don unleashed four tracks— “People Say,” “You Can’t Change Me,” “Take Her Place” and “Don’t Let Go”—to show how he has developed and evolved as a producer and songwriter. 

Lending his voice on three of the sixteen songs and the recruitment of highly skilled singers in Ansel Elgort, Nina Nesbit, Calum Scott, Betty Who, James Newman, Miles Graham, Holly Winter, Dave Thomas Junior, Paile and ARIZONA, showcase an album that is chock full of positive vibes, that communicates inner-reflection and a sense of brightness for the sunshiny days of the Summer season.

The ultimate goal for “Future,” according to Don, was to put out an album pushing things forward, sonically and musically into the future, hence the title. It’s been overheard that some fans are disappointed in the new direction Don has taken, his stepping away from his signature sound of future house. Look at it this way; change is not necessarily a bad thing. Why not do something new, interesting and thought provoking? I say bravo Don Diablo for stepping outside your comfort zone and giving us something unexpected.

Of the 16 tracks on Future, the aforementioned singles listed previously are true highlights, but there are others that deserve to be written about as well.  

I’ll start with the track “Everybody’s Somebody” featuring BullySongs. The song is a message of yearning to belong and love against a soundtrack of deep tones and chords, finger snaps, climatic choruses, rolling drums and slightly distorted keys. “Give Me Love” features a slick vocal performance from Calum Scott, acoustic piano chords and rhythmic percussion beats and a mid-section of a melancholic nature.  “Higher,” with singer Betty Who, represents a “new” take on the proverbial “love song.” Slightly mellow, yet upbeat and colorful, nicely done. And one more for your consideration is “Head Up” with James Newman. The message is positive not only through its lyrics, but the songwriting is deep in emotion, dance oriented and filled with glorious electro goodness. 

Don Diablo’s “Future” is a solid piece of work. Enjoyable, light and heavy in the “feels” with lyrics that demand self-introspection and inspiring self-love. With Future and all of it’s ingredients, you cant’ go wrong. Once again, bravo Don Diablo.

Catherine Strickland

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