Robert Miles - Children

'Children', without any doubt whatsoever, put the Progressive-related style of House music called, 'Dream' on the map. Though it is now clear that Robert Miles did not actually create ‘Dreamhouse’.

The creation of ‘Children’ stems from Miles viewing war images, with this horrifying imagery forever in Roberts mind, he set out to create [without any preconceived ideas] a track close to his heart.

Miles began with a simple Piano piece with the main notes been A, C, G, B - that he developed on a Kurzweil K2000 workstation/Sampler Robert also added Resonating synths and sweeps to create a truly dreamy soundscape, in addition to Roberts programming he also combined acoustic guitars and finally a fairly moderate but still upbeat programmed House/Trance beat for the clubbers. Robert has explained he wanted to calm the clubbers a little after his Trance DJ Mixes.

So the result is a beautiful 'Dreamhouse' track that has touched many ‘Chillout generation’ listeners and Ravers alike.

10 years young, this masterpiece will never grow old.

Essential track for House fans!

If i was asked what's my favourite song, i would probably answer it's impossible to say. But if I just had to, i guess 'Children' from Robert Miles could well be the answer. The dream version is the true gem, the song that was played on radio stations. However the true original and the message version are also fantastic. No other song means more to me than this one, probably the most important reason for making me interested in electronic music, especially trance music. Whenever i hear this, i think of my whole life, my childhood and my love for electronic music. Impossible to describe in words, deeply moving music that makes you cry. I feel sorry for those who can't appreciate this treasure.

There was a period of a few months between late summer 1995 and early 1996 when we Platipus fans were all raving about this track. It was so obvious from the very first listen that it would be picked up by a major label and become a huge hit. During these months I don't remember anybody saying a bad word for this record.

I used to delight in playing this loudly months before it became a hit, just to give my neighbours a taste of what was to come.

Years on, this track still proves to be part of dance music heritage, and still stops you dead in your tracks.

"If all the children of the world held each others hands, they'll be giving off such a strength that all the walls of hate, war, and racism. Children know, understand, and believe, that there will be more, love and peace, for eternity, love and peace, for everybody."

And that's just the beginning. The Vocal Mix (possibly the same as the Message Mix found on other labels) features a lot of "spoken word" segments, not sung but simply stated in an awkward way by an unknown lady. Toss in a diva belting out "Love and peace, love and peace, for everybody" and a staccato vocal snippet, and you have the additional bits. The spoken word vocals don't really blend with the song, and the other vocals are just cheesy - dance divas are nothing new. Plus, Robert Miles was a bit late on the holding hands to change the world - Hands Across America was in 1986, and the U.S.A. is still rife with hunger and homelessness. Maybe kids have some innate "Care Bear Stare" ability?

The Remix and Guitar Mix are better, if nothing else, for the lack of vocals.

A perfect example of dance music snobbery:
Record is released on obscure italian label (DBX): Everyone loves it
Record is licensed to credible trance label (Platipus): Everyone loves it
Record is licensed to major label, becomes big hit: suddenly every doesnt like it

pfff...this was a great record, this is a great record, this always shall be a great record. Like all the great tracks its deceptively simple but that piano hooks you in straight away and sounded awesome over a big system. Unfortunately the legion of 'Dream House' sub-standard copies and a poor series of follow-ups by Miles himself sullied the memory of this dance music landmark.