Oliver Smith Captivates Souls on Long-Awaited Debut Album ‘Footprints’

Oliver Smith’s ability to create emotion-fueled soundscapes shines brightly throughout his masterfully produced debut album, Footprints.

Anjunabeats mainstay Oliver Smith has created a profound legacy for himself both within the Anjunafamily and the scene as a whole. As the first artist signed to the label by Above & Beyond in the early 2000s, he’s crafted some of the label’s most seminal tunes. Over two decades after joining the roster, Oliver Smith has finally crafted a full-length album for the world to hear, Footprints.

The release of Footprints is a massive milestone for the beloved DJ and producer, and it’s one that his biggest fans have yearned for from him for years. For the album, Oliver Smith created 12 tracks that showcase his love for melody and groove, his passion for collaborating with others, and his desire to shine a ray of uplifting light on listeners. Each track is stunning and encapsulates everything there’s come to love about his productions, so let’s dive into it.

“Signals” opens the door to Footprints with a pensive atmosphere featuring soft piano keys, swirling synths, and distant voices. It builds so well on the previously released single “Rely On Me,” which marries Tailor’s fantastic vocals with an uplifting beat that explodes with positive energy.

That’s just a taste of the collaborative spirit that runs deep on this album, as nearly every track features a vocalist. While all of them would certainly stand tall without the lyrics, the added depth takes each soundscape to the next level. Immediate favorites include “Wash Away” with MØØNE, “Love Is A Feeling” with Susie Ledge, and “Open Up” with Amy J Pryce, three progressive-fueled tunes you’ll quickly find yourself grooving out to.

Meanwhile, the four closing trance tracks on Footprints are simply sublime. “Legacy” with FARLEY will stir emotions while properly representing the style that Anjunabeats has championed for decades. This drips into “Be The One,” which brings Benjamin Roustaing into the mix for a ride that’s more chilled out yet brimming with powerful chords and lyrics.

Oliver Smith’s second solo tune on the album, “Redline,” is pure, unadulterated trance energy with larger-than-life elements fit for a festival mainstage. Finally, “Breathe” with Midnite Amity arrives as the perfect closer. While it still retains the emotion-fueled nature found on the rest of the album, its drop leads into a breakdown that’s an absolute party. Close your eyes while listening to this one, and you’ll see the fireworks marking the end of a magical night under the stars.

Listen to Footprints on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more from Oliver Smith by following his social media channels.

Stream Oliver Smith – Footprints on Spotify:

Oliver Smith – Footprints – Tracklist:

Signals

Rely On Me (with Tailor)

Wash Away (with MØØNE)

Miss You (with Benjamin Roustaing)

It Is What It Is (with Diana Miro)

Don’t Hold Back (with Benjamin Roustaing)

Love Is A Feeling (with Susie Ledge)

Open Up

Legacy (with FARLEY)

Be The One (with Benjamin Roustaing)

Redline

Breathe (with Midnite Amity)

Follow Oliver Smith:

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