Just Be
Just Be is the second studio album by Dutch DJ and electronic music producer Tiësto, released on 6 April 2004 by Magik Muzik in the Netherlands and later on 15 May 2004 by Nettwerk America in the United States.[1] The album consists of ten tracks primarily in the trance genre, incorporating progressive trance and downtempo elements, with prominent vocal features and collaborations from artists such as BT on "Love Comes Again" and Kirsty Hawkshaw on the title track and "Walking on Clouds".[1] Produced over the course of a year following Tiësto's debut album In My Memory, Just Be marks a shift toward more structured, vocal-driven trance compositions designed to mirror his live DJ performances, amid a resurgence of the genre in the Netherlands alongside peers like Armin van Buuren and Ferry Corsten.[2] Key tracks include the cinematic opener "Forever Today", the chart-topping single "Traffic" which displaced Justin Timberlake from number one on the Dutch Singles Chart, and a remix of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" originally debuted at Tiësto's 30,000-attendee concert in 2004.[2] Commercially, Just Be achieved significant success, peaking at number one on the Dutch Albums Top 100 for three weeks and spending 62 weeks on the chart, while reaching number two on the Belgian Albums Top 50 for two weeks.[3] It also charted at number 54 on the UK Albums Chart.[3] Critically, the album was praised for its concentrated trance sound and production quality, though some noted occasional clichés in its lyrical impressions.[2]Background and development
Conception and influences
Following the success of his debut studio album In My Memory (2001), Tiësto sought to evolve his sound toward deeper, more emotional trance elements in Just Be. Motivated by a desire to produce entirely original material as both DJ and artist, he aimed to capture melancholic and dramatic melodies that resonated personally, testing early tracks in live sets before large festival crowds to refine their impact. This marked a deliberate shift from his earlier upbeat, dancefloor-oriented trance productions toward a more mature aesthetic.[4][5] Classical music profoundly influenced the album's conception, particularly Samuel Barber's 1936 composition Adagio for Strings, which Tiësto reimagined as a tech-trance track featuring orchestral swells layered over driving beats to evoke profound emotional depth. Contemporary bands like Radiohead and Sigur Rós also shaped the darker, introspective vibe, inspiring tracks with subtle, atmospheric builds that prioritized feeling over relentless energy. These elements reflected Tiësto's growing interest in music that induced "goosebumps" and personal reflection, contrasting the high-octane anthems of his prior work.[4][5] Key collaborations with vocalists further drove the album's creative direction, emphasizing themes of introspection and personal growth. British singer Kirsty Hawkshaw provided ethereal vocals for the title track "Just Be" and "Walking on Clouds," infusing lyrics about self-acceptance and emotional vulnerability into the trance framework. Similarly, producer BT contributed monotone vocals and co-production to "Love Comes Again," blending rhythmic drive with strings to explore themes of renewal. These partnerships, alongside work with songwriter Joanna Lloyd on "Sweet Misery," allowed Tiësto to integrate human elements that heightened the album's focus on inner journeys, setting it apart as a pivotal step in his artistic maturation.[4] Tiësto's experiences performing at major festivals worldwide, where crowds of up to 25,000 responded to minimalist yet emotive sets, reinforced his motivation to craft a sound that balanced club energy with profound sentimentality. This evolution was catalyzed by his rising global profile, including preparations for landmark events like the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony, which underscored the potential for trance to convey maturity and universality.[4][6]Recording and production
The recording of Just Be took place primarily in three studios in the Netherlands—located in Amsterdam, Breda, and Rotterdam—during 2003 and early 2004, with additional production work conducted in the United States to facilitate collaborations across the Atlantic.[4] Tiësto served as the primary producer, handling the bulk of the creative direction and dance arrangements, while enlisting key co-producers for specific tracks, including BT on the collaborative single "Love Comes Again," where the two exchanged elements remotely—BT contributing vocals and Tiësto layering rhythms and strings.[4] Other notable contributors included Geert Huinink for string arrangements on select pieces and Dennis Waakop Reijers as an additional producer, who assisted in engineering and co-writing several tracks, drawing from his long-standing partnership with Tiësto since 1998. Pre-production began in late 2003 following Tiësto's work on live performances and prior releases, allowing time to test early demos like "Traffic" in club sets for crowd feedback before finalizing arrangements.[4] Full recording sessions wrapped by early 2004, enabling the album's release on April 6 in the Netherlands, with the process emphasizing a shift toward more emotional, melodic trance by integrating live-tested elements.[5] Production techniques relied on hardware setups, including Access Virus synthesizers for leads, Roland JP-8080 for pads, Akai MPC3000XL for sampling and sequencing, and a Sony DMX-R100 48-channel digital console for mixing, which facilitated precise layering of trance synths, vocals, and orchestral strings to create the album's atmospheric depth.[4]Composition and musical style
