Trance Music Songs

Submitted by dancetronic on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 21:10
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  1. *I like all types of trance music, but preference-wise I'm attracted more to early, melodic, "euphoric" and Balearic trance. But that's not to say that all other types of trance do not interest me. These are the northernmost tip of the iceberg, with several close calls.
  2. *With that being said, yes, these are my favorites. There's already many "Greatest Trance" lists out there; I wanted to offer a deviation from that norm. However, I do provide some informative descriptions that stretch the parameters, so if interested, do read on.
  3. *I had to preen all of this from literally hundreds of favorite trance songs (from a folder of thousands of singles and album tracks).
  4. *The list is alphabetized by artist.
  5. *Enjoy, discover and rediscover.
  6. *
  7. Abigail – You Set Me Free (Andy & The Lamboy Main remix)
  9. Abigail was a Hi-NRG and house music star in the '90s, scoring smashes with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion", but she fully came into her own with the dance chart winners "Let The Joy Rise" and "You Set Me Free" by the turn of the century. House duo Andy Weeden and Frank Lamboy's remix of the latter is actually a trance effort, constructing a relentless beat around Abigail's rich, impassioned vocals and in the process create a powerful, uplifting recording. And she doesn't resort to histrionics. In my opinion, akin to what Barbra Streisand accomplishes in the classic "The Way We Were" or what Billie Ray Martin exudes in the timeless trancey house of "Your Loving Arms".
  11. Age Of Love – Age Of Love (Jam & Spoon's Watch Out For Stella remix)
  13. Hypnotic, haunting, tribal and ethereal with a great menacing acidic crescendo near the intro. What trance is supposed to be. A certifiable all-time trance chestnut.
  15. Agnelli & Nelson – El Nino (Matt Darey Latino Vocal remix)
  17. This summer anthem trance record could still provide the buildup-release formula modern melodic trance is known for without the bordering-on-camp Spanish vocals, courtesy of Marcella Woods (who churned out more trance discs with Matt Darey). Still, the vocal version landed at #21 UK and became immortalized on Paul Oakenfold's seminal Tranceport excursion. Taking its cue from the Balearic sounds of the '80s, this and their other gem, "Everyday", are Ibiza anthems. Championed by top notch trance figures such as Oakenfold, Tiesto and Judge Jules and featured on respected compilations such as Gatecrasher, Cream and Trance Nation, among others.
  19. Albion – Air (Ferry Corsten Open Air remix)
  20. Originally issued in 1998, the 2000 "Open Air" remix is as good as they come.
  22. Alice Deejay vs Rozalla – Everybody's Better Off Free
  24. "Mash-ups" have always been around in music...for decades. Some work, and others fail. By 2000, trance "mash-ups" were becoming noticed thanks to club hits such as Coco's partnering with Fragma to create "Toca's Miracle," DaRude's pairing with Robert Miles to produce "Children In The Sandstorm", and ATB promenading with Everything But The Girl. But perhaps the greatest coupling next to "Toca's Miracle" in trance music commercial-wise is Alice Deejay's and Rozalla's Euro-trance hit "Everybody's Better Off Free". Two all-time dance floor burners. Simply cathartic.
  26. Andain – Beautiful Things (Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged remix)
  28. Truly a beautiful piece with calming vocals and softened trance textures with a mellow live guitar, centering on a theme of pregnancy. Sorely underrated and should have been a bigger hit.
  30. Armin – Blue Fear
  32. A classic paranoid trance record that has been retouched over the years.
  34. Armin - Communication
  36. The instrumental, with similar piano lines to Lightforce's trance mainstay "Join Me", serves its purpose rather than having to deal with the vocal version. A minor hit in the UK in 2000 and 2004.
  38. Armin van Buuren feat. Justine Suissa – Burned With Desire (Rising Star remix)
  39. Stately vocals and production. Justine sings in a winsome vocal set to a gorgeous backdrop. An exceptional hit.
  41. Art of Trance – Madagascar (Ferry Corsten remix)
  43. The great Simon Berry is a legend of trance music and co-founder of the inimitable Platipus Records. As Art of Trance, he released a single called "Madagasga" in 1998 and in 1999 scored a club favorite with the Ferry Corsten remix of "Madagascar", a steady wiggler. Made the UK Top 75 a total of three times.
  45. Ascension – Someone
  47. Gorgeous. A UK and American chart logger, this soothing, creamy, well-arranged trance number was championed by Oakenfold and has become a cherished favorite of the Ibiza dance scene. The ethereal, comforting vocals should weaken your knees and tug at the heart.
