Label Black Hole | ||
Released October 3, 2003 (2003-10-03) Format 12" single, CD single, digital download Genre Progressive trance, trance, progressive house, breaks Writer(s) Josh Gabriel, Mavie Marcos, David Penner Producer(s) Josh Gabriel, Dave Dresden | ||
A classic of its genre, "Beautiful Things" is the second release by Andain. It first appeared on Tiësto's compilation album Nyana, released May 6, 2003, and was later published as a single via Black Hole, on October 27, 2003. With enthusiastic reception from clubbers worldwide, the song helped define Andain's breakthrough.
Contents
Overview
While "Beautiful Things" was promoted and released as a remix by Gabriel & Dresden, the song originally started out as an unreleased guitar track titled "Annie". In response to a request from Tiësto for a follow-up to the single "Summer Calling, "Annie" was rewritten to become a club track, also changing the lyrics from a narrative third person view to first person. According to Mavie, "Beautiful Things" is, "in a general sense, about feeling stuck; in a place, time, you just can’t get yourself out of".
The Gabriel & Dresden remix per se is characterized by a sharp beat and thick bassline. It's also notable for fusing acoustic and electronic elements, including guitars and percussion instruments in conjunction with synthesizers and electronic drums. Vocal clouds and echoing elements in the background also exemplify the band's influence of dub music.
In 2004, "Beautiful Things" earned a nomination for Best Progressive / Trance at the International Dance Music Awards. In tribute to the song, Andain has also received the Sunset Music Awards, given at the Polish Sunrise Festival 2010.
Piano version
On October 26, 2010, Andain published an acoustic live performance of the song on YouTube. The video features Mavie singing and playing an original piano arrangement of the song.
Official versions
The following remixes have been published by Black Hole, either appearing as standalone singles, remix EPs or as part of a track compilation.
Credits and personnel
Written and composed by Josh Gabriel, Mavie Marcos and David Penner. Remix and additional production by Josh Gabriel and Dave Dresden.
Trivia
Hungarian producer Mÿon used a reversed sample of the song's vocals in his 2007 single "Albion".