My favourite top 50+ overlooked modern atmospheric uplifting trance tunes (RECOMMENDED FOR MODERN GENERATIONS, NOT OLDSCHOOL ELITISTS!)
Submitted by ModernTranceMusic on Sat, 03/19/2011 - 06:46
- Note: What this list is basically about is modern dreamy uplifting trance, a genre now practically dead and overlooked. Nowadays trance is just "progressive" and uplifting has lost its greatest essence: soul. Great promising beats with bland musical content. This is still just my personal favorites list and I really don't know that many trance tracks. There's a LOT of Anjunabeats here because it used to be an example. Kind of like shock treatment for trance music until it got corrupted as well.
- Few classic tunes as a honorary mention that I really like but I couldn't add since I'm only taking from this millenia:
- Armin van Buuren - Communication (Original Mix)
- Chicane - Saltwater (Original Mix)
- Banco De Gaia - Last Train to Lhasa & Heliopolis
- Hybrid - Symphony (Original Mix)
- BBE - 7 Days and One Week
- Gouryella - Gouryella (Original Mix)
- Humate - Love Stimulation (Paul van Dyk's Love Mix)
- Solar Stone - Seven Cities (Solar Stone's Atlantis Mix)
- L.S.G. - Netherworld (Original Mix)
- Energy 52 - Café Del Mar (Three 'N One Remix)
- Albion - Air (Original Mix)
- Sasha - Xpander (Original Mix)
- Enigma - Age of Loneliness (Enigmatic Club).
- The Top 10 in no particular order.
- Endre - Kallocain (Whole release) [2004]
- There's a lot of debating which one is the superior mix. Endre's or Nickson's? Both are amazing tracks to be sure. So which one wins?! Neither because the Original made something unique and Nickson made something more standard BUT also filled Endre's work with his own ideas. I've always thought that the original is more atmospheric and moody in comparison to Nickson's work whereas Nickson's is more coherent and organized after dozens of listens.
- And what is Kallocain? A swedish dystopian novel for instance. And the word itself? Truth drug used in the novel. A fitting name for this work from paradise.
- Stoneface & Terminal - Blueprint (Club Mix) [2008]
- I don't know what people think of this track generally but it has gotten great reviews. I made my own review in discogs.com because this has to be my all-time favourite. There's no other tune like this and probably never will be. Stoneface & Terminal are occasionally brilliant. This is their pride. Blueprint is also a style that S&T have been repeating a couple of times, not so successfully in my opinion. Hence the name Blueprint? Well, their remixes of Cressida's Onyric and Corsten's Out of the Blue were okay, former being better than latter.
- Sunny Lax - P.U.M.A (Original Mix) [2005]
- I've had it in my mind. The greatest of all time? There is no such thing but this one is sitting on a throne anyways. Levente Márton's first release for Anjunabeats was P.U.M.A and is still by far his finest work. P.U.M.A has one of the most memorable atmospheres and intriguing and energetic build-ups in the history of trance music. A combination of brilliant composition and production, this track runs like a puma for almost 10 minutes, which never feels even half that long. Pure euphoria. There's a lot to say about the track. I read a review that said it's hard to tell what you're feeling when you're listening to P.U.M.A and I tend to agree. For me, it's a deepest possible trance enjoyment available.
- One thing that bothers me is that Levente's releases after Reborn are just bad. He has a unique gift in creating unseen emotional and atmospheric trance which he should always make. It's just that his sound isn't as good and serious anymore in any way.
- Michael Dow - Ascent [2007]
- Michael Dow. Michael who? Well here he is and this is his masterpiece. Recently I got confirmed that this is actually a remix of Brian Eno's "An Ending (Ascent). Nonetheless, Michael made his own beef with this experimental tour de force track, bringing even more variety to Eno's old Ascent. Leama & Moor Remix is also very good though it doesn't really add nearly as much as Dow's mix to the original. Plus the gated pad is a little annoying. Anyone dissing Dow's mix has to be a pure idiot or a trance hater, which I've noticed around.
- Aalto - 5 (Original Mix) [2006]
- One of the darkest trance productions to date. This track is like drug withdrawal or ultimate downfall in life. Hardly it's definable as uplifting trance because of its depressive nature. It's downfalling trance or something uninvented. 5? I don't know where it comes from. The name that is. It's profoundly sad, going onwards with its depressive nature and it fulfills great things. Personally I think that the idea of the track would fit in a movie about drugs or street violence.
- Mike Foyle & Signalrunners - Love Theme Dusk (Mike's Broken Record Mix) [2005]
- This is what older trance lacks. Consistent and gentle classical piano melodies. Pretty long track and absolutely worth every second, this is a trance masterpiece. It's really quiet at first and begins its promise for success eventually. I've had my moments with this track and it's really something special. Thank you Mike Foyle for creating something out of the ordinary.
- Fluke - Zion [2003]
- Originated from Fluke's track called "Slap It". It's not standard trance, thank the lord, and is most definitely euphoric. First time I heard this was when I was watching Matrix Reloaded in the movie theaters. Not the best scene but the track sure is close.
- Sunny Lax - Blue Bird (Daniel Kandi Remix) [2007]
- In my opinion, Daniel Kandi's finest work to date. He has his own way with track dynamics and melodies which you might recognize. Prince of melodic trance, I don't understand why any of his tracks aren't mentioned on any list. He's now somewhat a semi-commercial trance artist though. Anyways, I've read a few topics where the original mix is more liked and I honestly don't know why. I own both of them, both great but Kandi's mix goes way beyond the original. Original is a bit too hard-rocking for my ear, not so smooth, melody not going as far. Kandi has made tens of great tracks, this being his dreamiest, softest, most subtle and deepest effort of them. To this day, he's probably the most respectable melodic trance artist. Quite a statement but who is it then?
- Fire & Ice - Souvenir De Chine [2001]
- Today it's clearly gotten old but that's not bad. It's a bit oddball of a track but it's also brilliant. Good bassline, complex supersaw melody and chords, this is my favourite of the older tracks most likely. I wonder why nobody really added this to the "greatest" lists. Also the breakdown is one of the most intresting in the history of trance music, believe me. This is a remix of Jean Michel Jarre's Souvenir of China but it impressively managed to create the exact nature of the track but without the original's rather surreal theme.
- Kyau & Albert - Falling Anywhere (Rework) [2004]
- I think that this track didn't get the attention it really needed. It has numerous releases on different labels but it never made a "breakthrough". A melodic bomb, this track is the best track by Kyau & Albert in my opinion by far. It has one of the deepest female vocals ever used in trance music, one of the best melodies I can think of and it hasn't aged badly. Made in 2004, I can compare it to some other great works from that year and it beats them.
- 11. Sundawner - Krystal Dreams (Marcus L Remix) [2004]
- Perfect remix to the great original. I simply have nothing to add. Where did a tune like this appear? Please let me know... I know that Markus L didn't cut any slack to himself while making this. He created a sad yet summery tune, adding a bunch of things to the original mix, which might be a better party tune. This however, is a better trance tune overall.
- 12. Push - Strange World (2000 Remake) [2000]
- Sort of repetitive, yet there's not much to add. One of the finest female vocal samples of all time for sure and an ominous atmosphere. Is the track overrated would be the ultimate question? Not badly. It deserves to be on every trance top list. It doesn't get old. It was made 11 years ago and still sounds incredible. I recently heard the Original Album Mix, which was intresting as well. The little number that started it all and it got this far.
- 13. Robert Nickson & Daniel Kandi - Rewire (Original Mix) [2008]
- Probably the most dynamic trance track ever made. It's just plain technical. Incredibly sharp and pounding bass kick (sounds like an axe hacking a tree), an amazing multilayered bass with separate detailed effects and still such a sophisticated and beautiful harmony? Weird.
- 14. ALT+F4 - ALT+F4 (Original Mix) [2004]
- One of the best trance productions from Finland, this utterly likable track struck many of my friends, who didn't even like trance in the first place. ALT + F4 combination means shutting a software in computer basically and that's probably where the name comes from. Because it's a 1 project artist that shuts down right after the project is complete. Clever ;p.
- 15. Moogwai - Viola (Original and Tek^Tonik mixes) [2000, 2005]
- No, I did not add Armin's mix. I know it's the most valued but.. lets just have an argument once in a while. I thought that Armin's mix lost the idea of the original, while Tek^Tonic remix kept it and even enhanced it.
- 16. Airbase - Ocean Realm [2004]
- A mysterious and thrilling track. For me, it's much more intresting than Escape, another hit from Airbase.
- 17. Saltwater - Serenity (Alphazone Remix) [2005]
- Alphazone's best work, I think and sadly, it's left to void. No-one really knows about the track. It's ridiculously dark and euphoric at the same time. Exhilaration to the maximum.
- 18. Flutlicht - The Fall (Original Mix) [2002]
- This "sequel" to Icarus has one of the best arpmelodies I can think of. I like the Deep Fall mix as well when it peaks but it's a little bleak. This is Flutlicht's best work and immediately after hearing this in a game movie I needed to find the track but didn't for years. Finally around 2009 I found out what the track was when I got to asking around.
- 19. Flutlicht - Icarus (Original Daedalus Mix) [2001]
- This is the track that started it all for Flutlicht. Some may call this track a bit cheesy but I don't care. It's still a great track. 2Players Remix of The Fall clearly imitates the simple 1-tone melodic pattern from this, which really doesn't need any adjusting in Icarus for some strange reason.
- 20. Nitrous Oxide - Aurora & Sunny Lax - Reborn (Nitrous Oxide Remix) [2009]
- The two best tracks by Nitrous Oxide.
- Aurora is an unforgettable and underrated tune. Perfectly timed exceptional trance effects, mysteriously progressing chords and bouncing pluck synths. The track is beautiful, atmospheric and emotional in a twisted way. I've never heard anything like this before. The track ranked #14 in Manuel Le Saux's Top Trance of 2009 -list. Also, this is where I noticed Sunny Lax getting left behind. His remix is really awful in comparison to this.
- Reborn is another remix breakthrough from Nitrous Oxide. Like Aurora, it's a heavy tune but not exactly hard trance by definition. Unlike Aurora, it's not emotional but it's twisted and atmospheric.
- 21. Thomas Bronzwaer - Resound & Look Ahead [2007, 2009]
- I really love Sean Tyas remix's variation to the original melody in Resound but otherwise the original rocks more. Resound has one of these fast but coherent arpeggio sawleads and it's a very memorable melody too. Respect to Thomas for keeping this type of trance alive for a bit longer.
- Look Ahead is just as good as Resound with a recognizable sound. I watched an interview with Thomas a long time ago, which was funny to watch, where he talked about Look Ahead. It's a pretty simple track but definitely a professionally executed blast of inspiration as well. Deep bassline, lovely energetic progression, which never seems to end. It's no wonder why this got to annual ASOT album. Probably the last with a scent of quality in it.
- 22. Cold Blue - Mount Everest (Original Mix) [2009]
- This track is named just right. It will take you to a journey that you will love, even if you hate travelling, like me. It's going to be chilling thrilling ride to the top of the mountain. Cold Blue is a pretty new name popping around some of the major uplifting trance labels around.
- 23. Nitrous Oxide - North Pole (Original Mix) [2006]
- North Pole is one of the man's best tracks. It's probably his ultimate classic work which might even be responsible for creating that N20 sidechained sawbass, often used today, in a cheesier manner unfortunately by artists like Adam Nickey.
- 24. Gaia - 4 Elements (Extended Version) [2000]
- My personal favourite from Armin van Buuren. Blue Fear and Viola Remix usually take the spot in most "Greatest trance music" lists but this deserves a spot here as well. 4 Elements is a calm track, where things don't happen so obviously or aggressively. I love the water drop and thunder sounds, which create "elements" as the track is named.
- 25. Algarve & Cold Blue - Sakura (Original Mix) [2008]
- I think I accidently found this track by YouTubing some trance tracks. Then it was removed or I cannot recall if it was even YouTube. Anyways, I luckily found it. It's sort of a "fantasy" trance track. Very experimental and brave, it's really something to be heard. Has a groovy bassline, reminding me of Endre - Kallocain a bit with rules of its own. N2O's remix is more appriciated but not by me.
- 26. Solar Stone - Solarcoaster [2002]
- Initially wasn't into Solar Stone's music but the man has made pretty damn impressive tracks. Solarcoaster is the second best I've heard from him, slightly behind Seven Cities (Atlantis Mi).
