Album Review: Stereo Love by Santiago Niño ft. Jaren
Alright, let’s talk about Stereo Love. This 2008 gem from Central America is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. It’s not trying too hard to blow your mind, but it does anyway—especially if you’re into electronic trance vibes. Released under Istmo Music, this album brings the heat with Jaren’s smooth-as-hell vocals tying everything together. And yeah, there are remixes. Lots of ‘em. But they’re not just filler; each version has its own personality.
The tracklist kicks off with the Radio Edit of “Stereo Love,” which is probably what most people remember first. Honestly? It’s catchy as heck. The beat hits right in that sweet spot where you can either vibe out or crank it up for a dance floor moment. Jaren’s voice floats over the melody like she’s singing directly to you, and trust me, it sticks. I heard this once at some random party years ago, and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. Not annoyingly, though—more like an earworm you don’t hate.
Then there’s the Matt Cerf Remix. Oh man, this one takes things up a notch. If the original feels like cruising down a coastal highway with the windows down, this remix is more like flooring it through neon city streets late at night. Matt Cerf adds layers of synths that feel both chaotic and perfectly controlled. It’s got this energy that makes you wanna move, even if you’re just sitting in your room pretending to be cool.
The other versions—the Club Mix, Tyler Michaud Remix, and Intro Mix—are solid too, but those two tracks really stand out for me. They’ve got character, y’know? Like, they’re not just rehashing the same idea over and over. Each mix brings something fresh while still staying true to the core vibe of the song.
What’s wild about Stereo Love is how timeless it feels. Even though it dropped back in 2008, it doesn’t sound dated. Maybe it’s because trance music always has this dreamy, floaty quality that never gets old. Or maybe it’s just good production. Either way, props to Santiago Niño and everyone involved for making something that holds up after all these years.
Final thoughts? This album reminds me of why I fell in love with electronic music in the first place. It’s emotional, fun, and kinda hypnotic—all rolled into one. Plus, it’s proof that sometimes the best stuff comes from places you wouldn’t expect (shoutout to Central America!). So yeah, give Stereo Love a spin. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself humming it hours later.
Oh, and here’s the unexpected part: listening to this album made me realize how much I miss having physical CDs. Weird flex, I know. But hey, nostalgia hits differently these days.
