This review covers the progressive trance track Paul Van Dyk – Nothing But You.
This track was released in 2003 on the album Reflections. The artist also posted this track on YouTube for free streaming.
The track starts with a choir element, synth effect, and synth string. After an effect, the drum kit joins the track. An additional synth joins the track. A synth effect hits the track along with more synth string. the drum kit drops out as a result.
The other synths largely fade out, leaving the synth strings. The choir element re-joins the track. After a series of percussion hits, the drum kit and a few other synths re-join the track. The choir element varies things a bit. A snare roll then makes an appearance. After a sweep, large portions of the track drop out.
The kick, a few hats, and choir elements are all that’s left. The choir element drops out and another synth replaces the choir element. Parts of the drum kit also return by this point. A long snare roll makes an appearance. After an effect, large portions of the track drop out with a synth string leading most of those elements out.
After that, the choir elements and synth string return. This is backed by some high hats. A quick kick drill makes an appearance. A synth then returns to the track and is backed by an additional synth. Another long snare roll makes another appearance.
After a kick and a few percussion hits, the track largely returns with full drum kit, choir elements, and synth string. A kick roll then makes an appearance along with a sweep. Large portions of the track drop out for a brief period of time before returning.
Another sweep makes an appearance and the choir elements along with many other parts of the track drop out. A synth string, bassline and parts of the drum kit are all that’s left. An effect leads the track out as a cut, likely leading into the next track in the album.
When I first started listening to this track, everything about it is great. The choir elements and synth string really build this track up in an impressive fashion. After the drop hits, however, it becomes apparent that the buildup is largely all this track has. I really wanted the build up to lead into something even bigger. Unfortunately, all that happens is the track pulls back and makes its way back into that build-up portion of the track again. So, I found this track to be a bit anti-climactic after a while.
Still, what is there is very good. I really like the vocal choir-like element in there. It really sells the track quite well.
Combining that vocal element with the synth strings really helped elevate the track in my view. It works quite well to really bring out the quality.
Overall, this is a very solid track. It has an amazing buildup with a great vocal element combined with those synth strings. I just wished it followed that up with something great after to really bring the track together. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Still, a very solid track worth listening to anyway despite this issue.
Score
7.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