- 27. Alphazone - Flashback (Original Mix) [2004]
- Flashback is a childhood memory for me. Even more than Rockin. It's a very bright and hopeful track that brings joy to energy loving people. Well, it can't be really up there, since it's a little bit cheesy and hard trance 8). Although mostly I listen to melodic hard trance but not the cheesy tracks. But it's one of the best of hard trance, no arguments I think. Generally I know what the genre sounds like and this is what it actually should sound like.
- 29. Bart Claessen & Dave Schiemann - Madness (I Prefer This Mix) [2008]
- A show of skill is what this is. Hard banging reverbed kick, great tribal percussions and crazy detailed powersynths that keeps the mood up and rocking. An exclusive experience, at first I simply glanced at this thinking "oh, boring, typical progressive stuff" afterwards realizing how wrong I was. More like tribal/uplifting mashup.
- 30. Robert Nickson - Spiral (Original Mix) [2004]
- One of Nickson's classic tracks that made it to one of the first ASOT albums. Also one of Nickson's most respected tracks. This is a bit melancholic in my opinion, not just happiness and it's easily recognizable by the leading string. Armin stated this as one of his favourites or so I remember.
- 31. Dallas Superstars - Higher (Long Version) [2006]
- Never heard of this track? Well Paul van Dyk insisted on having it in his own compilation and it's been hunted by DJs even before its release. It's arguably epic trance by definition with its own kind mood.
- 32. Nu NRG - Dreamland (Original Mix) [2002]
- Dreamland is the best of Nu NRG. Sort of a controversial track with 2 themes. Build-up is about happiness and climax goes to the more serious dimension. One of the 2 theme varying tracks that I've put here.
- 33. Miikka Leinonen - Shadow Hearts & Ill Behaviour [2007, 2008]
- Shadow Hearts is a light but inspiring little uplifting piece. It's not technically amazing as some of the instruments are sort of thin. Anyways, it creates a memorable, gentle melody and a dreamy mood which you can only try to recreate.
- Ill Behaviour is often confused with Galactic Evolution. I mean the 7:03 long mix that was on the FIVE AM release. Can't find it on YouTube so it's another track that's just left in the garbage can. It's very similar to ALT + F4 - ALT + F4, only a darker version. Since both of them are Finnish productions, ALT + F4 probably acted as inspiration to it.
- 34. 7 Skies & Static Blue - Central Park (Original Mix) [2008]
- Trance is dead? Dead my ass. This track has an incredibly clean sound, superb harmony and driving melody. I like the cop siren sounds around the breakdown and the electronic guitar brings at least semi-acoustic content to the otherwise fully electronic track. 7 Skies is a pretty known name on trance forums and Static Blue is not unfamiliar either.
- 35. Mike Foyle - Firefly & Pandora [2007, 2008]
- Mike Foyle nails it down. He's a good pianist who experiments and succeeds. I don't really know if anyone creates "pianotrance" but at least Foyle is one who does. It's pretty clear that he can play the instrument well and not just play but compose. Firefly is heavily in the minor scale and sounds serious. It could definitely play as a soundtrack in a movie or something similar.
- Pandora uses a similar style, perhaps even more experimenting than Foyle's previous work with all the percussive fx. It's sort of gamey, creating a positive, likable theme all-around.
- 36. PROFF - Tell & Sergey Tkachev - Alien & Butterfly [2010]
- Progressive/uplifting trance mashups, both of them and the result is really quite something in my opinion. Tell has a slow and conventional but surprising build towards the climax carried by tight percussion, light plucks, piano, vocal pads and a deep and beautiful female shout executed in a similar fashion and power to Humate's Love Stimulation. Results in that retroish Anjunadeep mood with extra uplifting drive.
- Alien & Butterfly is a very sweet track. Also a very big brave bite to swallow by Tkachev. Perhaps the name implies some kind of meeting by the alien and butterfly or 2 themes in the track, butterfly definitely being the friendlier one while alien is the more "conquering" one, like people fear. I think I have yet to see a more brilliant mix of themes in trance music. Makes you think that just when the alien comes with his UFO with bad intentions, it sees a beautiful butterfly and just flies away to its own home planet. This is how the track makes me think.