Genre and sound
Just Be is classified primarily as progressive trance, incorporating downtempo and chill-out elements that distinguish it from the more purely uplifting trance of Tiësto's 2001 debut album In My Memory. This evolution reflects a shift toward a smoother, more refined production style, blending ambient influences with vocal-driven arrangements to create a broader emotional palette within electronic music.[1][7] Central to the album's sound are atmospheric synths, orchestral samples like the remix of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" featuring burbling synths and flanging grooves, and guest vocals from artists such as Kirsty Hawkshaw and BT, which together evoke a cinematic and epic atmosphere. Tracks often employ dark drum attacks, pulsating progressive basslines, and expansive echo effects to build tension and release, enhancing the immersive quality of the listening experience.[2][8] Production techniques emphasize layered breakdowns with sudden cut-offs and isolation of elements like strings for dramatic effect, alongside reverb-heavy processing that adds emotional depth and a sense of vastness. The album maintains a typical trance tempo, with most tracks averaging 130-140 BPM, allowing for both high-energy builds and reflective downtempo interludes. These sonic choices support the album's thematic exploration of introspection without delving into specific lyrical narratives.[2][8][9]Song structures and themes
The songs on Just Be revolve around overarching themes of love, loss, self-reflection, and transcendence, expressed through abstract, poetic lyrics that emphasize emotional vulnerability and inner peace. Structurally, the tracks adhere to trance conventions, featuring extended intros and outros—often lasting several minutes—to facilitate DJ mixing in club settings, with many songs extending 7 to 10 minutes in length. This is complemented by typical build-ups that gradually layer synths and rhythms toward euphoric drops, while choruses incorporate vocal hooks for heightened emotional release and melodic peaks.[2] The title track "Just Be," featuring vocals by Kirsty Hawkshaw, exemplifies acceptance and transcendence through its serene, introspective lyrics, structured as an epic progression from a whispery ballad-like opening to a soaring, atmospheric climax that evokes spiritual release. Likewise, "Love Comes Again," with contributions from BT, weaves romantic themes of renewal and passion against a backdrop of menacing beats and electronic pulses, using a dark drum build-up and monotone vocal delivery to blend intimacy with high-energy tension. These examples illustrate the album's broader patterns, where lyrical abstraction merges with trance dynamics to create narrative arcs of personal evolution and catharsis.[2][4][8]Release and promotion
Singles
The singles from Just Be served as key promotional vehicles for the album, showcasing Tiësto's evolving trance sound through instrumental tracks, vocal collaborations, and remixes of classical elements. Each release included multiple formats such as CD maxi-singles, 12" vinyl, and digital files, often featuring radio edits, extended mixes, and B-sides with exclusive remixes to appeal to club DJs and radio audiences.[10] "Traffic", the lead single, was released on October 8, 2003, ahead of the album's full launch. This instrumental tech-trance track topped the Dutch Singles Chart, marking a significant commercial breakthrough for Tiësto in his home country. It also achieved #3 on the UK Dance Chart and #48 on the UK Singles Chart, with a total of five weeks on the latter. The release included B-sides like the "Original 12"" mix and remixes such as the Max Walder Remix, emphasizing its club-oriented production. Culturally, "Traffic" became a staple in trance sets, symbolizing the genre's peak popularity in the early 2000s and influencing subsequent electronic productions.[2][11][10][12] "Love Comes Again", featuring vocals by BT, followed in April 2004 as the second single. The track blended uplifting trance with ethereal vocals, peaking at #30 on the UK Singles Chart over three weeks. It was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial in the Netherlands, broadening its exposure beyond dance circles. The single's formats included radio edits and remixes like the "Progressive Mix", with no traditional B-sides but additional instrumental versions for DJ use. Its crossover appeal helped solidify Tiësto's transition toward more vocal-driven material in electronic music.[13][14] The title track "Just Be", featuring Kirsty Hawkshaw on vocals, was issued on October 11, 2004, coinciding with the album's UK release. This melodic trance piece reached #43 on the UK Singles Chart during its two-week run. Available as a CD single and digital download, it contained radio edits and B-sides including acoustic versions, alongside remixes to extend its play in clubs. The song's introspective themes contributed to its enduring presence in Tiësto's live performances, highlighting the album's emotional depth.[15] "Adagio for Strings", a trance remix of Samuel Barber's classical composition, closed the single campaign in January 2005. It peaked at #37 on the UK Singles Chart, spending an impressive 30 weeks there, and reached #3 in the Netherlands. The release featured orchestral elements blended with electronic builds, available in maxi-single formats with remixes like the "Above & Beyond Remix" as B-sides. Its dramatic arrangement made it a cultural touchstone in electronic music, frequently cited for bridging classical and dance genres and becoming one of Tiësto's most iconic live anthems.[16][17]Marketing strategies
The album Just Be was released by Magik Muzik in the Netherlands on April 6, 2004, and in the United States on May 15, 2004, through Nettwerk America.[18][1] The staggered rollout allowed for initial momentum in Europe before targeting the American market, with the US launch timed to coincide with the onset of the summer club season to capitalize on heightened demand for dance music.[19] Promotional efforts emphasized heavy rotation on electronic and trance radio stations across Europe, where tracks from the album quickly dominated airwaves and helped solidify Tiësto's presence in the genre.[20] The campaign included partnerships with major electronic music festivals, leveraging Tiësto's status as a leading DJ to integrate album previews into live sets and event programming. Limited edition formats, such as colored translucent vinyl pressings and promotional CD packages with exclusive booklets and press kits, were offered to collectors and media outlets to generate buzz.[1] International variations in promotion highlighted regional adaptations, including a dedicated release party in Amsterdam on May 20, 2004, featuring a live DJ set by Tiësto to celebrate the album's launch. In the US, efforts focused on club and radio penetration ahead of the summer festival circuit. A key element involved tying into Tiësto's high-profile performance at the 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Athens, where he debuted elements of his sound—including the album track "Adagio for Strings"—to a global television audience of billions, amplifying the album's visibility through this unprecedented electronic music showcase at a major sporting event.[21][22] These strategies served as anchors for single releases like "Traffic" and "Just Be," while prioritizing the broader buildup of Tiësto's global DJ brand, which saw increased international recognition following the album's rollout.[20]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Just Be achieved notable commercial success on international music charts following its 2004 release, particularly in Europe and on genre-specific rankings in the United States, driven by strong initial sales and sustained interest from lead singles like "Traffic." In its home country of the Netherlands, the album debuted at number one on the Dutch Album Top 100 (MegaCharts), holding the top position for three weeks and remaining on the chart for a total of 62 weeks. It ranked 21st on the Dutch year-end albums chart for 2004.[3][23] In the United States, Just Be entered the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart at number three upon its debut in June 2004 and simultaneously peaked at number eleven on the Heatseekers Albums chart.[6] The album also performed well in other European markets, peaking at number two on the Belgian Albums Top 50 (Ultratop Flanders) for two weeks and ranking 28th on the year-end chart for 2004.[3][23] In the United Kingdom, Just Be reached number 54 on the Official Albums Chart, spending two weeks in the top 75, but fared better in niche categories, peaking at number four on the Official Independent Albums Chart (22 weeks total).[24]| Chart (2004) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Album Top 100 (MegaCharts) | 1 | 62 |
| US Billboard Top Electronic Albums | 3 | — |
| Belgium Ultratop Flanders Albums | 2 | 21 |
| UK Official Independent Albums | 4 | 22 |
| US Billboard Heatseekers Albums | 11 | — |
| UK Official Albums | 54 | 2 |
Sales and certifications
Just Be achieved notable commercial success in Europe, earning multiple certifications from industry bodies shortly after its release. The album was certified Platinum in the Netherlands by NVPI for shipments of 70,000 units, reflecting strong domestic support for Tiësto's home market. In the United Kingdom, it received a Silver certification from the BPI for 60,000 units, underscoring its appeal in the broader European electronic scene. Belgium awarded it Gold status through BRMA for 25,000 units, while Greece granted Gold certification via IFPI for 10,000 units. Combined, these certifications account for over 165,000 units sold across these territories.[23] The album's sales were predominantly driven by physical CD formats in its initial release year of 2004, aligning with the dominance of physical media in the European market at the time. Subsequent digital distribution platforms provided additional boosts, as global digital music revenues surged to $330 million in 2004, marking a sixfold increase from the prior year and signaling the emerging shift in consumption patterns.