Album Review: Can't Make It Up by Deeptrak & Shelley Nelson
Released in 2019 under the UK-based label OneFold Records, Can’t Make It Up is an electronic gem that dives deep into the house genre with style and finesse. The collaborative effort between Deeptrak and Shelley Nelson delivers a collection of tracks that are both energetic and atmospheric, showcasing their knack for crafting immersive soundscapes. With remixes from Dirty Secretz, REETA, FGTN Toys, and a radio edit thrown into the mix, this album offers something for every house music enthusiast.
The standout track for me has to be the Dirty Secretz Remix. This version takes the original vibe and cranks it up a notch with gritty basslines and punchy beats. There’s a raw edge here that feels almost rebellious—like sneaking out to a late-night rave when you know you’ve got work the next morning. Dirty Secretz doesn’t hold back on the synths either; they swirl around like neon lights in a dark club, hypnotizing listeners into losing themselves in the rhythm. It’s one of those tracks that sticks with you because it feels alive—it breathes, pulses, and demands your attention.
Another memorable cut is the REETA Remix. Where the Dirty Secretz version punches hard, REETA brings a smoother, more sultry energy to the table. The percussion is crisp, but what really caught my ear was how the melody unfolds—layer by layer, drawing you deeper into its groove. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to close your eyes and sway, forgetting about everything else for a moment. You can tell REETA put thought into creating a balance between euphoria and restraint, which pays off beautifully.
What surprised me most about Can’t Make It Up isn’t just its technical brilliance but also its emotional depth. House music often gets pigeonholed as purely functional dance floor fodder, yet this album proves there’s so much more beneath the surface. Listening to these tracks, I couldn’t help but think about how music like this acts as a time capsule—a snapshot of where electronic music was at in 2019, while still feeling fresh today.
And honestly? If anyone ever tells you house music all sounds the same, just hand them this album. They’ll walk away eating their words—and probably humming along too.
