Lazers Not Included cover

Lazers Not Included

Wilkinson · 2013

52 min · 13 tracks · drum and bass

A vibrant blend of melodic drum and bass with infectious hooks and euphoric energy that captures the essence of UK nightlife.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Afterglow — This track is emblematic of the album's sound, combining emotive lyrics with an uplifting melody that resonates with listeners, making it a club favorite.
  • →
    Need to Know — Opening the album, this track sets the energetic tone with its driving beat and catchy chorus, establishing Wilkinson's signature style right from the start.
  • →
    Heartbeat — With its pulsating rhythm and heartfelt vocals, this song captures the emotional depth of the album while maintaining dancefloor appeal.
  • →
    Take You Higher — This track showcases Wilkinson's ability to blend uplifting melodies with energetic drops, making it a standout moment that exemplifies his production prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and engaging melodies but follows familiar patterns in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining an upbeat pace through the first half before introducing more melodic elements.
  • Several tracks feature vocal hooks that are layered over intricate drum patterns, creating a dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • euphoric energy for dancing
  • for late-night parties
  • infectious hooks that uplift
  • melodic builds with catchy rhythms
  • vibrant atmosphere for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quieter, introspective moments
  • seek slow, minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Wilkinson released Lazers Not Included as his debut studio album in 2013, following a series of successful singles like Afterglow. At this point, he was emerging as a prominent figure in the drum and bass scene, showcasing his production skills on a larger scale after gaining attention through early tracks.
Stylistic neighbors
Pendulum· Netsky· Sub Focus

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Afterglow

    The bridge builds tension before dropping into a euphoric release that encapsulates the feeling of liberation and joy.

    This moment emphasizes a shift in dynamics, taking listeners from anticipation to exhilaration, mirroring the highs of a night out.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Need to Know 4:26
  • 2 Heartbeat 3:38
  • 3 Afterglow 3:45
  • 4 Take You Higher 4:44
  • 5 Heatwave 3:03
  • 6 Too Close 3:35
  • 7 Like It Hard 3:46
  • 8 Sleepless 4:20
  • 9 Let Me Be Free 3:42
  • 10 Tonight 4:47
  • 11 Need You 4:04
  • 12 Redemption 4:06
  • 13 Half Light 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata