EMIssion-online.com - issue 411

"Elements of Life is Tiesto's 2007 original release that has the energy, rhythm and diversity that proves Tiesto is not just a mix master, but a talented writer as well. The semblance to a pop collection makes Elements accessible to the pop genre more than his earlier releases. On the flipside, at times the collection feels fragmented by the diversity of the tracks, as each one is distinct with its own theme and there is no blend from beginning to end, typical of his In Search Of Sunrise series. From the dark rhythms of Carpe Noctum and Driving to Heaven to the softer and emotional Everything and In The Dark, he takes the listener through a myriad of emotions with virtually no bridge from one to the next. The feature single, Break My Fall, proves Tiesto can write a song worthy of the pop charts but ultimately its He's A Pirate (bonus track) that steals the show on this collection and reinforces that his trance-style is still his forte. Making an appearance on Elements is Dance4Life, the theme song for the not-for-profit of the same name that works to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS through youth awareness, a cause backed by Tiesto. Those who like him as the mix-master and the genius behind long sets might find this collection awkward, but each track is still vibrant and worth a spot in any dance/trance/techno collection. Keep dancing."