A Cross the Universe cover

A Cross the Universe

Justice · 2008

74 min · 18 tracks · electro house

A frenetic blend of electro beats and anthemic hooks that captures the essence of a high-energy live performance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    D.A.N.C.E. — This track exemplifies Justice's signature sound with its infectious chorus and clever sampling, making it a defining anthem of the electro house movement.
  • →
    Stress — With its relentless tempo and aggressive sound design, Stress stands out as a powerful commentary on urban anxiety, showcasing the duo's darker sonic palette.
  • →
    Genesis — Opening the album, Genesis sets an atmospheric tone with its cinematic build-up, effectively drawing listeners into the immersive experience of their live performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of a live performance with energetic reimaginings and seamless transitions.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous mix of tracks that blend seamlessly into one another, creating an uninterrupted flow typical of live performances.
  • Several tracks are reimagined versions of Justice's earlier works, incorporating new arrangements and transitions that enhance their original energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • energetic dance floor vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in late 2008, A Cross the Universe came as Justice's first live album following their critically acclaimed debut, † (Cross), which had established them as leading figures in the French electro scene. The album encapsulates their dynamic stage presence during a time of rising popularity in electronic music, showcasing their ability to reinterpret studio tracks for a live audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Daft Punk· Sebastian· Boys Noize

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • D.A.N.C.E.

    The repeated call to dance serves not just as a lyrical hook but also ignites an infectious energy throughout the performance.

    This moment creates a communal atmosphere that engages the audience directly, reflecting Justice's intent to make their shows interactive celebrations.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 0:38
  • 2 Genesis 7:19
  • 3 Phantom, Pt I 2:50
  • 4 Phantom, Pt I.5 4:45
  • 5 D.A.N.C.E. 2:44
  • 6 D.A.N.C.E., Pt II 2:39
  • 7 DVNO 2:58
  • 8 Waters of Nazareth (prelude) 2:14
  • 9 Two Minutes to Midnight 3:52
  • 10 Tthhee Ppaarrttyy 2:46
  • 11 Let There Be Lite 3:25
  • 12 Stress 7:38
  • 13 We Are Your Friends (reprise) 3:42
  • 14 Waters of Nazareth 6:46
  • 15 Phantom, Pt II 9:54
  • 16 Encore 1:07
  • 17 NY Excuse 6:13
  • 18 Final 2:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata