Thoughts Become Things
Markus Schulz · 2009
77 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
A seamless blend of euphoric melodies and driving beats, creating an immersive trance experience that invites reflection and movement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chinook Start here — Opening with expansive soundscapes, this track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality while showcasing Schulz's ability to weave intricate melodies into a cohesive journey.
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Sin City — This track features a pulsating rhythm that draws listeners in, exemplifying the darker, more intense side of trance while maintaining melodic sophistication.
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Steel Libido — With its energetic build-up and climactic drops, this track represents Schulz's skillful crafting of tension and release, a hallmark of his production style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong instrumental composition and cohesive soundscapes, marking Schulz's rise in the trance scene.
What we noticed
- The album features long, evolving tracks that often build gradually over several minutes before reaching climactic moments.
- Each track incorporates layered synths and rhythmic elements that create a rich, immersive soundscape.
- There are no vocal elements present, allowing the instrumental arrangements to take center stage throughout the entire album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 soundscapes for deep focus
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- euphoric builds that transport listeners
- immersive listening on long drives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut studio album under Dakota, marking a new phase and solidifying Schulz's reputation.
- Career context
- Released in 2009, 'Thoughts Become Things' is Markus Schulz's debut studio album under the alias Dakota, marking a new phase in his career. At this point, Schulz was already a prominent figure in the global trance scene, known for his extensive DJing and remix work. The album showcases his shift towards a more personal and artistic expression, distancing himself from solely being a remixer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Above & Beyond· Armin van Buuren· Paul van Dyk
Tracklist
- 1 Chinook Start here 9:04
- 2 Johnny the Fox 7:34
- 3 Sin City 8:04
- 4 The Doorway 5:04
- 5 Koolhaus 8:33
- 6 Steel Libido 6:34
- 7 Lima 7:41
- 8 Roxy ’84 8:04
- 9 Re-Swirl 8:34
- 10 Mr. Cappuccino 8:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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