  49. Astral Projection – Aurora Borealis
  51. Ahh Goa and psychedelic trance. What non-melodic trance should sound like - dark, brooding, futuristic and generally complex. An aural masterpiece journey right here, which hearkens back to the electronic music of the '70s, updated in '90s fashion. Didier Delesalle's most remembered tune is "Milky Way," but this tune is not a throwaway in any sense. Transcendent.
  53. ATB vs Everything But The Girl – Missing @ 9 P.M.
  54. A big UK and US club hit, "9 P.M." became an instant classic and instantly recognizable trance giant - along with DaRude's "Sandstorm" and Fragma's "Toca's Miracle". But this coupling of Everything But The Girl's timeless "Missing" with André Tanneberger's "9 P.M." is a clever concoction. Saturated with that famous recurring weeping guitar riff, Tracey Thorn's enchanting yet melancholic vocals blends in beautifully. A heartbroken ballad but energetic at the same time.
  56. Atlantic Ocean - Waterfalls
  58. An early instrumental progressive house piece, it's also a trance staple. It definitely evokes the feeling of being around a waterfall or out on the beach. Joyous and breezy without all the clutter of noise and sand in the way.
  60. Atlantis vs Avatar – Fiji (Lange remix)
  62. A grand trance number with a splendid and divine "Fiji" vocal seasoned throughout. Lange ("Follow Me", "Drifting Away") has a great remixing track record, and this one is at the top of the shelf. The short mix and the long mix both manage to demonstrate the song's torrential push.
  64. Ayla – Ayla Part II
  66. The original 1996 version and 1998's "Part Two" are enduring dance records. The 1998 version became a 2000 hit in America, peaking at #29 on the dance charts (JS-16's 1998 house anthem "Stomp To My Beat" was also big at American clubs around this same time). Sometimes, it takes that US marketing push or American DJs embracing European imports or new remixes for records to break stateside. Catchy, atmospheric, after-hours anthem.
  68. Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Rank 1 remix)
  69. The original 1994 version hit #1 UK for two weeks and became a rave favorite. Rank 1 transform the tune and give it their signature stamp.
  71. Balili - Parasight
  72. An early experimental jewel with Eastern influences and rich, spacey beats that is at the vanguard of techno, trance and acid. From the influential Black Dog.
  74. Barry Harris feat. Pepper Mashay – Dive In The Pool (Ford's Trance Commander Breakbeat remix)
  76. The critically heralded diva house anthem (also a #2 US dance hit for two weeks, staying on that chart for months) is given a mainstream trance flavor with a contagious break beat backing. The Aretha Franklin-esque earthy and commanding vocals of Pepper Mashay complement the track's summer vibe greatly. Trance music to party to.
  78. B.B.E. – Seven Days And One Week
  80. Trance music was beginning to break through in Europe by 1996 and 1997 and began to break in the Americas by 1999 and 2000. This fluttering, entrancing track managed to cap at #3 UK in 1997 and became a big world hit. It has been remixed ever since, being featured on many compilations.
  82. Bedrock – Heaven Scent
  84. John Digweed & Nick Muir created some winning underground dance sides, and some of their work has been featured in films. Their most popular effort, "Heaven Scent" (a UK Top 40 hit as well), is a gem that glistens with a melodic figure and a progressive house/trance rhythm.
  86. Binary Finary – 1998 (Paul van Dyk remix)
  88. Anthemic peak-hour entry tweaked by one of the greatest dance figures of all time. Full of shifting rhythms and moods, this dance nugget is energetic and uplifting and will pack a dance floor in no time.
  90. Blank & Jones – Nightfly (DJ Jean remix)
  92. Germany has always been an important electronic music center ever since the advent of krautrock/kosmische rock and the modern electronic fathers Kraftwerk graced the scene. And with trance music in particular, Germany has been there from the get-go (Sven Vath, Oliver Lieb, Eye-Q and Harthouse). While one might call this duo's sound as formulaic, DJ Jean (best known for the mainstream house-trance burner "The Launch") has his hand in giving the tune a delightful, catchy punch.
  94. Bleachin' – Peakin' (DaRude vs JS16 remix)
  96. The legendary Fleetwood Mac's "Big Love" was a classic rock song in the late '80s, but it was given a trance treatment by Bleachin' in the early '00s. The DaRude stamp is very noticeable here, accompanied by a sinister backdrop and staying-true-to-the-original Balearic strings. The captivating vocal matches the intensity of Lindsey Buckingham's original.
  98. Breeder – The Chain (Babealicious remix)
  100. Mostly known for "Tyrantanic" and "Twilo Thunder", this progressive tune was issued to the public by demand. A solid endeavor to boot.
