Steve Aoki || Wonderland

Steve Aoki
Wonderland
Label: Dim Mak Records
Released on:  January 17th, 2012
Grade: 3.5 out of 5 Meatballs
Reviewed by: Rebecca “Bonks” Rothschild

It’s either put your dancing shoes on or get lost buster — this is an album designed for movement. Steve Aoki’s Wonderland is a whole lot different from the rabbit hole-hopping Alice’s vision. This wonderland is thick with bass and a whole slew of established musicians. Kid Cudi, Rob Roy, LMFAO, Nervo, Lovefoxxx, Travis Barker and other friends of Mr. Aoki all played a part in making a very colorful and vibrant album. While I think Lil Jon has earned his place in the genres that he frequents, I simply could not find his place in this album despite him making several appearances. His signature scream and shout tactic somehow really soured the mood for me. There were so many awesome samplings and sounds going on and then this out-of-place shouting that stuck out like a human in a tiger cage. 

There are some great tracks in here that are not particularly my cup of tea, and yet they’ve made their way onto my iPod. A couple favorites are “Ooh,” “Livin’ My Love” and “Earthquakey People” — they have managed to dig their way into my brain, and for now it’s not so bad. One thing I will mention, the bonus track is definitely worth it; the Misfits sampling is definitely one in a million. I’ll admit at first listen, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really fell in love with the monstrous metallic bonus monster. There is nothing really deep or profound about Wonderland, but it definitely serves its primary function, which is to get people dancing. I don’t know if this will be the most Earth-shattering album of the year, but it makes a lot of noise, and may I repeat, I cannot get some of these tracks out of my head. Three and one-half balls of meat for this one.

YOU CAN CATCH STEVE AOKI & DATSIK LIVE AT THE ARAGON BALLROOM ON FEB. 24th!