- 37. Super8 & Tab - Won't Sleep Tonight (Original Mix) [2006]
- Dark vocal trance in the flesh.. I mean waveform. Maybe I'm a little messed up in the head but this may be their best work. They have other good works like Elektra, Black is the New Yellow and some remixes. But no, this one fits in my list. Negative thing about the duo is that they can get a bit lazy with their productions. Tracks like Madness (Remix) or Delusion are not really their max potential.
- 38. Mat Zo - Fractal Universe & Lucky Strike [2009]
- A name recently praised but has been under critique as well, even my own. Mat's definitely talented and makes fantastic sounds and emotions of his own. Only minus would be his constant minimalism or light sounds which can pale in comparison to some of the heavier tracks there are. My opinion is that his best productions pale to the best of other Anjunabeats artists such as Sunny Lax's first releases or Nitrous Oxide's. Daniel Kandi mentioned him a promising newcomer, which he is.
- 39. Temple One - Sahara Nights (Original Mix) [2009]
- First purchase from Enhanced Recordings. Haven't really been too keen on them but they're really drawing a lot of big names, which definitely means something. Anyways, I heard this while listening a TATW podcast and was desperately trying to find out what the track was at that time, as I was looking for new competent trance music.
- 40. L.S.G. - Netherworld (Oliver Prime Remix) [2005]
- Even though I'd gladly add the Original Remix before any other remix by far, Oliver Prime managed to keep the spirit alive and he deserves his name here. Oliver Prime's mistake is that he didn't use most of the samples from the original track so the track is a bit shallow. It's still a great although a bit weird achievement, in this case the "weird" not making any damage. The ambient -like outro of the track sounds necessary to me. Relaxing for a minute after the beat and keep floating in the ambiance.
- 41. Airbase - Escape (Original Mix) [2006]
- Probably Airbase's top hit but not his best in my opinion, which goes to Ocean Realm. Airbase is one of the artists that not everyone likes. I've seen comments like "Airbase doesn't have anything great or original in his tracks although he has made some good tracks". What the?! Regardless of what the snob punks say, Escape goes here. I heard the track probably around 2006-2008 for the first time and remembered how great it was a couple of years later.
- 42. Ernesto vs. Bastian - Thrill & Laserbrain (Spicey Rework) [2008, 2009]
- Difficult to summarize what genre these tracks represent. They're trashy, progressive and epic. For older generation tranceaddicts, this probably shows as a middle-finger but as a little trance producer myself, I can tell that there's great effort behind them. Great rework by Spicey on Laserbrain too.
- 43. Alphazone - Rockin (Original Mix) [2003]
- One of Alphazone's greatest hits, no question about that. Pretty much like Flashback, I don't really have much to add. Great oldschool with a trademark named "Alphazone". First time I heard Alphazone, I thought that they were one of the top DJ's around.
- 44. Jorn van Deynhoven & Temple One - Halo (Jorn van Deynhoven mix) [2010]
- A tune I've been listening very much recently and wanted to place it on top 50. It's soft, simple and epic but driving which is something that many can't respect. Fabulously rare to find a tune like this in 2010. Now it's 2012 and it's probably just impossible
- 45. Lemon & Einar K - Anticipation & RAM - Ramsterdam (Jorn Van Deynhoven Remix) [2008, 2009]
- Definitely trance. Most people would say that Jorn Van Deynhoven stole the whole idea and lead synth from Lemon & Einar. I'd say he took the melody on a whole new different level. Both are very powerful tracks nevertheless. Ramsterdam remix is incredibly pounding and well mixed. It was a real hit in 2009.
- 46. Tranquility Base - Oceanic (Original Mix) [2007]
- Honestly the best anthem by Above & Beyond. They have plenty of good ones like Volume 1, Buzz and Razorfish but they made an even better track after these 3. Initially Sean Tyas' mix was the right one for me but it's a little too "Tyas" and overdone again. This keeps things in balance.