  102. BT – Flaming June (PVD & BT remix)
  104. The genre-bending Brian Transeau garnered some of the earliest trance hits to hit American shores ("Blue Skies", featuring the alternative rocker Tori Amos, topped the US dance charts in 1996). This festive, melody-laden release captures the spirit of epic trance at the time.
  106. BT - Mercury And Solace(Transa remix)
  108. Jan Johnston again brings passion to BT's swirling grooves. After fronting as "Taylor" on BT's immortal "Anomaly", she takes a breather here and sings in a subdued, almost heartbreaking but affecting tone.
  110. Chicane – Saltwater (Tomski vs Disco Citizens remix)
  112. Graceful vocals of Maire Brennan of the Irish group Clannad and an elegant, angelic production that breathe a fervent high. Maire's "open my eyes" and the beautiful buildups and breakdowns are excellently executed. Uplifting and epic.
  114. Chicane with Power Circle – Offshore (Disco Citizens remix)
  116. Lush beach sounds. Beautiful instrumentation. A well-crafted piece that continues to satisfy to this day. If you like 808 State's techno-house-acid staple "Pacific State", be sure to make room for this exquisite treat that will make everyone at Ibiza and along the beaches of the world jubilant. An island essential.
  118. Cosmic Baby – Sweet Dreams For Kaaa – My Love
  120. Entrancing ambient techno in the vein of Future Sound Of London's diamond "Papua New Guinea" and the Orb's "Little Fluffy Clouds" from this trance and ambient dance pioneer. If you are fond of early melody-filled trance, try your hand here and the other Cosmic Baby outings such as "Heaven's Tears" and "Loops Of Infinity".
  122. Da Hool – Meet Her At The Love Parade (Hooligan's 2001 remix)
  124. Mainstream but effective. With its video game-sounding effects and driving rhythm, it is nonetheless a big club favorite. Hooligan's touch is the greatest of the lot.
  126. Dance 2 Trance – Power Of American Natives '98 (DJ Quicksilver remix)
  128. In 1993, this Native American-inflected choon from the pioneering trance duo of Rolf Ellmer and Dag Lerner landed in the UK Top 25. The '98 remix is a well-done remake and definitely not of the cheesy variety. If only trance music could be more eclectic in its influences and absorption of lesser traveled material.
  130. DaRude – Sandstorm
  132. Just because a song strikes it rich does not mean it is a "sellout". This is actually an engaging and nicely produced piece that stays true to the song's title. A dance song reaching the US Top 40 is no easy feat amidst the heavy competition from rock, pop and R&B, so please give this record its respect.
  134. Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan- Silence (DJ Tiesto remix)
  136. It is without a doubt one of the crown jewels of dance music. Like Everything But The Girl's "Missing" and Deborah Cox's "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here", the original haunting ballad and the dance remix are warhorses, which is very hard to pull off. The sci-fi vibe and the utterly wonderful vocals of alternative rock star Sarah McLachlan ("Building A Mystery", "Possession", "Angel") is nothing short of brilliant. The Airscape remix is also worthy.
  138. DJ Misjah & DJ Tim – Access
  140. Seminal acidic trance. Menacing, fast and hard. Critically praised, and rightly so.
  142. DJ Taucher - Miracle (Phase 2)
  144. Germany has always been a hotbed in the electronic dance world. Taucher is no exception to the rule. He created some of the greatest trance music in the late '90s with "Infinity", "Atlantis", "Child Of The Universe", and others. And "Miracle" serves as a testament to a stellar musical resume.
  146. DJ Tiesto – Suburban Train
  148. It's Tiesto. The vocal counterpart "Urban Train" featuring the delicate vocals of Kirsty Hawkshaw is equally enticing. One wonders why it took a while for this trance master to issue consistent product under his own name. Well, it was worth the wait. As a solo artist in his own right, Tiesto released some of the most memorable sides this century, including "In My Memory" and his own rendition of "Adagio For Strings".
  150. DuMonde – Tomorrow
  151. With a big remixing career chart, this duo has come up with some fine material on their own. The similar "Just Feel Free" just can't compare to this.
  153. Emma Shapplin – Inferno (S.a.f. On Fire remix)
  155. There have been many errors to the spelling of Emma's last name, but it is officially "Shapplin", with two "p's". The critically praised classical pop star is perhaps best known for "Spente Le Stelle", first released in 1997 before Trance Opera transformed the single into a trance favorite in 2000. That year, she released "Inferno" on the Red Planet soundtrack before a remix was issued the following year, courtesy of Swiss American Federation. These boys wrap a ghostly piano around Emma's stunning, heavenly vocals set to Dante's Inferno and come up with a mesmerizing, yet cryptic record.
