Global Underground 038: Black Rock Desert cover

Global Underground 038: Black Rock Desert

Carl Cox · 2010

139 min · 32 tracks · house music

A journey through hypnotic grooves and deep rhythms, blending minimal techno with eclectic house influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chase the Night (Craig McWhinney's Soft & Warm mix) — This track embodies the atmospheric build-up and emotional depth characteristic of Cox's sets, seamlessly blending melodic elements with rhythmic drive.
  • →
    Space Bass — With its pulsating basslines and intricate layers, this track exemplifies the fusion of minimalism and groove that defines the album's sound.
  • →
    Green Light — This track stands out for its infectious energy and dancefloor appeal, showcasing Cox's knack for creating tracks that resonate with live audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album excels in cohesive mixing and rhythmic consistency but lacks standout compositional depth.

What we noticed

  • Each track maintains a consistent tempo around 125 BPM, emphasizing hypnotic grooves and deep basslines throughout.
  • There are minimal vocal elements present, with most tracks focusing on instrumental layers and rhythmic patterns.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 4/10

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

  • hypnotic grooves for deep focus
  • late-night dance floor energy
  • immersive journey through rhythms
  • vibrant soundscapes for celebration
  • dynamic transitions that surprise

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer concise, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2010, Carl Cox was a prominent figure in the electronic music scene, celebrated for his dynamic DJ sets and productions. 'Global Underground 038: Black Rock Desert' arrived during a time when he was solidifying his status as a leading force in techno and house music, following his successful albums like 'Second Sign' in 2005. This album showcases his ability to curate an immersive experience that reflects the vibrant culture of dance music festivals.
Stylistic neighbors
Adam Beyer· Nicole Moudaber· Richie Hawtin

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Trust 3:07
  • 2 Groov 2 (Bushwacka! mix) 5:34
  • 3 Chase the Night (Craig McWhinney's Soft & Warm mix) 3:14
  • 4 Krakatoa (Joel Mull Moodswing mix) 5:34
  • 5 La Cocina Del Cabron 2:59
  • 6 Lamur (Henry Saiz mix edit) 4:40
  • 7 Green Light 5:28
  • 8 Faaktree 4:38
  • 9 Space Bass 4:23
  • 10 New Age Acids 5:06
  • 11 Cat Skin 4:42
  • 12 Maktub 3:07
  • 13 Slice 2010 (Alan Fitzpatrick mix) 3:49
  • 14 Move!! 4:45
  • 15 Flyer Talk 7:30

Disc 2

  • 1 The Main Room Part One 5:17
  • 2 Scientific (Nato Medrado remix) 4:01
  • 3 Space Cow (Pablo Acenso & Juan Deminicis Mix) 4:59
  • 4 The Off World (Oliver Dahl remix) 4:29
  • 5 It's a Hybrid (Cari Lekebusch remix) 3:44
  • 6 Rebirth of the Saga 4:52
  • 7 No Techno in This Room Please 3:59
  • 8 Perfect Sunrise 5:01
  • 9 Forming Dies (Jerome Sydenham remix) 3:15
  • 10 Damager 3:19
  • 11 Before Violence 2:23
  • 12 Within Seconds 3:30
  • 13 Asio (Ananda Project remix) 2:38
  • 14 Darkness.2 3:47
  • 15 Long Train 4:51
  • 16 Take My Breath Away (John Tejada remix) 4:38
  • 17 What Kind of World Do You Want? 5:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata