Ima (; stylized as 今 ima; Japanese for "now") is the debut studio album by American electronic musician BT, released on October 9, 1995, through Perfecto Records. The album is considered a major stepping stone in trance music, popularizing a more progressive approach. The album includes the 1995 single "Embracing the Future", which reached number one on the UK Dance Chart, as well as "Loving You More" featuring Vincent Covello. Following its release, Ima appeared on the UK Albums Chart for four weeks, peaking at 45. In 1996, the album was released in the United States in a double disc format, with the US Dance number one single "Blue Skies" featuring Tori Amos.

Background

Brian Transeau (BT) released his debut single, "Embracing the Future" in 1993 through MusicNow Records in the United States, where it failed to chart. However, Welsh DJ Sasha performed the song in the United Kingdom where it saw success, and he paid for Transeau to relocate to the country.

"Loving You More" was composed as a challenge for Transeau to create a vocal track; of which the vocals were provided by Vincent Covello. The final track, "Divinity", was composed after Transeau recorded himself overtone singing.

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Ima received positive reviews from critics.

Track listing

Track and version titles and durations listed below refer to actual contents. The releases come with some erroneous and/or incomplete details.

All songs written and produced by Brian Transeau, except "Loving You More" written by Brian Transeau and Vincent Covello.

1996 US release

Personnel

  • Tori Amos – vocals on "Blue Skies"
  • Arun Chakraverty – mastering on "Divinity"
  • Alexander Coe (Sasha) – DJ mix ("Sasha's Voyage of Ima")
  • Vincent Covello – vocals on "Loving You More"
  • Richard Dekkard – programming and editing on "Sasha's Voyage of Ima" [uncredited]
  • Victor Imbres – mix engineer on "Loving You More"
  • Aiden Love – engineering on "Tripping the Light Fantastic"
  • Roger Lyons – engineering on "Quark"
  • Oakenfold & Osborne – remixing on "Loving You More (Oakenfold & Osborne Radio Mix)"
  • Brian Transeau (BT) – all other vocals, instruments and programming, recording, mixing, songwriter, arranger, producer

Charts

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! scope="col"| Chart (1995)

! scope="col"| Peak<br>position

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! scope="row"| UK Albums (Official Charts Company)

| 45

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References

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