  157. Emmanuel Top – Acid Phase
  159. Again we venture into hypnotic acid territory. Equal parts trance and techno. Fully an instrumental dance classic.
  161. Energy 52 – Café Del Mar (Three N One remix)
  163. Immortal. Stellar. Remixed innumerably. Many compilations. The breakdown in this incredible track is a natural high that recalls a ritual in action, and the rising atmospheric base is at once uplifting and spine-tingling...it's a record that no trance list and DJ bin should be without.
  165. Faithless – Don't Leave (Euphoric remix)
  167. Yes, this is not really as well known as "God Is A DJ" and the omnipresent "Insomnia," but this is a commendable effort. The single exudes the feeling of being in a country and western, watching the sun set. "Euphoric" may be misleading, however; the instrumental sounds forlorn, almost weepy-like.
  169. Fragma – Toca's Miracle
  170. This is going to live on in the dance world forever. Lovely strings with an inspirational message and a heart-touching performance. A miracle that two different songs combined to create a clever and fine-spun record that has a lot of color - but not too much. When I first heard this record, I went completely bollocks. If you want another inspirational and uplifting dance tune that is simply marvelous, I'd recommend going a little on the progressive house side with Christian music star Jaci Velasquez's "Love Will Find You (Higher Love remix)".
  172. Gouryella – Gouryella
  174. The intro starts with what sounds like a car passing by. But it segues into boundless energy. The only thing that is a let down is the fact that the radio edit doesn't capture the great, syncopated synth section that is found on the extended version. Member Ferry Corsten also created other memorable sides with "Walhalla" and "Tenshi" under the Gouryella moniker.
  176. GTR – Mistral
  178. A soothing, mystical structure that will fit like a glove with those wanting to relax or "chill out" after a hard day's work and a hard night's dance. Not by the same band that issued the '80s arena rock classic "When The Heart Rules The Mind".
  180. Hallucinogen – LSD
  182. Quirky, spiraling, bleepy-bloopy Goa trance, bristling with vigor that excels in being cerebral and physical movement music at the same time. Enshrined as one of the long-lasting trance items around and a masterpiece of Simon Posford, one of the greatest early trance music artists. Giorgio Moroder would be proud.
  184. Hardfloor – Acperience
  185. Listen up. This is among the Top 5 greatest trance records in history. Rightfully heralded as among dance music's most influential pieces. Acidic and hard - and this was all in the space of 1992. Expertly done and paved the way for other hard trance excursions.
  187. Humate – Love Stimulation (Paul van Dyk remix)
  189. Paul van Dyk was there all along before euphoric trance burst a nightclub and bedrooms. This German beauty is still a beloved piece of art, gorgeously constructed. A staple of trance compilations.
  191. Hybrid – Finished Symphony (Hybrid's Echoplex remix)
  193. Symphonic trance at its best. Forget Brainbug's classic "Nightmare (Sinister Strings remix)", this is the real deal, an update of their 1996 "Symphony". Fluttering and persuasive, Hybrid complements the orchestral swirl with their hip-hop inspired break beats. The glistening, high-playing instrumentation in the descending figure of the song right before heavy synth sounds kick into gear is simply stunning. And the radio edit perfectly sums up the beauty of this track in itself in just under four minutes.
  195. iiO– Rapture (Riva remix)
  197. When I first heard this song in its original version, it didn't impress me all that much. But when I heard Nadia Ali's voice grace the euphoric remix provided by Riva, I was simply mesmerized - enraptured. It's not surprising that the record was a worldwide hit, even landing at the 46th spot on the US pop charts and making a startling debut at #2 on the UK pop listings. As good as an Ibiza anthem as they get.
  199. Jam & Spoon - Stella
  201. The vocal version could do without the sexual-laden "love me" parts, but the tune perfectly captures early Balearic-inspired trance with its well-placed strings and Mediterranean sounds. These guys later went on to have mainstream trance charters, but this is indeed their masterwork and one of the first trance pieces. Still recognizable to this day.
  203. Jens – Loops And Tings (Fruit Loops remix)
  205. Anyone who tripped the club fantastic knows that trance music peaked in the late '90s, simmered down a little in the early '00s, and then saw a resurgence around 2002. No trance history book and set is complete without this immortal German trance outing. Even when trance music went through changes, from acid to progressive to minimal, this single received a plethora of remixes throughout. But none of these retooled discs can capture this 1993 original.
  207. John Vesta – Gull
  209. In the modern era of music, tragedy still strikes within the musical community, whether it's the soul legend Phyllis Hyman or the critically praised rocker Matthew Sweet in the '90s. Vesta, although rarely known, took his life in 2001. But he did leave a remarkable work in 1999's "Gull". Rarely does a song have remixes that match the potency of the original version. The Natious, Amber and Kinesis remixes are up to par and give new light to this sorely underrated progressive trance number.