[25] This performance occurred amid a stagnant global recorded music industry, where total revenues remained flat at approximately $32 billion, with CD album sales declining slightly by 0.9% year-over-year. However, the growing popularity of electronic and dance genres in Europe, particularly trance-influenced releases like Just Be, contributed to its regional impact during this transitional period for the sector.[26]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in 2004, Tiësto's Just Be received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its polished production and emotional vocal tracks while often criticizing its formulaic trance elements and lack of innovation.[2][27][8] Jack Smith of BBC Music described the album as "a more concentrated trance session aimed at those expecting to hear a replica of [Tiësto's] live DJ set," highlighting the cinematic scope of tracks like "Forever Today" and the strong vocal performances by Kirsty Hawkshaw and Matt Hales on "UR," but noting that it could feel clichéd at times.[2] In a similar vein, Mike Whyte of Release Music Magazine commended the album's professional polish and standout collaborations, such as the dark ballad "UR" with Aqualung's Matt Hales and the atmospheric "A Tear in the Open," which balanced dancefloor energy with broader appeal, though he found much of it "fairly formulaic."[8] AllMusic assigned it a rating of 7.5 out of 10, reflecting general approval for its epic trance sound.[19] More negative assessments focused on the album's perceived blandness and over-reliance on uplifting, ethereal tropes. Kevin Hainey of Exclaim! called it "thinly ethereal, fluffily uplifting and overtly cheesy," likening it to a misguided attempt to replicate Tiësto's breakthrough remix of Delerium's "Silence" and dismissing it as "spiritual music for people who don’t know what a proverb is."[27] Overall, contemporary critics appreciated the album's emotional depth in select vocal-driven moments but faulted its repetitiveness and generic approach to trance compared to Tiësto's more dynamic live performances.[2][27][8]Retrospective analysis
In the years following its release, Just Be has been reappraised as a cornerstone of vocal trance, exemplifying Tiësto's ability to integrate emotive vocals with uplifting melodies during trance's commercial ascent in the mid-2000s. Publications like Armada Music's compilation of the 100 Best Vocal Trance Classics (1997–2011) highlight the title track's haunting delivery by Kirsty Hawkshaw as a defining moment, underscoring the album's role in popularizing vocal-driven subgenres within electronic music.[28] This reassessment positions Just Be as a key work in trance's shift toward broader accessibility, bridging underground roots with elements that foreshadowed later mainstream explorations in the genre. The album's legacy extends through its influence on subsequent artists in the electronic scene, with Tiësto's trance innovations inspiring peers like Armin van Buuren and Ferry Corsten.[29] Notably, "Adagio for Strings"—a reimagining of Samuel Barber's classical composition—has endured as a trance benchmark, blending orchestral depth with electronic builds to transcend the genre and appeal beyond EDM circles. Retrospective coverage emphasizes its role in elevating trance's emotional intensity, making it a perennial staple in festival sets and DJ mixes two decades later.[30][31][32] While initially critiqued for its polished production, Just Be is now viewed as underrated in connecting pure trance with pop sensibilities, a gap in early coverage that streaming platforms have helped address through sustained plays— the title track alone surpassing 17 million Spotify streams as of November 2025.[33] This renewed interest underscores its timeless draw. The album received the Edison Music Award for Best Dance Album in 2005. It receives ongoing nods in genre retrospectives, such as Armada's vocal trance canon, cementing its high-impact status.[28][34]Track listing and formats
Standard edition
The standard edition of Just Be features ten tracks spanning a total runtime of 78:51, focusing on original studio recordings without remixes or bonus content. Originally released on CD by Magik Muzik in the Netherlands on April 6, 2004, it was also released as a limited 4x12" vinyl set by Black Hole Recordings. Tiësto, born Tijs Michiel Verwest, is credited as writer and composer on every track, often in collaboration with additional contributors, while guest vocalists appear on select songs.[35][18]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) | Guest vocalist(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forever Today | 11:59 | Tiësto, Geert Huinink, Daniël Stewart | None |
| 2 | Love Comes Again | 8:09 | Tiësto, BT | BT |
| 3 | Traffic | 5:28 | Tiësto | None |
| 4 | Sweet Misery | 7:33 | Tiësto, Dan Muckala, Jo Lloyd, Jon Ingoldsby | Joanne Lloyd |
| 5 | Nyana | 6:44 | Tiësto | None |
| 6 | UR | 6:00 | Tiësto, Matt Hales, Naomi Striemer, Michael Scherchen | Aqualung |
| 7 | Walking on Clouds | 7:27 | Tiësto, Josh Gabriel, Kirsty Hawkshaw | Kirsty Hawkshaw |
| 8 | A Tear in the Open | 9:23 | Tiësto, Geert Huinink, Daniël Stewart | None |
| 9 | Just Be | 8:45 | Tiësto, Judie Tzuke, James Wiltshire, Kirsty Hawkshaw | Kirsty Hawkshaw |
| 10 | Adagio for Strings | 7:23 | Tiësto (arrangement), Samuel Barber (original) | None |