Next cover

Next

ATB · 2017

105 min · 25 tracks · electronic dance music

A vibrant blend of melodic trance and ambient soundscapes that invites introspection and dance alike.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pages Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Never Without You — This track features emotive vocals paired with lush synths, encapsulating the emotional depth that defines much of the album's sound.
  • →
    Stay With Me — With its catchy chorus and driving beat, this song exemplifies ATB's signature blend of euphoric melodies and danceable rhythms.
  • →
    Connected — The fusion of ambient textures and progressive beats in this track highlights ATB's versatility as a producer, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
  • →
    Remember When — This reflective piece stands out for its poignant lyrics and serene instrumentation, making it a highlight for listeners seeking emotional resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends melodic trance with ambient elements, creating an engaging yet somewhat conventional electronic experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady tempo, while the second half introduces more ambient and slower-paced pieces.
  • Several tracks utilize layered synths and melodic hooks that create a rich soundscape, inviting both introspection and movement.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • immersive soundscapes for reflection
  • danceable tracks for social gatherings
  • melodic vocals for sing-alongs
  • for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • need instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in ATB's sound after many albums.
Themes
immersive soundscapes· emotional connection· reflective journeys
Career context
'Next' marks ATB's ninth studio album, following his successful 2014 release 'Contact'. By this time, ATB had solidified his status in the electronic music scene, continuously evolving his sound while maintaining a loyal fanbase. The album reflects a maturation of his musical style, incorporating elements from both Eurodance and ambient genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Paul van Dyk· Armin van Buuren· Above & Beyond

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Pages Start here 3:42
  • 2 Never Without You 5:36
  • 3 If It Takes All Night 3:27
  • 4 Stay With Me 3:19
  • 5 Message Out to You 3:35
  • 6 A Place Like You 3:24
  • 7 Connected 4:12
  • 8 Remember When 3:30
  • 9 Breach 3:44
  • 10 Close Enough to Touch 3:42
  • 11 I’m Here 4:01
  • 12 Heart of Stone 3:44
  • 13 Flash X 3:20

Disc 2

  • 1 Route 66 5:10
  • 2 Faith 3:55
  • 3 Green Sand 5:05
  • 4 Moving Cloudbreak 5:40
  • 5 When It Ends It Starts Again (ambient version) 5:36
  • 6 Back Home 3:18
  • 7 Restart 3:17
  • 8 Never Stop 3:48
  • 9 Time 4:28
  • 10 Pulsar 6:50
  • 11 Within a Dream 4:51
  • 12 Project X 4:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata