When DJ Hardwell (Robbert van de Corput, 1988) releases his first artist album in early 2015, he has already been crowned the best DJ in the world twice by the authoritative DJ Mag and has already written more than fifteen mix albums. The man from Breda flies all over the world with a real private jet to visit stadiums and clubs. Nevertheless, an artist album for DJs is something very special. It
… is the perfect test to see whether they can appeal to a different, much more mixed, pop audience outside the clubs. Well-known compatriots of Hardwell such as Tiësto, Armin van Buuren and Afrojack already showed that they could also produce a catchy single. Hardwell invites, among others, fellow townsman Tiësto for his artist album, but of course they are vocalists like Mr. Probz and Jason Derulo who push his trance towards the mainstream the most. Striking is the use of delicate rhythm guitars, which sometimes gives the whole a rocking sound. Lyrically, Hardwell also knows how to translate his euphoric sound to a large audience, by using peace-loving lyrics. United We Are is very successful in that regard. (JE)more