Lange and James Black return to Create Music with their sixth release, ‘I Am Not A Number.’ The track opens with a bubbling acid bassline, tight percussion, and steadily rising synth lines. Lush pads then wash over into the break, setting the stage for a clever twist: a vocoder-driven riff that detours the track into new territory before the groove locks back in.
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[item value="10"]Lange & James Black Presents - I Am Not A Number[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Lange and James Black’s sixth release on Create Music, I Am Not A Number, exemplifies the pinnacle of modern progressive trance production. The track begins at 134 BPM with a bubbling acid bassline and tight, well-layered percussion. Careful attention to transient shaping allows each kick and hi-hat to cut clearly through the mix without masking the bass frequencies. As the track evolves, lush pad layers and resonant synth swells create a rich harmonic bed, which seamlessly leads into a breakdown featuring a vocoder-driven riff. This moment of innovation not only introduces an unexpected twist in the arrangement but showcases mastery in spectral balance and stereo imaging, with the vocoder treated through subtle modulation effects for added depth. From a production standpoint, the track employs high-quality layered kicks, sidechained basslines, and advanced spatial design techniques, including mid-side EQ for widening the stereo field without sacrificing mono compatibility. The transitions and build-ups are handled expertly, with rising white noise sweeps and carefully automated filter movements that maintain energy flow and momentum. The euphoric synth stabs post-breakdown are processed with reverb tails and delay feedback that fill the spectrum without overcrowding the mix, contributing to the track’s immersive atmosphere. Scientifically, high-energy trance music like I Am Not A Number has been linked to positive effects on mental and physical health. Studies show that rhythmic and melodic stimulation in electronic dance music can enhance mood, reduce cortisol levels, and improve focus during exercise and wellness activities (Thoma et al., 2013). The track’s pulsating basslines and uplifting melodies make it especially suitable for fitness classes, meditation through movement, and flow-state activities, supporting both cardiovascular engagement and mental well-being (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). The lyrical theme of identity and individuality resonates beyond the dance floor. The title and breakdown message highlight concerns over societal digitization, particularly the debate around digital IDs. Many individuals oppose digital identification systems due to fears of mass surveillance, data breaches, and loss of personal autonomy. Critics argue that without broad public consent and strict regulations, digital IDs could erode privacy and reduce people to mere numbers rather than unique individuals. I Am Not A Number succeeds not just as a club and festival-ready track but as an artistic statement, blending cutting-edge production techniques with a socially relevant theme. Its technical execution ensures high replay value, perfect cueing for DJs, and wide applicability in both live and wellness contexts. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item][item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
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[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
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[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
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[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
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[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
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Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66.
European Data Protection Board (2021). Guidelines on the use of digital identity and privacy risks. EDPB Publications.
World Health Organization (2019). Mental health and the impact of music-based interventions. WHO Research Report.
Here’s a comprehensive list of 10 pros and 11 cons for the implementation of digital IDs, now with specific examples to illustrate the cons and clarify whether they are rooted in actual incidents or primarily in fear:
Pros of Digital IDs
Enhanced Security – Digital IDs can provide stronger authentication than traditional IDs, reducing identity fraud.
Reference: World Bank. “ID4D Identification for Development.” (2023)
Convenience and Accessibility – Users can access services online without physical documents.
Reference: European Commission. “The European Digital Identity.” (2022)
Streamlined Government Services – Easier access to healthcare, social security, and tax services.
Reference: OECD. “Digital Government Review.” (2021)
Economic Efficiency – Reduces administrative costs for both public and private sectors.
Reference: McKinsey & Company. “Digital Identification: A Key to Inclusive Growth.” (2019)
Support for Digital Transformation – Enables e-signatures, remote verification, and integrated e-government.
Reference: UN E-Government Survey. (2022)
Fraud Reduction – Cryptographically secure IDs can reduce identity theft and financial fraud.
