What makes A Color Map of the Sun by Pretty Lights notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and was praised for its ambitious production methods. It reached number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart and contributed to the growing legitimacy of electronic music within mainstream circles, influencing numerous artists in the genre. Released on July 2, 2013, 'A Color Map of the Sun' marks Pretty Lights' first album since 2010's 'Passing Lane.' At this point in his career, Derek Vincent Smith was transitioning from digital-only releases to a more holistic approach, incorporating live instruments and recording techniques. This album showcased his evolution as an artist aiming to bridge the gap between electronic music and live performance.