For more than a decade, Kaskade has made a name for himself in the electronic music arena. Playing clubs and music festivals, Kaskade is known as a force to be reckoned with among electronic and house fans.
If Kaskade has proved anything in his long career, it’s that his strong suit is working with others. The artist lent his remixing skills for big name pop artists such as Britney Spears and Lana Del Rey. Remixes of songs such as “Gimme More” and “Young and Beautiful” have given pop and electronic fans something to dance to.
Kaskade’s latest record, “Automatic,” provides no shortage of fun. From the first song to the last, the artist makes us want to dance, even though the songs could be a little cheesy at times.
The album gets off to an electrifying start with “We Don’t Stop.” The song has a catchy chorus and a beat drop that one would come to expect from the artist. Even though the lyrics are generic at times, the intense beat makes up for it.
The album’s second track, “Us,” gives highly edited vocals from artist CID over a thumping beat. It gives the track a slightly dated feel, not a vintage sound listeners are sick of, but instead want more. “Us” takes a haunting and unexpected turn from the predictability of “We Don’t Stop.”
Though Kaskade has worked with big name artists before, his collaborations with artists such as newcomers CID on “Us” and Tamra Keenan on “Tear Down These Walls” proves that an electronic artist does not have to have high-attention names to have a good track.
“Tear Down These Walls” brings us back to the electronic music of the early 2000s while still keeping a modern flair. With a little reworking, Kaskade and Keenan could have a much-coveted radio masterpiece.
Though “Walls” is a hit for the album, Keenan and Kaskade’s collaboration on “Where Are You Now” is a miss. Keenan’s vocals almost feel awkward and out of place on such a slow track.
Galantis and Kaskade combine for an amazingly thrilling track on “Mercy.” The song is a fun time and is as relaxing as an EDM track can be. The song is not something fans would “rage” to, which is unexpected from Galantis, who graced the world with the hit “Runaway (U & I)” last year.
Estelle gives the album another highlight with, “Day Trippin’,” one of the best and most radio-friendly offerings on the album. One could easily tell the song was meant for Estelle’s sultry and vintage vocals.
The album’s final cut, Kaskade’s collaboration with KOLAJ, “Whatever,” is a great track, but does not give the album the electrifying send-off it deserves.
With more hits than misses, “Automatic” is the electronic album for your dancing pleasure.