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As a massive fan of electronic music, I’ve always been fascinated by Marshmello’s unique sound and the way he keeps the party alive. His discography is a rollercoaster of beats and emotions, and today, I’m diving headfirst into his albums, ranking them from the ground-shaking bangers to the more subdued and melodic tunes.
Joytime (2016)
Delving into the roots of Marshmello’s music, Joytime marked a substantial debut. Dropped in January 2016, this album introduced fans to a fresh sound that skillfully blended vibrant synths with head-nodding beats. Not only did Joytime carve out Marshmello’s space in the EDM scene, but it also established his signature sound—a playful, effervescent blend of trap, bass, and future bounce.
Tracks like “Keep It Mello” featuring Omar LinX and the fan-favorite, “Alone,” served as explosive introductions to what Marshmello was about to bring to the industry. Alone especially soared in popularity and became an anthem in festival circuits worldwide, racking up millions of streams and establishing Marshmello as an EDM powerhouse.
- Noteworthy Tracks from Joytime:
- Keep It MelloAloneSummerBlocks
The raw energy and emotion captured in this album are undeniable. Each track offers a unique journey; for instance, “Summer” embodies a carefree, sun-kissed vibe perfectly suited for poolside parties or long drives along the coast. In contrast, “Blocks” delivers a harder, more assertive bassline, showcasing Marshmello’s ability to craft a variety of moods within the electronic dance music umbrella.
Analyzing Joytime‘s performance, it’s clear that it served as a robust launchpad for Marshmello’s career. The album broke into the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, peaking at number five. That’s quite a feat for a debut album in a genre that’s saturated with talented artists fighting for the spotlight.
| Chart Performance | Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums | 5 |
Lastly, Joytime wasn’t just a commercial success; it was a statement. It laid down the groove for what was to become a successful brand, synonymous with infectious music and high-energy performances. Marshmello’s distinctive sound was just beginning to resonate with the masses, and with hindsight, it’s no wonder this album has become a classic for EDM enthusiasts. As I reflect on Joytime, I can’t help but appreciate the sheer joy and escapism these tracks continue to offer.
Joytime II (2018)
Following the success of his debut album, I was eager to see how Marshmello would build on his established sound. In 2018, he dropped “Joytime II”, an album that stays true to the vibrant, colorful beats that fans enjoyed from the original “Joytime”. The record maintained the joyful ethos Marshmello is known for, with tracks like “Stars” and “Power” instantly becoming fan favorites.
“Joytime II” ventured further into the realm of pure instrumental tracks, a move that highlighted Marshmello’s production skills without the influence of guest vocalists. His ability to craft catchy hooks and swooping drops was once again on full display. What stood out to me was Marshmello’s adeptness at blending elements of trap and bass into his signature electro-pop sound.
The album resonated with his audience, quickly climbing charts and becoming a staple at festivals. Boldly, Marshmello didn’t deviate much from the formula that first brought him acclaim, but he managed to refine the soundscapes and create a feel-good aura that almost acted as a transportive experience to happier times.
Marshmello’s growth as an artist was evident in the depth of the tracks in “Joytime II”. The crispness of the synth lines and the precision of the percussion demonstrated a producer at the top of his game. His commitment to delivering energetic and emotive beats was unwavering, making “Joytime II” a testament to his consistent quality.
While some critics felt the album didn’t offer significant evolution from his earlier work, the general consensus was positive. Fans were delighted with the cohesive mix of beats that was both familiar and fresh. The album solidified Marshmello’s place in EDM, showcasing his strengths and proving that he wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder but a mainstay in the music industry. “Joytime II” may have reaffirmed his spot, but as I’ll discuss in the next segments, his later albums would continue to bring in new fans and challenge the boundaries of his own style.
Joytime III (2019)
Following the success of his previous albums, Marshmello returned to delight the electronic dance music community with his third installment, “Joytime III”, in 2019. Building on his established colorful production, this album introduced a mix of collaborations that added a new depth to his repertoire. It’s a testament to his versatility and ability to stay relevant in the fast-paced music industry.
This album featured a range of guest performances that brought various flavors to the table. Vocalists and fellow DJs such as A Day to Remember, Slushii, and Yultron contributed to “Joytime III”, creating a broad-minded sound that aimed to please an even wider audience. One highlight from the album is the track “Rescue Me”, which combined emo-punk with EDM, proving Marshmello’s knack for genre-blending.
- Billboard 200: Peaked at number 50
- Top Dance/Electronic Albums: Number 1
| Chart | Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | Peaked at number 50 |
| Top Dance/Electronic | Number 1 |
“Joytime III” didn’t just sit well with chart metrics—it also garnered attention from both new listeners and die-hard fans. High expectations surrounded the album’s release following my previous discussions on “Joytime” and “Joytime II”, and while some may argue that the third installment could risk sounding repetitive, Marshmello’s fresh collaborations ensured that the album stood on its own.
Tracks from “Joytime III” quickly made their way into playlists and DJ sets around the globe. “Here We Go Again” and “Proud” are examples of tracks that showcase Marshmello’s skilled production infused with catchy hooks and lively synths. My experience with “Joytime III” suggests it’s more than just an album; it’s a collection of potential anthems, which only illustrates his ongoing relevance in the EDM scene.
Joytime IV (2021)
Following the success of “Joytime III”, I tuned in with anticipation for Marshmello’s next move. True to form, in 2021, Marshmello delivered “Joytime IV”, an album that served as another testament to his musical versatility. Similar to his previous work, this album combined his signature sound with fresh influences, but this time there was a noticeable shift towards more vocal-driven tracks. The engagement with diverse artists continued, featuring a blend of pop, trap, and dance music elements that have now become synonymous with Marshmello’s style.
“Joytime IV” wasn’t just a commercial hit; it was a vibrant landscape painted with sounds that transcended the typical confines of EDM. Songs like “Back in Time” and “Vibr8” highlighted Marshmello’s skill in fusing catchy hooks with compelling drops, making them instant crowd-pleasers. Noteworthy is how the album was treated by the fans — rapidly streamed millions of times within the first month of its release.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the album’s performance on a few streaming platforms within the first 30 days:
| Platform | Streams |
|---|---|
| Spotify | 50 million |
| Apple Music | 35 million |
| SoundCloud | 15 million |
In analyzing “Joytime IV”, it’s clear that Marshmello’s formula of featuring a variety of artists plays a significant role in the diversity of sound and broad appeal found within the album. The seamless transitions from track to track underscore how Marshmello doesn’t just create music; he curates experiences. Fans were treated to high energy beats and serene melodies in a rollercoaster of euphonic journeys, which mirrored the escapism that many searched for during the times the album was released.
Each track on the album stands out for its unique personality, from the adrenaline-infused “Hitta” to the reflective and relaxing “Bad Bitches”. Marshmello’s skill in track selection and album flow ensured there wasn’t a single skip-worthy moment, creating a captivated audience from start to finish. It’s no wonder that “Joytime IV’s” intricate blend of sounds resonated so strongly across the globe.
Sugar Papi (2023)
Marshmello’s latest album, “Sugar Papi,” strikes a brilliant balance between electronic beats and infectious melodies. The album, a fusion of EDM and pop elements, showcases Marshmello’s versatility as a producer. It’s a refreshing departure from his previous works, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining his signature sound.
The title track, “Sugar Papi,” is a standout, featuring a catchy chorus and an upbeat tempo that’s perfect for the dance floor. Marshmello’s skill in blending synth-heavy sounds with a rhythmic bassline shines here. This track is an instant hit, embodying the energetic and playful spirit of the album.
Collaborations are a highlight of this album, bringing together diverse artists that complement Marshmello’s style. Each collaboration adds a unique flavor, from pop to hip-hop, illustrating the producer’s ability to adapt and create harmonious blends. These partnerships not only diversify the album but also demonstrate Marshmello’s prowess in cross-genre production.
In conclusion, “Sugar Papi” is a testament to Marshmello’s growth and innovation in the music industry. The album is a seamless mix of catchy tunes and dance-worthy beats, making it a must-listen for both EDM enthusiasts and mainstream music fans. It’s a vibrant, energetic collection that solidifies Marshmello’s place in the world of music.
Conclusion
Ranking Marshmello’s albums has been an electrifying journey through his evolution as an artist. “Joytime IV” stands out not just for its numbers but for the way it’s captivated listeners worldwide. The latest album, “Sugar Papi” has become a worldwide sensation and one of the most played on Spotify.
With Marshmello’s knack for collaboration (Jonas Brothers, Bastille) and his ability to craft tracks that each carry their weight while contributing to a cohesive whole, it’s clear that his music will continue to resonate and redefine the electronic music landscape. I’m eager to see where his creative endeavors take him—and us—next.