10.0
Global electronic music icon and innovator, Paul van Dyk, is set to kick off the summer with his highly anticipated new album. Teased in months, this release marks an exciting new chapter in Paul's legendary career. Following the success of his recent standout Beatport #1 singles, ‘Back 2 The FVTR’ and ‘Seven Seas’. Paul van Dyk returns with ‘This World Is Ours’. This album, due for release on April 11th via his VANDIT Records imprint, is his first studio album in five years.
With this milestone, Paul reaffirms his status as a pioneering force in advanced electronic music, continuing to push the boundaries of the genre after more than three decades at the forefront. Throughout his storied career, Paul van Dyk has remained a driving force within the vibrant dance music scene, continually evolving his craft while staying true to the emotional depth and energy that has defined his signature sound since 1994.
This collection showcases Paul van Dyk's creative impact, blending iconic melodies, powerful soundscapes, and innovative production. Premiered during his This World Is Ours tour, the album explores the intersection of AI, technology, and human nature, reflecting on AI's rise and its impact on the future. Through collaborations with like-minded artists, it invites listeners to reflect on humanity's place in an increasingly automated world.
The focus track, "Beautiful" featuring Julia Westlin, is an emotional and poignant anthem that seamlessly blends cinematic melodies with Paul van Dyk's signature production, creating the perfect soundtrack for peak-time moments.
Providing a clear statement of artistic integrity and creative vision, the album marks a resounding testament to the power of music. “This World Is Ours” features fifteen crafted tracks alongside numerous collaborations between fellow industry figures including John 00 Flemming, Paul Thomas, EKKO and FUENKA.
As summer approaches, excitement for This World Is Ours continues to build. The album is quickly gaining momentum across social media platforms, with international DJs and radio stations regularly spinning it. Once again, Paul van Dyk showcases his ability to captivate audiences with his timely and impactful productions.
Album Tracklist
Two Rivers - Paul van Dyk & Rafael Osmo 5:12
Beautiful - Paul van Dyk & Julia Westlin 4:41
Take Me Away -Paul van Dyk & LOUT 3:56
Stay - Paul van Dyk & Reznor 3:45
This World Is Ours - Paul van Dyk 5:23
Gatekeeper - Paul van Dyk, Entel & Luke Coulson 5:04
Love Is Enough - Paul van Dyk & Sue McLaren 5:05
Someone Like You - Paul van Dyk & Ciaran McAuley 3:16
Let Go And Listen - Paul van Dyk & Christian Schottstaedt 4:52
Back 2 The FVTR - Paul van Dyk & The Yellowheads 3:18
Shed Your Light - Paul van Dyk, Paul Thomas and Ekko 6:07
Fragmentation - Paul van Dyk and Sean & Dee 4:30
Seven Seas - Paul van Dyk & Fuenka 6:41
Against The Algorithm - Paul van Dyk & John 00 Fleming 9:22
The Poem -Paul van Dyk 1:04
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
Overall Score
Paul van Dyk - This World Is Ours10
Summary
Paul van Dyk's latest album, "This World Is Ours," is a testament to his enduring prowess in the electronic music landscape. This collection stands out, not only for its vibrant beats and infectious energy but also for the collaborative efforts that bring a fresh perspective to each track. Here’s an in-depth look at the album that is definitely a highlight for 2025. Two Rivers (Paul van Dyk & Rafael Osmo) "Two Rivers" opens the album with a blend of lush synths and a driving bassline. Rafael Osmo's influence is evident through the intricate layering of melodies, creating a soundscape that is both immersive and expansive. The track utilizes sidechain compression to give it a pulsating energy that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Beautiful (Paul van Dyk & Julia Westlin) Julia Westlin’s ethereal vocals take center stage in "Beautiful," harmonizing perfectly with Paul van Dyk’s signature trance elements. The production is marked by clean, crisp high-end frequencies and a reverb-rich environment that adds depth and emotion. The track's dynamic range is expertly managed, allowing the vocals to shine without overpowering the instrumental backdrop. Take Me Away (Paul van Dyk & LOUT) This track is a high-energy anthem featuring punchy kick drums and a driving rhythm. LOUT’s influence is apparent through the meticulous use of vocal chops and pitch modulation, creating a catchy hook that complements van Dyk’s atmospheric pads. The breakdown section showcases a masterful use of delay effects, adding a dreamlike quality before building back into the main beat. Stay (Paul van Dyk & Reznor) "Stay" is characterized by its minimalistic approach, where Reznor’s production style brings a raw, emotional edge. The track achieves a delicate balance between tension and release, utilizing subtle percussive