[Album Review] Kygo – Cloud Nine

It hasn’t been long since the genre ‘tropical house’ became synonymous with latest trends in the world of dance music. As artists from every corner of the world surfaced with their own styles giving house music a whole sort of tropical vibe, 2014 saw Kygo enter the scene and literally transform the dance music landscape. Later in September the Norwegian producer got his fateful edge as he stepped in place for Avicii and performed at the mainstage of TomorrowWorld; a turning point in the history of the genre itself as tropical was never perceived the same way after that iconic moment.

Last two years saw 24-year old Kygo’s whirl-winding rise to the top, moreover a figurehead in the genre, something that would just seem to many a music producer’s fantasy. And finally after a host of original productions and remixes, we now have a full length 15-track debut LP from Kygo called “Cloud Nine”. Right from his famous piano jams to slight hints of deep house and typical pan flute sequences with rigid drums, Kygo’s newest package brings all his laidback rhythms and smooth melodies that we’ve loved.

The ambient ‘Intro’ sets the tone right for the whole album as Kygo’s melodic elements steer in his much adored twisty familiar piano progression. While ‘Stole the Show’ with Parson James takes us back to the time when Kygo had just became prominent in the scene. Next is ‘Fiction’ that saw a premiere at Coachella this year by the man himself with collaborator Tom Odell; an anthemic number as he sticks throughout mostly to his signature sound for the tropical house effort.

Serene guitar riffs are followed-by immediately with track co-written by singer-songwriter James Bay titled ‘Raging’. The vocals on the number as it’s a collaboration with Irish rock band Kodaline, come from band’s lead vocalist Steve Garrigan. Unlike as the title suggests ‘Raging’ is soft guitar driven tropical house number that settles down in no time under the familiar soft and steady percussion provided by Kygo. ‘Firestone’ with Conrad that makes a likely and fitting appearance on the LP and gives perfect company to the flow of high-spirited melodies.

Next is ‘Happy Birthday’ with John Legend whose soulful vocals as they would do to any appropriate composition set an incredible vibe here as well. The infectious tropical melody synced by Kygo makes up for a classy production that’s gonna stay for long in memories. ‘I’m In Love’ carries forward the lovely vibes on the record through its diverse style of a love ballad, with contribution from Irish rock output James Vincent McMorrow. Soft instrumental piano and echoing percussion build layered vocals by the singer and expose a vibrant shade of his creativity.

‘Oasis’ with Foxes (from Zedd’s ‘Clarity’ fame) is a combination of glimmering synth work with soft bass and an anthemic beat. The track quite easily bares the appeal of an EDM number, yet the subtleness and progressive house style similarity does it all to provide it a safe place. ‘Not Alone’ featuring British singer-songwriter RHODES follows and takes the tempo to a little down side to match any sunrise beach vibe. Its contemplative progression is one that will undeniably stay with you.

‘Serious’ with Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby goes with almost the same vibe, while the tropical uptempo energy returns with ‘Stay’. A collab with Maty Noyes, it sees American newcomer and Kygo bring subdued tropical house with a sense of resignation to form a popping melodic dance number and a delightful embrace for ears.

One of his regular hits from last year, ’Nothing Left’ with Will Heard takes a great and fitting spot with its downtempo vibes, plucky strings and darker piano contribution, as we move towards the end of the album. Kygo’s collaboration with UK singer and rapper Labrinth on ‘Fragile’ brings almost just the closing vibe to the album with its soft, organic piano with organ and electric guitar riffs under the soaring vocals, as Labrinth leaves behind his pop and hip-hop sensibilities for a softer and more sentimental mode.

‘Carry Me’ with Julia Michaels begins with smooth vocals and layered synth pattern while in no time takes shape of a typical production from Kygo. The 15th and final track on “Cloud Nine”, ‘For What It’s Worth’, makes undoubtedly for a close fitting. Kygo previewed its reflective piano melody in a video last week through his Facebook page, but the addition of Angus and Julia Stone’s vocal on this rendition shifts shades with a raw emotion.

With little to no flaws in the flow and vibe, Cloud Nine by Kygo manages to accomplishes its prime objective. It would be an understatement to say that this LP is going to be a turning point in the tropical house figurehead’s career, because we’re pretty certain that for Kygo best is yet to come. A strong contender for top ten albums of this year, Kygo’s much awaited Cloud Nine has released and you can purchase it now off iTunes.