  211. Jones & Stephenson – The First Rebirth
  213. Early trance legend and a favorite for compilations. Other "Rebirths" followed soon, but none have been able to hold a candle to the glorious hard dance raver from the pivotal Bonzai Records.
  215. Kaycee - Escape
  217. Mainstream sci-fi that samples 4 Voice's underground trance gem "Eternal Spirit". If you're looking for alien-themed trance, give "Escape" a shot. A hit in the clubs.
  219. Libra pres. Taylor – Anomaly...Calling Your Name (Ferry Corsten remix)
  221. Granny's Epicure remix is a chestnut, with its orchestral influence, but the Ferry Corsten remix, similar to his remix of "Air", touches on ballad territory. Jan Johnston, as Taylor, sings in an impassioned, heart-wrenching vocal amidst a comforting synth line and thoroughly engrossing sound effects. Her voice will remind you of Mary Weiss of the legendary '60s girl group the Shangri-Las ("Remember", "Leader of The Pack").
  223. L.S.G. – Blueprint (version I)
  225. Germany once again shows that it can make Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream proud even after their stars have dimmed. Trance pioneer and master Oliver Lieb is one of the leading lights of the trance music phenomenon, and his act L.S.G. have left him a fine legacy. If complexity engages your soul, try this 1994 release as a blueprint (as well as L.S.G.'s "Jillanity", "Netherworld" and other well-formulated records).
  227. Legend B - Lost In Love (DJ Taucher remix)
  229. Saturated in an atmospheric setting, this will definitely make old school-leaning trance fans fall in love.
  231. Lotus – Within Or Without You (Mr. Sam's Travel To New York Club)
  233. It could do without all the "uh's" (in the same boat as the croaking sounds found in Junior's remix of Catapila's dark house hit "Void"), but the effective jewel of a voice and haunting backdrop makes up for it in one of the best and sincere vocal pieces trance music has to offer.
  235. Lustral – Every Time (Nalin & Kane remix)
  237. N&K's tribal anthem "Beachball" broke through worldwide, even in the States, and they happily lend the same groove to Lustral's radio and club hit. The track is low-key but danceable, perfect for late night-early morning affairs and would be ideal for danceable chill out sets. It has lived on with the trance community for a reason.
  239. Marmion – Schoneberg
  241. This is a beloved trance concoction. Sparse yet trance-inducing. If you're a minimal music fan, this might propel your sailboat.
  243. Matt Darey pres. DSP – From Russia With Love
  245. Li Kwan's "Point Zero" just cannot reach the level of this song's power. It truly breathes Russian and puts the listener back in time with chilling vocals and enthralling strings. And no, there is no James Bond motif here.
  247. Matt Darey pres. Mash Up – Liberation (Temptation - Fly Like An Angel) (Ferry Corsten radio)
  249. The well-admired Darey does it again. The soaring vocals of Marcella Woods and inspired production have caused this liberating anthem to be a hit in Ibiza. Rarely has female-fronted vocal trance sounded this great and work. Utterly powerful.
  251. Mauro Picotto – Komodo (Save A Soul)
  253. Jumpy but contagious and makes good use of Asian influences, creating the feeling of being in Indonesia on a summer day.
  255. Mike Koglin – The Silence (Tekara – Matt Darey remix)
  257. Depeche Mode have left their important mark on trance music as have their '80s counterpart stalwarts New Order. Mike Koglin transform the long-lasting DM track into an instrumental trance journey, punctuated by a female mentioning to "enjoy the silence". The original is a treasure, but Darey ups the ante with well-executed breaks and a buildup tension-release framework that is all-around gripping.
  259. Moby – Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? (Ferry Corsten club)
  261. Reaching the levels of international fame and acclaim along with the Prodigy, the Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim and Daft Punk, Moby has proved to be one of dance music's most far-reaching practitioners. In the hands of Ferry Corsten, his "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" gives the song a more poignant aura that will appease those in hurt.
  263. Moni B.- Stripped (Sanity remix)
  265. Another take on a Depeche Mode classic. Pounding synths and a festive atmosphere make this irresistible and euphoric without being supported by heavy melodious instrumentation.
  267. Moonman – Don't Be Afraid
  269. Powerful, inspiring vocals and a spacey background.
  271. Nalin & Kane – Beachball
  273. "People get ready." Driving but tuneful. Tribal drums meet the calm beach. A DJ Icey remix takes the track into breaks land that does the original service.