elements and ambient soundscapes. The use of gated reverb on the snare adds a unique texture, setting up a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. This World Is Ours (Paul van Dyk) This title track is quintessential Paul van Dyk, filled with uplifting melodies and powerful chord progressions. The production features layered synths and a prominent bassline that drive the track forward. The use of arpeggiators creates a sense of movement, while the mixdown ensures clarity and precision across the frequency spectrum. Gatekeeper (Paul van Dyk, Entel & Luke Coulson) "Gatekeeper" is a collaborative effort where Entel & Luke Coulson bring an underground vibe. The track is built around a resonant lead synth and uses intricate filter sweeps to transition between sections. The percussion is layered with precision, adding complexity and maintaining the listener's interest throughout the track. Love Is Enough (Paul van Dyk & Sue McLaren) Sue McLaren’s vocals are the highlight of "Love Is Enough," blended seamlessly with lush pads and progressive elements. The production is polished, featuring a balanced EQ that gives space to each element. The use of side reverbs and delay effects creates an enveloping sound that is both warm and inviting. Someone Like You (Paul van Dyk & Ciaran McAuley) This track stands out with its melodic sequences and high-energy drops. Ciaran McAuley’s influence is evident in the orchestral elements woven into the arrangement, providing a rich harmonic texture. Techniques such as stereo widening and dynamic panning enhance the immersive quality of the track. Let Go And Listen (Paul van Dyk & Christian Schottstaedt) Featuring a deep, rolling bassline, "Let Go And Listen" is a journey through sound. Christian Schottstaedt’s contribution is seen in the intricate drum programming and the use of granular synthesis, which adds a unique sonic element. The track transitions smoothly between its various sections, showcasing exceptional production craftsmanship. Back 2 The FVTR (Paul van Dyk & The Yellowheads) This track is a powerhouse of energy, driven by relentless percussion and a hypnotic lead synth line. The Yellowheads bring an industrial edge to the production, with distorted bass elements and aggressive sound design techniques that make this track a standout. Shed Your Light (Paul van Dyk, Paul Thomas & Ekko) "Shed Your Light" is a testament to collaborative synergy, with Paul Thomas and Ekko adding a progressive touch. The track’s arrangement is sophisticated, featuring evolving soundscapes and melodic interplay. The interplay of light and darkness in the production is achieved through careful modulation and layering. Fragmentation (Paul van Dyk & Sean & Dee) This track is defined by its complex rhythmic structures and textured sound design. Sean & Dee’s contributions are apparent through the use of granular delay and pitch-shift effects, creating a fragmented yet cohesive soundscape. The production focuses on spatial awareness, with elements placed strategically within the stereo field. Seven Seas (Paul van Dyk & Fuenka) "Seven Seas" is a deep, melodic journey with a cinematic quality. Fuenka’s touch is evident in the expansive soundscapes and intricate melodic structures, while van Dyk’s production ensures that each element is clearly defined and impactful. The track builds and releases tension masterfully, taking the listener on an emotional voyage. Against The Algorithm (Paul van Dyk & John 00 Fleming) This epic collaboration with John 00 Fleming spans over nine minutes, exploring themes of technology and human emotion. The production is complex, with evolving motifs and a rich tapestry of sounds that push the boundaries of traditional electronic music. The use of modular synthesis and live instrumentation adds layers of depth and complexity. The Poem (Paul van Dyk) Closing the album is "The Poem," a short but poignant piece that encapsulates the album’s essence. The track features spoken word over ambient textures and subtle harmonics, providing a reflective moment before the album concludes. Overall, "This World Is Ours" is a brilliant showcase of Paul van Dyk’s ability to merge his iconic sound with fresh, innovative ideas. The album is a celebration of electronic music, full of technical prowess and creative collaborations that make it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.#PureGold Love IT10.0
Beat and Rhythm10
Basslines and Groove10
Melody 10
Synths 10
Breakdown10
Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment10
Intensity, Drive and Energy10
Sound-design and Arrangement10
Overall Atmosphere10
Goosebumps / Shivers moments10
Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments10
Originality and Inventiveness10
Radio Friendly10
Vocals & lyrics10
You can’t get this memorable track out of your head10
It has potential to become an anthem or a classic10
