DJ-Kicks: Thievery Corporation cover

DJ-Kicks: Thievery Corporation

Thievery Corporation · 1999

63 min · 18 tracks · trip hop

A seamless blend of downtempo grooves, Latin rhythms, and dub influences that encapsulate a global musical journey.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Tropicando Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Beija Flor — This track exemplifies Thievery Corporation's fusion of Brazilian bossa nova with electronic elements, showcasing lush instrumentation and hypnotic rhythms.
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    Success (Thievery Corporation remix) — This remix highlights their ability to reinterpret existing works through a distinctive lens, intertwining diverse influences to create an immersive listening experience.
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    Emerald Alley — Emerald Alley stands out for its mellow yet intricate arrangement, perfectly encapsulating the atmospheric vibe that defines this mix.
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    It Takes a Thief/DJ Kicks — Closing the album, this track embodies the entire mix's essence through layered sounds and a compelling narrative that invites listeners into their world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album excels in its seamless mixing and diverse influences, marking a significant moment in downtempo music.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature spoken word samples or vocal snippets that add texture without dominating the instrumental focus.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • chill lounge atmosphere for relaxation
  • wave-like pacing encourages immersion
  • dynamic journey with varied tempos
  • ideal for social gatherings
  • exploration of global rhythms

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This mix album helped popularize downtempo and established their reputation in the genre.
Themes
Brazilian bossa nova· global musical journey· hypnotic rhythms
Career context
Released in 1999, DJ-Kicks: Thievery Corporation marks a pivotal moment in the duo's career as their first mix album. Following their acclaimed debut album, Sounds from the Verve Hi-Fi, this release further established their signature sound while expanding their audience within the burgeoning electronic music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Air· Zero 7· Bonobo

Tracklist

  • 1 Tropicando Start here 2:34
  • 2 Rebirth 4:14
  • 3 Beija Flor 3:33
  • 4 Mother Africa Feeding Sista India / 2001 1:58
  • 5 Rainbow 3:46
  • 6 Success (Thievery Corporation remix) 3:00
  • 7 Emerald Alley 3:25
  • 8 Exploration 3:08
  • 9 Coming From the Top 3:24
  • 10 Ponteio (bonus beats) 1:23
  • 11 Guiro Electro (Rainer Trüby Trio remix) 4:20
  • 12 Fedime's Flight 4:59
  • 13 Janine 3:40
  • 14 Imperial 3:40
  • 15 Transmission Central (Thievery Corporation remix) 4:15
  • 16 Mathar (R. Fearless mix) 3:48
  • 17 Reign Dub 4:13
  • 18 It Takes a Thief/DJ Kicks 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata