82/100

• Incredible Diversity
• Chart-topping Artists
• Top-notch Production

This review has been written by Stags Music. If you like his work, follow him on Instagram!

Having teased this album for more than a month, Ninja and his team at Astralwerks have decided to compile a selection of electronic songs under the title ‘Ninjawerks’. This being the first volume, we can surely expect more of these compilations in the future. Ninja has chosen to employ a novel marketing strategy for this album, releasing two or more songs each week, in an indubitable effort to gain traction from the media and to spread by word of mouth before its complete release.

The motives behind this compilation album are definitely questionable, as this seems to be a money-minded, profit-seeking enterprise from the get go. Nevertheless, it still is a win-win-win situation for the three parties involved: Ninja, the artists and us. Ninja is gaining popularity; in addition, by releasing songs under his own copyright, he can monetize his own videos and even the videos of others who might be using these songs. On the other hand, artists like Zaxx, Ducky and more will be amassing a much larger following as a result of the promotion of this album within the huge gaming world by Ninja. As for us, we definitely are not disappointed with the thirteen songs released by chart topping names across a number of different genres.

Here’s an overview of each of the songs with a brief description, ranked from worst to best.

Dillon Francis – LFGD (62/100)

Dillon Francis has put out some great music and also some pretty generic music this year. I didn’t enjoy his Spanish album at all, and was quite disappointed to see how his music had shifted to the pop-genres. Unfortunately, this track isn’t all that much better, with repetitive vocal chops in a moombahton track which aren’t really that appealing. Here’s to hoping he continues to release harder tunes like 2017’s Another Dimension with NGHTMRE and Tern It Up with Flosstradamus.

Justin Caruso ft. Ivy Adara – If We Stay (71/100)

Fresh off her last collab with another future bass producer Gryffin, Ivy Adara lends her vocals to the dance-pop sounds of Justin Caruso. Signature Justin Caruso percussion is at full display in a minimalist soundscape including just a backing synth and some vocal chops in the drop. Still, this allows the vocals to stand out in the track, resulting in a great vibe.

NOTD ft. CBVZ & Shy Martin – Start It Over (72/100)

NOTD are a rising dance pop duo consisting of Severo and ToWonder who have gained fame with their poppy future bass releases. They switch it up in this release which features acclaimed singer-songwriter Shy Martin and dance pop duo CBVZ with an indie tune, with minimalistic vocal chops and rising synths in this short tune.

Alesso – Tilted Towers (73/100)

In somewhat of a return to Alesso’s roots Tilted Towers pays a tribute to the Fortnite iconic landing site. Heavy bass pounds through admittedly quite a repetitive track, but the monotony (characteristic of a lot of tech house) is made up for with the quality of sound design in this. Alesso is definitely heading towards the right direction, although his progressive house is still much desired. Still, this is one of the less appealing tracks on the compilation.

Cray – Love Cemetery (75/100)

This lo-fi chill trap tune relies on powerful vocals and a Clean Bandit styled production to bring you relaxing vibes. Speaking of death of love evident in the metaphor of the title, the drop consisting of blazing vocal chops and sweet bells evoke some really calming emotions.

Tycho – Jetty (77/100)

Moving out of the classical realm of EDM, this ambient themed track draws upon authentic percussion and some really cool sound design in the flutes and bells to make you feel like you’re floating on a river in the Amazon. Soft kicks reverberate through the soundscape as mesmerizing chords shimmer into existence. Perfect for your chilltime.

GTA & Cimo Frankel – All About It (77/100)

Horns blare in a classic trap song, which honestly feels like the result of an ODESZA and Yellow Claw collaboration, if that were to ever happen. Definitely. Employing a thick lead with a simple melody and fast-paced snares, this will get  one of their better releases of this year, this tune exemplifies the energy and hype that trap is renowned foryou hyped for your next gaming session without a doubt.

NERO – Lullaby (79/100)

This legend in the electronic music scene has no problem lending one of his new tracks to Ninja’s compilation, in a slow dubstep-esque, chill tune. Apart from the kick pattern, this tune is completely unlike anything else you might expect from a dubstep tune. Relying on heavily processed vocal chops and deep, grimy bass, you will be surprised by this drop for sure.

3LAU ft. Ninja – Game Time (80/100)

Ninja supplies his own vocals on this hard tune from versatile producer 3LAU. Bass thuds in your ears as 3LAU returns with some hard-hitting midtechno that have gained popularity recently. Fusing electro-house with industrial sound design, this innovative track has much to offer. Gritty bass is used in the breaks, switching into a Brazilian bass-styled synth in the drop. 3LAU’s creativity shines through this track. Not to mention that this is exactly what you need to be listening to if you want to hype yourself up for your next gaming session.

Kaskade – On Your Mind (81/100)

EDM icon Kaskade also lends his talents to this compilation, with a deep house tune sticking to his roots. As a catchy vocal hook enter the mix, brass-stabs and sharp basses take the foreground. This track offers five minutes of addiction, as you can’t help jamming with this tune.

Ducky – Love You Just The Same (83/100)

I’m so glad I stumbled upon this artist while listening to this comp. Having gone through his discography, I can say that his Porter Robinson-esque sound evokes waves upon waves of emotion. In this tune, autotuned vocals are used in a progressive house styled production (which even features a melodic dubstep section) with quite minimalist drops. This track spread happyness from all corners.

Tiesto & Zaxx ft. Olivera – Affliction (85/100)

Fantastic vibes bloom from each second of this track. As beautiful vocals from newcomer Olivera carry the beginning of the song through, the drop bursts into a rainbow of layered supersaws in a slow soothing tempo. First premiered at Ultra 2018, this Tiesto track was even IDed as an Alan Walker collab because of the fantastic melodic influence on this tune. While Tiesto’s influence on this track is questionable, Zaxx’s sound is clearly evident, as Zaxx’s newest tunes have not only highlighted the importance of a melody, but have also featured a much harder drop too. This is also the case here, as seen in the second drop of this song. Starting off just like the first drop, it moves on to display heavily distorted, white noise-filled leads and basses. This addition, as well as the longer breaks and vocal sections, justify the five and a half minute length of the track.

Arty – Velvet (89/100)

In what must be the most Alpha 9-esque track released under the Arty moniker, Velvet displays Arty’s sound at his best. The kicks and bells in the drop are clearly Alpha 9, layered with leads that come from progressive house. Melody remains the dominant element, as it carries the whole song on its shoulders. The break is ambient and Alpha 9-esque, with some beautiful vocal chops foreshadowing the return of the melody.

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