Is 4×4=12 a good place to start with deadmau5?

Yes, 4×4=12 is recommended as a starting point for new deadmau5 listeners. A pulsating blend of intricate beats and euphoric melodies that defined a generation of electronic dance music. By the time 4×4=12 was released in December 2010, deadmau5 had already established himself as a leading figure in the electronic music scene, following his breakthrough album Random Album Title from 2008. This album came just after his first Grammy nomination for Best Electronic Album, solidifying his position as a top-tier producer and DJ within the global EDM landscape.

4×4=12 works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on 4×4=12?

4×4=12 has 11 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

4×4=12

deadmau5 · 2010

69 min · 11 tracks · house music

A pulsating blend of intricate beats and euphoric melodies that defined a generation of electronic dance music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Some Chords Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Raise Your Weapon — This track features a stunning blend of atmospheric soundscapes and powerful lyrical themes, showcasing deadmau5's ability to merge emotion with electronic music. Its haunting build-up leads to a euphoric drop that encapsulates the dancefloor experience.
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Sofi Needs a Ladder — Featuring captivating vocals by Sofi, this track exemplifies deadmau5's signature complextro style with its intricate production and infectious energy, making it a staple in his live sets.
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Cthulhu Sleeps — This epic composition is characterized by its immersive sound design and extended structure, highlighting deadmau5's skill in creating atmospheric journeys that captivate listeners beyond typical club tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and distinct tracks while maintaining a cohesive flow, marking it as a notable entry in electro house.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering intricate beats and synths before reaching climactic drops.
Several tracks, such as 'Raise Your Weapon', incorporate a breakdown section that contrasts with the driving rhythm, creating dynamic shifts in energy.
The album closes with 'Everything Before', which has a more ambient feel compared to the preceding tracks, allowing for a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified deadmau5's prominence in the electronic music scene.
Themes: dance floor intensity· emotive storytelling· atmospheric build-ups
Moods: Euphoric· Energetic
Career context: By the time 4×4=12 was released in December 2010, deadmau5 had already established himself as a leading figure in the electronic music scene, following his breakthrough album Random Album Title from 2008. This album came just after his first Grammy nomination for Best Electronic Album, solidifying his position as a top-tier producer and DJ within the global EDM landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Eric Prydz· Sasha· Above & Beyond

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Raise Your Weapon

The transition from a reflective verse to an empowering chorus marks a pivotal moment where vulnerability shifts to resilience.

This structural progression effectively conveys a narrative arc of overcoming struggle, demonstrating deadmau5's knack for integrating lyrical storytelling into electronic music.