Q (11/03, p.124) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Gorgeous, string-swaddled trance cuts like 'Buenaventura' and the title track are a reminder that the oft-imitated maestro has yet to be bettered..."
CMJ (10/6/03, p.37) - "...A fabulous vocal-driven record with a place in the club, as well as the home..."
Personnel: Paul Van Dyk (vocals, programming).
Additional personnel: John McDaid (vocals, piano); Jan Johnston, Jennings, Second Sun, Hemstock, Trooper Da Don (vocals); Bruce Gainsford (guitar); Simon Walker (bass guitar); Bryan McLellan (drums); Atomek Dogg (scratches); Vega 4.
Recording information: White Room, Berlin, Germany; Nucleus Studios, Berlin, Germany; Eden Studios, London, England.
As both a concert DJ and a record producer, Paul Van Dyk is known for fusing the crowd-pleasing aspects of house and trance, and 2003's REFLECTIONS follows suit, while adding a string of pop hooks and catchy refrains to the usual mixology. The use of pop elements and guest vocalists on the album indicate Van Dyk may be moving away from his more progressive tendencies and toward--perhaps--a more crossover-directed sound.
"Like a Friend," for example, features a sung moral lesson about friendship and trying to live with a clean conscience, adding some thematic weight to Van Dyk's percolating keys and beats. On "Homage," a wispy female lead gives the disco-fueled production the feel of a Donna Summer song. In general, the hook-centered thinking on the album balances nicely with the artist's trademark skill mixing up four-on-the-floor beats with heady atmospherics and shuddering effects. The combination heightens the appeal of this frothy electronica set.