Into the Unknown Album review–A Journey Inwards For Peace And Tranquility
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Down the ages, the most important task of spiritualists has been to teach humanity how to travel within – to the worlds that are infinitely vast and unfathomable.
The ultimate purpose of a journey inwards is to discover peace, bliss, and transcendental wisdom. People attached to different schools of thought have prescribed different techniques and methods to travel within. From times immemorial, music has been one of the most powerful tools to induce a journey within. Fusing the elements of classical and modern music, “Into the Unknown”, is all set to accomplish a wonderful mission with its audience.
Joseph L Young is a versatile artist playing flute, saxophone, and keyboard. One of his principal missions in music has been to synthesize ancient and contemporary music to immensely contribute to the new age and world music genres. His sounds promote the soul’s journey gifting relaxation and positivity to the audience in the process.
Dedicated to Peace in the Universe and Beyond
In promoting heart-moving spiritualism, “Into the Unknown” is one of Joseph’s best albums released ever. The soft and gentle tunes accompanied by light rhythm make it the perfect tool to promote relaxation. In the process, it heals, inspires, and transports the listener to a rare kind of other-worldly experience.
The literature accompanying the album says Joseph dedicates this musical work to “Peace in the Universe and beyond”. The artist says such a mission must always begin within. In this album, the proficient musician has given his audience a feast to treat their thirsty souls. The album moves the listeners to a deeper state of passion to travel within and enjoy the peace that rules their inner hearts.
How It Feels To Journey Inwards
1. Into the Unknown 5:02
I felt the opening track is a kind of mysterious composition. Replete with notes that create an eerie feel, the resulting ambiance is further augmented by the skillful use of vocals. The listener is sure to land on an other-worldly feeling. When you focus sharply on the tunes in this track, you get hand-held assistance to go on a journey into undisturbed worlds inside.
2. Remembrance of Time 4:34
There is an element of nostalgia in ‘Remembrance of Time’ prominently echoed by the notes that ferry you on a graceful journey in a soft and silky route of past times. There is a sharp contrast between the mood evoked by the first and the second track in the latter one being more contemplative and soothing. The base of the piano and the longing effect of the flute makes it a very emotive duet achieving the desired effect with the audience.
3. Enchanted 4:36
True to the title of this track, ‘Enchanted’ is a magical piece moving you to an exotic space inside. The music in this opus caresses you and fondles you providing you with a comfortable setting that promotes hassle-free travel in a relaxed and peaceful fashion. You can move forward at your own pace enjoying the tranquility as much as you want.
4. Secrets of Stone 4:57
Building on the mood set by the second and the third tracks, ‘Secrets of Stone’ leads the listener to a happy world revealing some secrets on the go that are surprising, and thrilling and making the journey more interesting. The artist’s insightful composing ability is evident in the skilled manipulation of different sound notes that provide a wonderful track for meditation.
5. Beyond the Horizon 4:25
‘Beyond the Horizon’, the fifth track is a different member from the earlier ones. As the opus begins, it gives the feel of a space machine taking off followed by an automated machine voice. The rest of the track sounds peaceful and uplifting. The carefully developed medley of instruments assists in a relieving kind of contemplation.
6. Between the Worlds 3:44
One another unique opus in the album, ‘Between the Worlds’ is a marvelous piece highly enhanced by the flute’s mesmerizing tunes. Just close your eyes and let this track work on your mind and you are sure to feel a soothing vibe taking you on a journey into the unknown.
7. Transcendence 4:15
‘Transcendence‘ is a classic member of the album providing the perfect setting for contemplation. The interplay of electronic keys and humming tunes add an exceptional charm to this piece lifting the listener’s moods to astral planes. There is a kind of uniform treatment of notes found throughout the album that results in an undisturbed and harmonious feel.
8. The Forgotten 4:38
‘The Forgotten’ is a uniquely different opus in the album allowing electronic sounds to rule the scene throughout the track. Evidently, the author has wanted to treat meditative music in an immersive way and hence has achieved a skillfully weaved medley that will enchant the mind.
9. Eclipsed 7:09
‘Eclipsed’ is composed of sharper tunes and brisker rhythms giving the audience an auditory treat of a rare kind. The charm of this meditative melody is never eclipsed by its brisker temperament. Hence your inward journey with this bunch of melodies is going to move into an active phase not letting you sit back and relax.
10. Windswayed 5:42
The penultimate piece ‘Windswayed’ is bound to feed your pining heart with some transcendental notes. The power of this track is at once healing, comforting, and inspiring. Your inward journey will now feel like entering a new domain that is fresh and blooming with blossoms of soft colors.
11. Ancestral Crossings 6:15
The final opus ‘Ancestral Crossings’ is also one of the most meticulous compositions in the album. With the goal nearing, the journey also gains more hope and an optimistic feel. The soft melodies cradle your heart and prepare you to rejoice at the achievement you are shortly going to land on. Full of inspiring vibes, this opus is a classic example of meditative music that is uplifting.
Take away
Music for contemplation is something that not all composers can do justice to. The objective of meditative melodies is not to put the listener to sleep, but elevate the soul and assist in its inward journey. This requires a thorough mastery of the subject and the right kind of techniques to exploit the purpose. Looking from this perspective, Joseph has given us a rare gift that we will find worth giving our time and attention to. Kudos!