This has got to be one of the best pieces released in the entire year. The world of Progressive House is something really beautiful, and it’s often led by those who have trailblazed the genre for years on end. One of those trailblazers, and actual heroes of the genre, is, indisputably, Guy J. He’s been active for a long, long time, and has done it all, from releases on Bedrock, to albums, to compilations, and even, two of the most influential labels in the history of Prog House: Lost & Found and early morning. And we’ve just received one of the most beautiful pieces that he’s ever delivered, and in a true milestone fashion, it is a two-CD compilation released in collaboration with none other than the globally recognised Global Underground brand: #GU48 Guy J – Córdoba. The mix is released in two parts and follows acclaimed, chart-topping mixes from some of the biggest electronic music artists in the world — Danny Tenaglia, Joseph Capriati, ANNA, Patrice Bäumel, Sasha, Amelie Lens, Solomun, John Digweed, and Deep Dish, amongst others. I’ve taken the entire day to actually dive into and feast on this compilation, slowly allowing myself to understand it as time goes by. And I have to say, this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve heard, not just this year, but the last five. It truly has everything you want from Guy J. It’s got calm music, rhythm, percussion, and that essential blend of minimalism yet still being ‘full of things-ism’ that he executes so well. By the fifth track, you’re already vibing quite high up and dancing along. I really had to focus on not sitting up and starting to dance, but I ultimately failed. It’s just a really, really good compilation. It features tracks that immediately get you in the feels. It shows that this is a true work of art, something Guy devoted a lot of time to—choosing, creating, and meticulously playing around with the transitions. God, it’s good. What made my first listen even more special is that I did it alongside two of my very best friends, Rama and Cio. We live in different cities, but the power of technology brings us together every time. The entire mix flows wonderfully. ‘Common Land’ is the perfect opener, and the transition to ‘Love Story’ is so good. The transition from ‘Love Story’ to ‘With You’ is so good, and so on — I could name every single transition. It is truly, truly good. By the time we got to track 12, ‘Brun’, I was so deep into it that I failed to notice one of my absolute favourite tracks of all time entering: Dusty Kid’s ‘Arvéschida’. And it enters so well in the style that Guy J does flawlessly, which is anticipating the next track over a minute and a half before it actually comes fully into your eardrums. ‘Arvéschida’ is one of those tracks that, whenever I listen to it, I either cry or enter a deep, deep trance. It is something I cannot describe; it’s truly out of this world. I shed tears upon tears upon tears. And when I thought everything was over and the emotions were starting to subside, entered the ‘Need to Feel Loved’ Guy J remix. The transition from Dusty Kid to NTFL is splendid and needed. To me, ‘Arvéschida’ is the highest energy track in the entire compilation, so it’s handy and satisfying to have something that’s a bit broken beat and less up there to really help you come down from that peak. ‘Need To Feel Loved’ is the absolute best closer to CD1. When the last stabs and the last piece of white noise faded away, my heart (and I’m not kidding) was still racing after the rollercoaster of emotions that was CD1 — particularly the last three tracks, which are the absolute highlight of the entire compilation. CD2 only helps you go down from there, and it’s, again, very welcome and very needed. The entire journey is an absolute joy. It had been a while since I last felt something as incredible as what Guy J’s GU48 made me feel. It’s a must for everyone who is into Progressive House, or if you want to begin to discover the beautiful magic of a unique genre. Listen to Guy J and Global Underground‘s #GU48 Guy J – Córdoba compilation by playing it below, or this link right here, where you’ll also get the chance to secure a physical copy, either a CD or a vinyl. And stay tuned to our page for the latest news and views from Dance music worldwide. Lastly, THANKS, GUY J. Guy J Releases Sonic Masterclass In Latest Global Underground Compilation, ‘#GU48 Guy J – Córdoba’
#GU48 Guy J – Córdoba: The GJ x GU Experience
The Details
#GU48 Guy J – Córdoba Tracklist
CD1 – Club
CD2 – Downtempo
Final Words