Eric Prydz is like a wild rollercoaster ride; predictable yet exhilarating. His debut studio album 'Opus', released in February 2016 under Virgin Records, invites listeners into a labyrinth of electronic beats that carries both legacy and innovation. Whether you're a conservative tapping rhythms on the way to a rally or a hip technocrat surrendering on the dance floor, 'Opus' stands firm as an irresistible force. Recorded predominantly in sunny Los Angeles, this album was a response to the explosive demand for Prydz's unique musical style, which masterfully stitches together house and progressive trance. This album represents not just a series of songs but a sonic ideology, standing strong against the vanilla drivel fed to us from the so-called music elites.
No frills or filler here, folks: when "Opus" opens with "Liam," you’re launched into a journey of over 100 minutes that's unapologetically intricate. It's as if Eric Prydz has challenged the status quo and thumbed his nose at disposable chart-toppers. With powerhouse tracks like "Generate," Prydz infuses hypnotic beats that are both soul-stirring and likely to make those who favor cookie-cutter pop a little uneasy. This album is a fortress built on consistent, thumping bass and shimmering melodic lines that don't just entertain—they command respect. And let’s face it, our culture could use a little more respect.
The tracklisting is a fusion spree, pulling elements from techno, pop, and more, but smoothing them into a cohesive, calculated attack on the cliché of what an album should sound like. You don't hit "Every Day" without realizing Prydz intends to challenge everything we know about music. The political landscape might often peg conservative values as rigid, but here’s proof that staunch principles can also innovate.
"Breathe" introduces a softer edge, highlighting that even the strongest bastions need moments of introspection. Meanwhile, 'Opus' (20-minute epic that wraps the album) defies the quick-hit society we live in. Quality over quantity! Now there's a notion to get behind, right? As the structure gradually builds and swells, Prydz asserts that attention spans should not be underestimated.
Prydz, born in Sweden – a country known for pushing liberal cultural narratives, has transcended borders and politics with his global musical reach. Yet, 'Opus' shows that you can hold true to your sound and roots in a world often demanding sheep-like compliance. Prydz is not just following trends; he's setting them.
Eric Prydz has been called a lot of things, but predictable? Never. What ‘Opus’ delivers is a rare combination of commercial sensibility and vanguard audacity. It's a signpost, a glowing marker in a musical terrain often mired by trends rather than talent. Perhaps in this beautifully chaotic album lies a reminder for everyone: a call to appreciate depth and authenticity—in art, music, or even political thought. Say what you will, 'Opus' doesn’t just play music, it makes a statement.
Critics can rave as much as they want about fleeting pop sensations and fleeting chart-toppers, but 'Opus' is a clear demonstration that substance should win over style. Perhaps some of us can take a page out of Prydz's book, craft our script and let the echo unfurl into society. Eric Prydz doesn’t just create music; he crafts experiences resonating beyond just the dance scene. After all, shouldn’t that be the goal of any worthy artist?