Reference: World Economic Forum. “Reimagining Digital Identity.” (2021)
Faster Transactions – Speeds up banking, travel, and e-commerce verification.
Reference: GSMA. “Digital Identity: Towards Shared Principles for Public and Private Sector Cooperation.” (2020)
Improved Inclusion – Can help unbanked or undocumented populations access services.
Reference: World Bank ID4D Report. (2023)
Interoperability Across Borders – Facilitates travel and cross-border digital services.
Reference: EU eIDAS Regulation. (2021)
Resilience During Crises – Enables remote service delivery in pandemics or natural disasters.
Reference: MIT Technology Review. “Digital IDs During COVID-19.” (2021)
Cons of Digital IDs (with examples)
Privacy Concerns – Centralized digital IDs can allow mass surveillance.
Example: India’s Aadhaar system has been criticized for enabling tracking of citizens’ activities.
Reference: Privacy International. “Digital Identity Systems.” (2022)
Data Breach Risks – Large centralized databases are attractive targets for hackers.
Example: In 2018, Aadhaar reportedly suffered a breach exposing over 1 billion records.
Reference: NIST. “Digital Identity Guidelines.” (2023)
Exclusion Risks – People without access to technology or the internet may be left out.
Example: In rural areas of Kenya, some residents were unable to register for Huduma Namba IDs due to lack of connectivity.
Reference: World Bank. ID4D Diagnostic Reports. (2022)
Function Creep – Governments or corporations could use IDs for purposes beyond their original intent.
Example: In China, digital IDs and facial recognition are linked to social credit scoring, extending beyond basic identity use.
Reference: Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). “Digital ID and Surveillance Risks.” (2021)
Cybersecurity Dependency – Identity access can be entirely compromised in case of a cyberattack.
Example: A single breach in Estonia’s ID card system in 2017 posed a threat to national e-services.
Reference: CSIS. “Digital Identity in Cybersecurity Context.” (2020)
Digital Divide – Rural or marginalized populations may face barriers in adoption.
Example: Older adults in low-tech regions struggle with biometric enrollment in African ID programs.
Reference: UNDP. “Digital Inclusion and Identity.” (2021)
Potential for Government Overreach – Could enable authoritarian monitoring or control.
Example: Activists in Hong Kong expressed concern that mandatory digital IDs could be used for political surveillance.
Reference: Human Rights Watch. “Biometric Digital ID Systems.” (2022)
Complex Implementation Costs – High infrastructure and technology costs for deployment.
Example: The UK scrapped its national ID card project in 2010 due to unsustainable costs.
Reference: Deloitte Insights. “Cost of National Digital ID Systems.” (2020)
Interoperability Challenges – Global use requires standardization, which can be complex.
Example: Current EU and non-EU systems struggle to integrate under eIDAS, delaying cross-border services.
Reference: ISO. “Standards for Digital Identity.” (2021)
Loss of Autonomy – Citizens may lose control over how their data is collected and used.
Example: In India, Aadhaar users have limited options to opt out of data sharing.
Reference: Future of Privacy Forum. “Privacy and Digital Identity.” (2021)
Religious Opposition – Some Christian Orthodox communities oppose digital IDs, fearing moral or apocalyptic implications like the “Mark of the Beast.”
Example: Protests in Greece (2022–2023) saw Orthodox groups opposing the rollout of digital ID cards despite no confirmed misuse. This is largely fear-based rather than incident-driven.
Reference: Various Christian Orthodox Church statements and religious commentary (2021–2023)
Summary
Digital IDs promise improved security, efficiency, and inclusion, but they also raise significant concerns about privacy, digital exclusion, cybersecurity, and potential government overreach. Historical cases like Aadhaar breaches or Estonia’s ID card vulnerability demonstrate real incidents. Religious opposition, particularly among Christian Orthodox communities, is mostly fear-based, emphasizing spiritual and moral concerns rather than technical failures. Balancing benefits and risks requires strong regulation, transparent governance, and cultural sensitivity.
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