Music Review: Nadia Ali - Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition

Music Review: Nadia Ali - Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition


Since 2001, the world has known the voice of Nadia Ali. Her work with iiO, collaborations with some of the foremost names in dance like Armin Van Buuren, Serge Devant, Tocadisco and Chris Reece means that she is one of the most sought after vocal performers in the dance world.


Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition is the final release in her Queen of Clubs trilogy. The three part release has previously had Ruby Edition and Onyx Edition and this completes the catalogue. Spanning the three albums has been the best of Ali's worked remix and Diamond is definitely a case of saving the best for last.


Opening the album with Rapture is like opening the cover of your favourite book. In the years since it's release, so many people have danced to the track and here is a shiny new remix (Gareth Emery Remix) of it to win over more listeners. It's still got the same feel as when it first came out and is as anthemic as every. For, what has now been, nine years - Rapture has been a club favourite and has dancers sweeping to the floor and this track will do nothing but rejuvenate the lover affair with this stunning track.


Following is the new track Call My Name which is Ali's collaboration with Ned Shepard and Sultan. The pair are some of her favourite people to work with in the studio as she revealed in an interview not long after the release of her debut artist album Embers. The beat is catchy and, as always, Ali's voice is perfectly suited and captures the ear easily.


Ride With Me (DJ Shogun Remix) and Triangle (Michael Badal Remix) follow and continue to lift the standard of each track. The album really starts to come into it's own, though, with Point The Finger (Lost Stories Remix) which is such a departure from the original which was more downtempo. The song keeps moving on with a forward sound. Ali's voice isn't overdone or altered in any way and that is part of the endearing part of the track.


If you remember iiO, you'll remember the following single At The End. Here is a trip of nostalgia for you. It's a stunning piece of music with a lifting melody which is couple with Ali's voice and a driving beat. You will be sweating while you dance to this track. This track is a reminder of why people feel in love with iiO in the first place. The dance, the melody, the beat and that stunning voice.


It would be impolite not to mention the electric inclusion of Love Story (Andy Moore Remix). The track is amazing. There's not much more that can be said about it. It's driven and it's enthralling. It's a fantastic remix and, again, proves why Ali is the household name of dance.


Finishing the album is Fantasy (Starkillerz Remix). The track is hard to describe other than a complete eargasm. From the start with the build of the song to the peaking crescendo, the track never stops growing or leading the listener on the journey.


The only downside that can really be found with the album is that it doesn't have more of the amazing remixes that are out there included (TyDi on Fine Print and Scumfrog on Love Story being examples). Though when coupled with Ruby's 14 tracks and Onyx's 18 tracks, this is a massive body of work.


The overall effect of the album is a constant reminder of why Ali is as popular as she is. She's a strong female with a voice that is pure bliss to listen to. Her music is astounding and riveting. Ali has amazing talent as does everyone who has loaned a hand to making each remix of the album (and indeed the trilogy). This album belongs in the collection of any Ali fan or DJ's collection.

Music Review: Deadmau5 - 4x4=12

Music Review: Deadmau5 - 4x4=12


Who doesn't love an awe inspiring dance release? Who doesn't love a music maker who wears a huge mouse head while performing? Throw these two together and you have Deadmau5, a Canadian music make (don't call him a DJ). He's back with his latest album, 4x4=12 and ready to, again, remind the world just who he is. A very talented man who is quite skilled at his art and this release is no different. With his own flare, he mixes in doses of house and electronica to create dancefloor bliss.


Each and every piece of music on the album is easily recognizable as a Deadmau5 original. The beats, the thump, the feel. The arrangements all have a familiar feel, yet maintain a certainly uniqueness that makes this release as anticipated as any of his previous efforts.


For anyone who loves the dance festival sound, will absolutely adore the track Sofi Needs a Ladder with guest vocalist Sofi Toula. It's the type of song that you expect to hear thumping out on a hot afternoon while grinding along to a steady beat at your favourite musical festival.


Other listeners have fallen in love with tracks Animal Rights which is, strangely, reminisce of Human After All which was originally made by Daft Punk. Don't worry though, this is still an original piece and going to be playing for some time yet.


It really is hard to pick out major highlights with this album as there are just so many amazing tracks. It really is quite fascinating how such a big dose of awesome can be contained within 11 tracks. The epic track of the album though, coming in at over 10 minutes, is Cthulu Sleeps. Worried that a track that length will put you to sleep? You obviously haven't heard the track then. The steady build, the journey, the excitement and the crescendo. You really aren't ever coming down.


Sorry to the listeners who want to hear so half-assed rehash of Faxing Berlin, Jaded or even Strobe. You aren't going to find it on this album. This is all fresh tracks and there's no going over already walked paths. There's a reason Deadmau5's music is called progressive. That's because it is and it's certainly moving forwards and creating entire new possibilities of where to go with electronica in the future.


This album will have fans screaming, dance floors jumping and the subwoofers thumpings. It's all the good things of dance music which seems to have disappeared over the years. It's a solid release that is going to entice so many more people into the fold. The album parties hard and everyone listens. To relive your favourite dance festival, grab this album. You won't be disappointed.


4x4=12 is out now!