Artist: Cirrus Album: Back on a Mission

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

Back on a Mission: A Critical Review of Cirrus' Album

Cirrus, the American electronic music duo, has been an influential name in the electronic dance music scene for decades. Composed of Aaron Carter and Stephen James Barry, this dynamic duo has consistently released albums that showcase their ability to blend various genres and create unique sounds that keep listeners on their feet. Their album 'Back on a Mission' is no exception to this trend. In this review, we will take a critical look at the album, delve into some of the history of Cirrus and the music genre of the album, highlight some of the best songs, talk about the most innovative parts, and conclude with a final critique of the album.

Cirrus has a seminal history in the electronic music scene. They formed back in 1995 in Los Angeles and released their debut album 'Landslide' the following year. Since then, they have been known for creating their own brand of electronic music that pulls from breakbeat, drum and bass, house, and techno. 'Back on a Mission,' which was released in 2001, aligns with this style of production and further showcases Cirrus' ability to blend genres in new and surprising ways.

The entire album is a nod to the classic electronic dance music of the 90s, with a focus on the deep bassline, breakbeats, and high-energy synth riffs that became the hallmark of the genre. The album's opening track, 'Stop and Panic,' sets the tone with its fast-paced breakbeat and hypnotic repetition. 'Hit the Decks' is another standout track, featuring a groovy bassline that will make you want to get up and dance.

The most innovative aspect of this album is how it combines various elements from different genres to create a new sound. The track 'Break In' samples the famous break from Lyn Collins' 'Think (About It)' and uses it to create a new breakbeat track. This clever sampling technique is also showcased in 'The Answer,' which samples the bassline from the classic house track 'French Kiss' by Lil' Louis.

When it comes to the best songs, it's hard to overlook 'Gettuf,' which features a killer bassline, crisp drum breaks, and a driving melody that will get you moving. 'Leap Into the Light' is another standout track, with its dreamy strings and uplifting beat that give you a feeling of euphoria. However, one of the most compelling tracks on the album is 'Abduction,' which has a haunting atmosphere, tense buildup, and infectious groove.

In terms of critique, while the album is an excellent representation of Cirrus' style and their ability to throw in something new to create an eclectic sound, the album also suffers from a lack of diversity. The majority of the tracks have a similar structure and sound, which, after a while, can become monotonous. Additionally, the use of samples from classic songs risks the album sounding outdated and irrelevant.

In conclusion, 'Back on a Mission' is an album that any fan of electronic music should give a listen. It's a showcase of Cirrus' ability to blend different genres, create a unique sound, and keep you dancing from start to finish. The album's standout tracks, 'Gettuf' and 'Abduction,' are both worth checking out, and the innovative use of samples from classic songs is sure to catch the ear of any music fan. However, while the album is a solid representation of Cirrus' unique style, the lack of diversity in the tracks and dependence on samples could have been improved upon. All in all, it's a great album for anyone looking to go back into the world of electronic dance music of the 90s.