Felix Jaehn Releases 25 Track Debut Album, 'I"

2018 is shaping up to be yet another mammoth year for German DJ and producer, Felix Jaehn. His highly anticipated debut album ‘I’ has finally been released worldwide Virgin Records Germany. The 25-track LP includes a range crossover hits and collaborations with some music’s most respected talent. ‘I’ has arrived a week after the release ‘Cool’ featuring Marc E. Bassy & Gucci Mane and the Drew Kirsch directed the music video.

Jaehn’s first album is a reflection his personal journey as a young producer. After becoming a household name through his remix OMI’s ‘Cheerleader’, he made it his mission to discover his signature sound and create an autobiographical piece music highlighting his musical journey. Although each track is proundly different to its counterparts, the underlying theme positivity ties them all together. 3 years in the making, Jaehn wanted to ensure that his album would be a catalog dance music perfect for radio but also tailored to clubs. ‘I’ is divided into 2 sections: one with brand new music and the other a collection his greatest hits.

 

The album kicks f with the lead single, ‘Cool’ featuring Marc E. Bassy and Gucci Mane. Reeling listeners in with a groovy bassline, cheerful trumpet licks, and bouncy chords, the lyrics extend beyond your average dance anthem. ‘Cool’ is an uplifting jam that preaches the idea that being yourself is the coolest thing you can do. The poignant music video shot by Drew Kirsch features Jaehn shaving his head f in solidarity with the ‘Cool’ mantra.

The leading 15 tracks demonstrate Jaehn’s versatility as a producer and wide range stylistic talent. ‘Don’t Say Love’ featuring Rothchild sees Jaehn step beyond his wildly popular brand tropical house to experiment with more club-friendly, deep house elements. ‘Better’ features gorgeous vocals by Swedish rising star Clara Mae, and combines Jaehn’s signature chill synth stabs with a progressive electro touch.

Tracks like ‘Honolulu’ featuring Matluck, and ‘Forever Young’ featuring Lxandra use fluttering marimba-like sounds to complement their underlying message. ‘Like A Riddle’ with Hearts & Colors and Adam Trigger breaks the momentum created by the infectious ‘Hot2Touch’, and sends listeners into a mellow groove. ‘On A Body Like You’ and ‘Last Summer’ make use powerful vocals combined with themes nostalgia. ‘LOV’ with Sondr and Andrew Jackson is an energetic fering that will surely become a staple in Jaehn’s sets.

A definite standout is Jaehn’s collaboration with Mike Williams, ‘Feel Good’. Additional highlights include the eclectic summer jam, ‘Jennie’ featuring R. City and Bori, the infectious ‘Hot2Touch’, and ‘Millionaire’ with Tim Schou. The first section the album is wrapped up with the powerful acoustic, ‘Cut The Cord’, which features soothing vocals by Patrik Jean layered over a downtempo electronic instrumental.

The last 10 tracks on the album include some Jaehn’s most popular and globally adored releases, including his standout remix OMI’s ‘Cheerleader’, ‘Ain’t Nobody’ featuring Jasmine Thompson, ‘Bonfire’ featuring ALMA, and his chart-topping remix Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’.

Overall even though extremely pop-oriented, Felix Jaehn's debut album is one that will make you dance, and many these songs have already done that over the past few years. I'd give this album a 4/5 overall, and a solid debut album.