  275. Nikolai – Ready To Flow
  277. Elevates the mind to a natural high. Hypnotic dance classic that will do good with both designer drug-heads and those needing spiritual release. Instantly memorable and has been covered and remixed on several occasions.
  279. Origin – Wide Eyed Angel (Inversion remix)
  281. Trance music took a downhill when it started to get really mainstream when the Benelux region took over, Eurodance began to seep in and the dreams of pop radio took hold by the early '00s. Origin's "Wide Eyed Angel" is an example of an era when trance music was well done. The vocal here borders on melodramatic, but it nicely augments the song's rapturous love theme. This duo has produced some other fine sides in the late '90s such as with "Refined Intricacy" and "Yellow".
  283. Origene – Sanctuary (Smash N Grab remix)
  285. Trance music offers spiritual release, a sanctuary of sorts. Whether through tribal grooves or exquisite production, there's something for everyone. This will fit in with the thousands in clubland euphoria. A hit for the obvious reason.
  287. Orinoko - Island
  289. Stellar trance record, opening with beautiful, exotic sounds that permeate the track throughout. Imagine taking a walk through a beautiful Japanese garden, listening to water trickling and feeling a light breeze. That's what this calming piece creates - a relaxing, meditative ambiance. If you want another good Asian-inflected trance disk, try the big UK hit of Watergate's "Heart Of Asia (DJ Quicksilver remix)". If you liked the Hardfloor remix of Mory Kante's world classic "Ye Ke Ye Ke", also try Orinoko's "Mama Konda".
  291. Paul van Dyk - For An Angel (PVD's E-Werk remix)
  292. Trance music is now a global force with a credible market, rivaling its chief dance music competitor, house music. It has grown out of its humble confines in pockets of the world and has spread to places as far as Barcelona to Miami and to Brazil. Heavyweights such as Armin van Buuren and Paul Oakenfold have given the genre tremendous power. The other Paul - Paul van Dyk - created countless treasures with his brand of truly transcendent and competent dance music. "For An Angel" is perhaps the most cherished trance symbol of them all. Awash in New Age-sweetened rhythms and instrumentation, this is what euphoric trance encapsulates.
  294. Paul Van Dyk feat. St. Etienne – Tell Me Why (Take A Break remix)
  296. The original is a trance club monster, but the "Take A Break" remix has much more meat and a spiritual presence. The syncopated beat marvelously gels with St. Etienne's velvety, almost pained vocals, and the sunrise ambiance is definitely caressing. True, many "progressive" and other trance tracks use break beats just to use them, but here, they serve a purpose - to take a break.
  298. Planet Perfecto feat. Grace - Not Over Yet '99
  300. The original became an American and European smash thanks to the lovely voice of jazz and dance singer Dominique Atkins, who also graced Tilt's enduring "Invisible". In its 1999 update, her sentimental vocals are wrapped in fluidly sweet synths paralleled by a propulsive rhythm. The Breeder and Matt Darey alterations are worth investigating. Not to be confused with the Perfecto mix of 1997.
  302. PPK – ReSurection
  304. It was bound to be a mainstream winner. In the UK specifically, it became a major one, hitting the Pop 3. Taking its cues from the Euro-disco of luminaries Moroder and Cerrone and the space disco of the '70s and Italo disco of the '80s, this track - which similarly recalls Cosmic Baby - charges throughout. Luna Park's rather tame "Space Melody" cannot stack up against this resurrecting number for those in the doldrums in life.
  306. Pulsedriver - Your Spirit Is Shining
  308. It's OK to like cheese or mainstream endeavors in music; don't ever let the critics tell you what you should hear. Taste is purely subjective. And besides, everyone has guilty pleasures. With that being said, "Your Spirit Is Shining", a cover of the Space Brothers' 1997 single "Shine", is a melodic little ditty that will please those in the "Castles In The Sky" and "It's A Fine Day" mold. The "Frank-E & Mars" remix softens the mood of the original but still gives it that general familiar punch. This track can be found on the decent trance-oriented compilation series Dream Dance and Future Trance.
  310. Push – Universal Nation
  312. A big breakthrough for minimal trance, denting the UK Top 40. If you like Nikolai's "Ready To Flow", you will definitely take a liking to this.
  314. Quench – Dreams
  316. All-time classic, simply put. The sinister energy and haunting bells that seem to come from a '60s and '70s horror movie actually make the track quite ironic in that it gives off the impression of a nightmare. Miss Shiva scored a female version hit.
