Neon Future III cover

Neon Future III

Steve Aoki · 2018

57 min · 17 tracks · electronica

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and catchy melodies that encapsulates the party spirit of modern dance music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waste It on Me — This track features a compelling chorus and showcases Aoki's ability to blend pop sensibilities with electronic production, making it a standout anthem of the album.
  • →
    Just Hold On Start here — As a collaboration with fellow artist Louis Tomlinson, this song merges emotive lyrics with an infectious beat, highlighting Aoki's talent for creating crossover hits.
  • →
    What We Started — Featuring industry heavyweights like Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, this track emphasizes themes of unity and perseverance, encapsulating the album's overall message while demonstrating Aoki's knack for powerful collaborations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features energetic tracks with varied tempos but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a thematic tone before launching into high-energy collaborations.
  • Several tracks feature prominent vocal performances, while others rely heavily on instrumental sections and electronic soundscapes.
  • The pacing fluctuates throughout, with some tracks maintaining a steady dance tempo and others introducing slower, more reflective moments.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady pacing for dance sessions
  • uplifting themes of modern love
  • for energetic gatherings
  • inviting sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, introspective pieces
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — The album is well-received by fans and showcases Aoki's signature sound.
Themes
modern love complexities· K-pop crossover culture· festival unity celebration
Career context
By the time 'Neon Future III' was released in November 2018, Steve Aoki had established himself as a prominent figure in the electronic dance music scene, following his breakthrough album 'Neon Future I' in 2014. This third installment continues his exploration of collaborative sounds with various artists while showcasing Aoki's signature high-energy style, solidifying his influence in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Calvin Harris· David Guetta· Zedd

Tracklist

  • 1 Neon Future III (intro) 4:16
  • 2 Just Hold On Start here 3:18
  • 3 Waste It on Me 3:12
  • 4 Be Somebody 3:18
  • 5 Pretender 3:08
  • 6 A Lover and a Memory 3:28
  • 7 Why Are We So Broken 3:48
  • 8 Golden Days 3:23
  • 9 Our Love Glows 2:53
  • 10 Anything More 2:59
  • 11 All Night 3:25
  • 12 Do Not Disturb 2:43
  • 13 Lie to Me 2:59
  • 14 Azukita 3:46
  • 15 Hoovela 3:27
  • 16 What We Started 3:23
  • 17 Noble Gas 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata