JOOST: UNITY
SCORE: 97/100
Joost is probably the most mainstream (modern) example of gabber music there is, and his 2025 album is a huge spectacle of the style that makes him as loved as he is. His style is unapologetically fun and super enjoyable to listen to, and even the "weaker" opening sets the album up very well.
The production on this album mixes gabber and pop elements to make something that you can truly bounce to. It takes classic gabber/hardcore sounds and meshes them into a more modern European pop sound that does wonders for Joost's carefully crafted persona and delightful showcase of musical prowess and uniqueness at every turn.
'Unity' has a hugely bouncy and fun sound that is absolutely infectious. Songs like 'Gabberland' and 'Europapa' truly showcase Joost's musical talent and how much fun he truly is as an artist. The sound of this album is something you won't get anywhere else - and this will most definitely wind up as one of (if not THE) best electronic releases that 2025 has to offer.
His mixing and matching with happy hardcore, gabber, Eurodance/pop, and house leads to a delightful platter of electronic music sounds that you simply will not be able to get enough of. As a huge fan of both gabber and happy hardcore (with both being in my top favorite genres), this album feels like it was done in a style that was made for me.
There are influences from so many electronic subgenres it's crazy to think that this is by a more mainstream artist - and this album truly feels like a club classic within each and every song. I was so surprised by the sheer consistency of this album despite it being widely considered to be "all over the place" and it uses crazy changes in styles incredibly well. Everything comes together into one album that never stops its energy; and this is easily one of the most impressive projects to come out recently.
Not only is this album incredibly well produced, it is well done both vocally and stylistically (as well as vocally). There is a hugely peaceful sound to this album in the lyrics in the way that Joost promotes peace and the gathering of people of all kinds - no matter where you are from. There is genuine social commentary throughout this entire album and the end result is an album that feels like one MASSIVE party.
Sounds like a fun album to listen to!💃
ReplyDeleteDefinitely my favorite of the year so far! Whole album front to back is like one big party.
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