  318. Robert Miles – Children (Dream House remix)
  320. Dream house. Trance. Progressive House. Whatever name you want to call this landmark song, it no doubt has helped open the floodgates for the mainstream acceptance of dreamy dance music period. It kicked off a trend of sound-alike records with its classically influenced piano melody and epic stance, and it's been covered by several trance acts throughout the years, from 4 Clubbers to Tilt, but none have been able to seize the complex and utterly euphoric instrumental of the original. In a decade where dance outfits such as 2 Unlimited, SNAP!, Technotronic, Black Box, Amber, KLF and Real McCoy, among others, were striking it big, "Children" also has its lofty spot in music history.
  322. Salt Tank – Dimension (Voices Of Reason remix)
  324. More instrumental fare, but not as joyous as Robert Miles' "Children" or as influential as Peter Lazonby's progressive dance number "Wave Speech (The Guitar Song)", but without question a timeless effort. It's got a celestial feel that will satisfy spiritually-inclined listeners.
  326. Sash! – Encore Une Fois (Future Breeze remix)
  328. Assertive but very contagious, this club item still fills dance floors to this day. Staying in the UK Top 75 for 15 weeks is not an easy feat, and "Encore Une Fois" being a dance record even makes it that much more of an incredible accomplishment. It was also a European, Canadian and American hit and did help trance music gain recognition. Nicely produced. This group also scored other mainstream Euro-trance classics that were worldwide hits.
  330. Sasha – Wavy Gravy
  332. Truly a piece of art, creatively melding breaks with ambient textures and sounds. Although "Xpander" is a seminal critical and commercial smash, "Wavy Gravy" holds up on its own as a trance evergreen. Alexander Paul Coe never fails to captivate and be imaginative in his works.
  334. Sasha – Xpander
  336. Pummeling and forward-thinking trance. Praised and influential. One of the hallmarks of progressive dance music.
  338. Signum – Coming On Strong (Pulsedriver remix)
  340. An Ibiza classic, this largely instrumental track isn't too infectious or too sedate. No over-the-top vocal or production chores here either. But engaging, yes.
  342. Sinead O'Connor – Troy (Schiller remix)
  344. Christopher von Deylen, best known for the trance fixture "Das Glockenspeil", brilliantly wraps this '80s classic in an ancient production that effectively combines Celtic influences with Turkish ones. It chugs without overpowering Sinead's utterly distinctive vocals, giving her enough room to express her brutal tale.
  346. Steve Morley – Reincarnations
  348. A trance nugget that has been revisited over the years. Joyously and superbly uplifting.
  350. System F – Out Of The Blue
  352. It sounds simple, but it is in no way a hastily put together work. The refreshing tune has an engaging riff and synthesizer lead that is lighthearted bliss. It had a six week chart run in the UK, placing at #14, but its shelf life has proved to be much, much longer.
  354. Taste X-Perience feat. Natasha Pearl – Summersault
  356. Quintessential for summer sets. The opera-influenced vocals work their magic against a cooled down vibe that is relaxing and enjoying as a picnic on a clear and cloudless day. Heavily promoted by Oakenfold and remains a trance essential.
  358. Tenth Planet – Ghosts (Vincent De Moor remix)
  360. Bring up the name Vincent De Moor, and he will bring smiles to trance enthusiasts. And it's no wonder after seeing him remix this tune. Trance music has seen its fair share of remakes to popular songs, but few are as top-notch as this cover of the classic experimental song by rockers Japan. Clare Pearce's cozy but ghostly vocals accentuate the track's paranoid synth effects and forlorn piano. Thought not as musically inventive as Japan's original, it does have some unexpected rhythmic changes, and Pearce is more emotive in her phrasing.
  362. Terra Ferma feat. Katie Ashley – Don't Be Afraid
  364. If you first discovered 1996's "Floating", you will probably fancy a vocal version of the record. Katie Ashley sings amply with sincerity without giving too much or too little of emotion. Her vocals change as the production intensifies, giving a nod to the original instrumental version. Her "don't be afraid to love me" declaration is at once direct and inviting.
  366. Three Drives On A Vinyl – Greece 2000
  368. An aural journey to Mediterranean delights. However, the radio edit doesn't fully maximize the nicely put string section, and the extended version takes a long time for them to come into the picture. Despite these setbacks, if you like instrumental trance without all the fluff, give this perennial favorite a try.
  370. Thrillseekers feat. Sheryl Deane – Synaesthesia (Fly Away) (Thrillseekers club)
  372. One of the greatest trance records of all time and given a high profile by trance DJs. Sheryl's mellow, lonesome vocal fits in like a diamond glove with the percolating, melodic instrumental. The way she tapers off "devotion" is as smooth as truffle. Even without her honey-dipped voice, the backing and instrumentation can stand on their own and create an inspirational, radiating release. The fact that this tune graces many compilations serves as testimony to its incredible staying power.
