Released 10 years ago
Acoustic II
Above & Beyond · 2016
64 min · 13 tracks · trance
A haunting blend of emotive vocals and acoustic instrumentation that reinterprets electronic anthems into intimate musical experiences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hello Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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We're All We Need — This track stands out with its lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating the essence of connection and belonging that resonates throughout the album.
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No One on Earth — Reimagined here with acoustic instrumentation, it transforms from a club anthem into a poignant ballad that highlights emotional vulnerability.
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On My Way to Heaven — With its uplifting melody paired with evocative lyrics, this track exemplifies the album's theme of hope and personal growth, making it a standout moment.
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Black Room Boy — This reinterpretation adds depth through its stripped-down arrangement, bringing forward the song’s narrative of longing and introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends acoustic elements with emotive vocals, creating a unique reinterpretation of trance anthems.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instruments, with strings and piano taking prominent roles in reinterpreting electronic tracks.
- Vocals are layered and harmonized throughout, often featuring multiple singers on a single track to create a rich, textured sound.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, starting softly and building to more intense climaxes before tapering off again.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- uplifting moments for reflection
- steady pacing for focused listening
- heartfelt vocals and lush strings
- acoustic warmth for cozy settings
- melodic journey through emotions
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album reinterprets electronic tracks into acoustic versions, shifting their established sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Acoustic II is Above & Beyond's follow-up to their first acoustic album, showcasing a significant shift in their sound. At this point in their career, the trio had already established themselves as leaders in the trance genre, transitioning from massive dance tracks to more introspective, acoustic arrangements that highlight their songwriting prowess.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Armin van Buuren· Cosmic Gate· Paul van Dyk
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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We're All We Need
The chorus shifts to a powerful declaration of unity and support among individuals facing challenges together.
Tracklist
- 1 Hello Start here 2:47
- 2 We’re All We Need 5:02
- 3 On My Way to Heaven 5:14
- 4 Save Me 6:11
- 5 All Over the World 4:35
- 6 No One on Earth 4:18
- 7 Black Room Boy 4:27
- 8 Peace of Mind 6:24
- 9 Sticky Fingers 5:07
- 10 Alchemy 5:01
- 11 Counting Down the Days / Liquid Love 5:41
- 12 Blue Sky Action 4:54
- 13 Another Chance 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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