Album Review: DJ Snake – Encore

If there is any producer in the industry who is bound for even greater success this year, it would certainly be DJ Snake. Since establishing his illustrious career, the French superstar has released several platinum recording and chart-topping hits. Prominent tracks such as “Turn Down For What”, “Get Low”, “You Know You Like It”, and “Lean On” all fall under his undeniably impressive discography and now with his latest release, his rank as one of the most skilled and versatile producers in the business becomes even more solidified.

After years of heavy support from his fans and fellow artists, DJ Snake ultimately decided that it was time to assemble his first-ever studio album. His announcement from two months ago that his debut album is finished undoubtedly excited numerous dance music lovers and with such huge anticipation built up, DJ Snake has finally released his jam-packed new album titled ‘Encore‘.

For this diverse 14-track collection, a star-studded and talented cast is presented, which includes electronic music producers Skrillex and Yellow Claw, rappers Jeremih, Young Thug, and Travi$ Scott, American artist Justin Bieber, and British musician Mr Hudson. With the multiple popular names the album features, the expectations inevitably became high for this release. DJ Snake, however, did not only meet those expectations but rather exceeded them in an incredible fashion.

Kicking off ‘Encore’, “Intro (A86)” sets the tone brilliantly with its captivating piano melodies and vocal chops. This introductory track definitely sends out some moving vibes, similar to the next song that has already gained a vast amount of success ever since its release as a single. Platinum hit “Middle” featuring Bipolar Sunshine lists as the album’s second track, which is quite the suitable startup for ‘Encore’ and buildup for the following record.

DJ Snake’s long-awaited production with Skrillex titled “Sahara” comes next and the results of this collaboration are undoubtedly out-of-this-world. Beginning with a slow, melodic progression with a desert-feel, the track then bursts into a flurry of hard-hitting trap beats and animated synths, which altogether make this tune a perfect crowd-pleaser for any festival or club environment.

The mood slows down once again with the mesmerizing “Sober“. Featuring singer JRY, this track impeccably blends its heart-warming instrumentals and striking vocals together into one stunning auditory package. Coming up next is DJ Snake’s collaboration with Dutch duo Moksi titled “Pigalle“. With the insurmountable amount of energy this banger possesses, it should become an absolute main stage slayer in the very near future.

DJ Snake’s track with George Maple called “Talk” then follows, which has been continuously bringing listeners through an emotional roller coaster ride for a few months now. After this masterpiece, “Ocho Cinco” comes in and delivers its mind-boggling hardstyle and desert-inspired sounds. Alongside Yellow Claw, DJ Snake will surely cause tremors around the world playing this massive banger in front of large crowds.

The hip-hop portion of ‘Encore’ begins with the album’s eighth track “The Half“, which features Jeremih, Young Thug, and Swizz Beatz. DJ Snake’s record with Travi$ Scott, The Migos, and G4shi titled “Oh Me Oh My” then follows and with DJ Snake’s heavy influence from the genre, it is no surprise that these two particular tracks provide a smooth listening experience, especially for hip-hop enthusiasts.

The album’s tenth track is DJ Snake’s festival anthem “Propaganda“, which has already electrified hundreds of crowds all across the globe with its thrilling buildups and deafening bass drops. DJ Snake joins forces with G4shi again for the next song called “4 Life“, which consists of a flawless mix between the Albanian rapper’s vocals and DJ Snake’s trap-heavy instrumentals.

The twelfth track of ‘Encore’ titled “Future Pt 2” is another collaboration between DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine. With its groovy basslines and nifty melodies, this record is quite a riveting production from start to finish. Similarly, DJ Snake’s track with Justin Bieber called “Let Me Love You” also presents the top-notch signature sounds that the French hit-maker has been renowned for. Lastly, “Here Comes The Night” finishes off this album with a bang as it provides a masterful blend of Mr Hudson’s astounding vocals and some exquisite future bass elements from DJ Snake.

In conclusion, ‘Encore’ comprises an eclectic selection of tracks that covers several grounds of not just electronic music, but rather the whole realm of music. From hardstyle, trap, hip-hop, to bass house, this album consists of a style anyone can enjoy and appreciate and with DJ Snake’s creative and dynamic mind, the productions that take part in this release are nothing short of amazing. With this in mind, ‘Encore’ efficaciously cements DJ Snake’s top status within the entire music industry and will surely compete as one of the best overall albums of the year.

‘Encore’ is out now and you can download a copy from iTunes here or listen on Spotify below.