  374. Tilt – Invisible (Lost Tribe remix)
  376. The vocal delivery may be a little breathy, but that's what makes the track so heavenly. The breakdown beginning in the second chorus is one of the most beautiful in trance. "You won't see me...invisible" is heartfelt, but the beat that underscores it is still enough to light trance floors afire. The original radio edit fails to keep at pace with the flowing energy.
  378. Tomski feat. Jan Johnston – Love Will Come (6 AM remix)
  380. Nice, optimistic ear-catching track that casts Jan Johnston's almost airy vocals in a pool of trance ecstasy. If you need to energize your spirit and bolster your self-esteem, listen to this.
  382. Transa – Enervate
  384. One of my favorite trance acts of all times. This Brit duo issued some of the greatest trance instrumentals in "Prophase" and "Supernova". "Enervate" is right up along there, with its debilitating rhythm that does not at all surrender to the track's all-around energy.
  386. Underworld – Born Slippy (Paul Oakenfold remix)
  388. Underworld are truly phenomenal. If you want to talk about influential talent, here it is. With "Born Slippy", they hit the #2 UK spot and stayed in the top 75 rankings for 21 weeks, a simply amazing achievement for their great song catalog. Oakenfold puts the original pounder into a serious trance craft, in the process inadvertently highlighting the track's legend throughout the years.
  390. Union Jack – Two Full Moons And A Trout
  392. Menacing and buzzing with all sorts of fish and animal sounds and ancient drums, conjuring up images of being lost in the fog of a rain forest while traveling in a boat quietly downstream. The vibrant track also gives way to some evil chanting. They say real trance was pre-1996 before the genre found a mainstream audience by 1996 and 1997. Labels such as Platipus, Harthouse, MFS and even Perfecto ruled the roost and were boundless in inventiveness and seriousness. Well, "Two Full Moons And A Trout" encompasses early trance music, and rarely has it seen equals throughout trance music's duration ever since.
  394. Veracocha – Carte Blanche
  396. OK, OK, too much Ferry Corsten right? Well Vincent De Moor is also a part of this project. Together, these two formulate a huge tuneful trance anthem that is found on innumerable compilations (including Gatecrasher and Godskitchen) and is certainly a must-have for DJ's. Remixes aplenty.
  398. Vincent De Moore pres. Emerald – Fly Away
  400. Uplifting anthem for the masses. Supported by Dave Pearce and other prominent figures, it's status as a club giant is deserved.
  402. Virus – Sun (Oakenfold/Osborne remix)
  404. A masterpiece. It will invade your body like a virus with its euphoric-minded stance without relying on melodic overtones. If you wondered about Oakenfold trying his hand in Goa, this will definitely surprise you.
  406. Watergate – Heart Of Asia (DJ Quicksilver remix)
  408. The proof of trance as a global music genre reinforces the viability of this market. From Germany to Israel to Japan, it ranks right up there with house. India itself has given great contributions to trance music, particularly on Goa/psychedelic trance. And now comes a record that made a big UK splash - the simple but zestfully rhythmic "Heart Of Asia". With its definite Asian trance vibe, the track works even if the vocals aren't present. DJ Quicksilver (known for the classic "Bellisima") does a fine job here, tailoring to mass consumption.
  410. Yahel & Eyal Barkan – Liquid Paradise
  412. Israeli trance. A Goa wonder. This track evokes a rave at a beach with its waves striking the beach introduction, organic content and rhythmically propulsive grooves. Both men have been around the late '90s and have come up with exceptional sides that have pleased underground heads seeking mastered productions.
  414. York – Jastamba
  416. The Stenzels may have overused their melodic, Balearic-influenced trademark guitar sound. Their UK seller "The Awakening" sounds similar to "Farewell To The Moon", and their collaboration with ATB on "The Fields Of Love" sounds similar to "Reachers Of Civilization". And in that line is "Jastamba". A dazzling, peaceful instrumental that will work great with chill out or ambient sets.
  418. Zombie Nation – Kernkraft 400 (Live remix)
  420. Stadium and sports anthem raver that also transfixes peoples at parties and night spots. It has a pop intention in mind, but this is truly a brilliant recording, obviously influenced by the greatest and most affecting electronic artists of them all - Krafwerk. With its spooky robotic voice, it is nicely offset by a chanting chorus and electro-fortified bleeps and bloops. At once classic sounding and futuristic, it remains a celebrated dance record by critics and fans alike.
  422. *
  424. *Close Calls
enigmazach11/05/2009

Great list, partner. I'm sure it was tough to narrow it down to just these -- knowing how extensive your trance collection is.