Robin Schulz – IIII

Review

Robin Schulz's 'IIII' takes us on a journey that bridges yesterday's house foundations with tomorrow's electronic evolution. The German producer's 2021 offering flows from a gentle, inviting introduction into a collection that balances warm, summery beats with accessible pop sensibilities. His production style creates an almost retrofuturistic experience where classic deep-house elements meet contemporary polish, particularly evident on tracks like 'Alane' and 'All We Got' which showcase his talent for crafting earworm melodies that feel both familiar and forward-looking.

The album serves as a time capsule of mainstream dance music's current trajectory, though occasionally this adherence to contemporary patterns makes certain moments feel like echoes rather than innovations. Vocal collaborations throughout 'IIII' add welcome dimension and variety to the listening experience, though some tracks such as 'Better with You' and 'All This Love' don't quite achieve the same magnetic pull as his chart-topping productions. Still, Schulz delivers a well-crafted collection that functions beautifully as both background for social gatherings and as a chill-out companion, further cementing his position as one of electronic music's most consistent mainstream architects. - Roman