There is no denying that over the past seven years, no trance DJ/producer has been more prolific in releasing high-quality vocal trance, instrumental trance, artist albums, and mix CDs than ATB. Andre's vision has propelled him to become one of the top ten DJs in the world, even surpassing superstar DJ Paul Oakenfold. Yes, Tiesto and Sasha may be the best mixers and selectors of dance music, but neither has produced five continuous solid albums of original music like ATB has. It would only make sense after producing these albums that he would eventually do the Seven Years album, a greatest hits collection showcasing his evolution as both DJ and artist. Not only do we see his constant evolution in sound on past hits, we are also treated to some new songs that illustrates where he is taking his sound in the future.
The second release from Seven Years is the new Tiff Lacey-voiced track "Humanity." Like the songs "Marrakech" and "Ecstasy," we find again that Tiff blends in perfectly with ATB to create a truly unique and atmospheric trance song that reminds us of some of the great collaborations ATB did with Roberta Carter Harrison (Wild Strawberries) but that still sets itself apart from those songs even though it tends to be the weaker of recent songs voiced by Lacey. The hook in "Humanity," however, is uplifting, and the Benassi Bros.-type synths definitely makes one feel alive while listening to it.
The domestic release of the CD single can be somewhat forgettable with its remixes, though there are a few exceptions. The more impressive remixes are the Original Club mix and the Energy mix, even though they both sound pretty much the same except having been edited differently.
Overall, the remix CD for "Humanity" is pretty much a hit and miss kind of affair. While some of the remixes are fun to hear and actually capture the spirit of ATB, they really don't improve that much on the original version. Sometimes it's best to leave certain songs untouched and let their own beauty shine through. That is what ATB does best and this song is just one of the many on his list that prove that.
Note: Watch out for the labeling on the actual CD insert of the 2006 domestic single CD from Water Music Dance, they have the songs in a different order on the CD than what is on the label. The label should read. . .
Humanity (Airplay Mix)
Humanity (Energy Club Cut)
Humanity (Original Club Mix)
Humanity (Rank 1 Remix)
Humanity (Funaki Remix)
Humanity (Alex M.O.R.P.H. Remix)
Humanity (Album Finish Mix)
Humanity (Energy Mix)