- 47. Hydro Aquatic - Hydrosphere [2008]
- A moody and a little twisted trance track made by a new artist from Poland. I've heard a few of his records and they're clearly N2O influenced. Hydrosphere has a lovable and progressive piano melody, epic choir-pads and a very nice crunchy bassline. Weirdly, the track reminded me a bit of American Beauty's soundtrack. Just that the piano melody has something similar to it.
- 48. Peran Van Dijk - Good Time [2001]
- Can't believe I've forgotten this tune. It has a kind of retro mood with a driving euphoric mood, which even I as a non-dancer would probably dance to.
- 49. Onova - Platitude (Original Mix) [2007]
- Perfect name for this track. I think the message is in its name. There's platitude everywhere. The track's beat is standard but the other instruments and composition are not. It's simple, beautiful and a little repetitive. But I like hearing it out often, when in bad mood.
- 50. Stacccato - Changes (Vince the Saint vs. Villa Club Mix) [2004]
- Last in the top 50, I'm sure no-one has ever even heard of this track but I've had it for years and it's for sale online. Cool clubby track with a wonderful bassline layered with a typical Benassi sawbass and a deep abstract main melody. It's sort of a messy mix of psychedelic, tech and uplifting. Only 2 things I don't like. One is that it's a remix, which it shouldn't be. Doesn't really sound anything like the original (trashy eurotrance). Second thing is that silly sawbass. Doesn't sound very well worked-on. Anyhow, a very good tune that no-one knows, this mix not even on YouTube.
- Breakfast - The Sunlight (Original Mix) [2007]
- Breakfast is name sometimes popping around. The Sunlight is a wonderful track and far from generic. It doesn't need a superhard kick to work as an uplifting piece.
- Cressida - Onyric (Stoneface & Terminal Remix) [2009]
- S&T continued to use the "Blueprint" -style successfully, making an even smoother beat and very nice track progression. The bright melody is very easy to remember because it's so darned good, especially with S&T's brilliant mixing and layering. Better than original, which is not to say it's bad either.
- E-Nomine - Schwarze Sonne (Talla 2XLC Remix) [2003]
- Epic track. Talla 2XLC, however annoying it is to write that nickname, is an oldschool trance producer by now. Heard this years ago as a kid and this track is really intense. Perfectly blended vocals and build-up.
- Stoneface & Terminal - Another Day (Original Mix) [2006]
- One of the duo's best tracks for sure, Another Day is a mysterious track that craves for attention, which it gets from me. It's very similar to Airbase - Ocean Realm, which is higher on this list but not exactly a copy. It's eccentric, moving and smart. All the track tries and needs to be.
- Arksun - Arisen (Original Mix) [2006]
- This is a very long trance track but it doesn't always bother me. It has a trademark lead synth and the melody that comes from it. I believe if this trance idea would've been released around the 90's, it would be legendary by now. Reason it's not in the top 50 is because it has aged very badly. It does have a great composition but it doesn't stand out that well anymore even with its brilliant ideas.
- System F - Exhale [2001]
- I really don't appreciate Ferry Corsten always repeating the same style. Madagascar remix (supersaw), Gouryella's many tracks (supersaw), Out of the Blue (supersaw) and finally Exhale (supersaw). This is still good, can't deny it. I like it more than Out of the Blue and equally to Gouryella - Gouryella. Something more mystic about this track than his former works.
- Selu Vibra - Divine (Original Mix) [2006]
- A nice track suggested to this list and it's very welcome. Divine is a deep uplifting track with a powerful drive. Sebastian Brandt liked Ludvig Holm's track called Stargazing and decided to make Divine in a similar manner. Works even better than Stargazing after hearing it.
- Glensk - Polish Pierogi (Juventa Remix) [2010]
- One of those tracks that randomly peek out of the generic radio's crap and fly up to the sky, ultimately clean. This has to be the most random name given to a trance track as well. Polish Pierogi? It has a very smart and edgy lead melody and bass pattern. Infrasonic Records is a promise for consistently good sound quality, like Enhanced or Anjunabeats but mostly releases bland music. Only not this time. This is worth a purchase.
- Fire & Ice - Tour De Trance (Original Mix) [2008]
- Airwave is a part of Fire & Ice, that is probably one of the most respected aliases in the history of anthem trance. No wonder why this track is so great. Manuel Le Saux's remix is probably the weakest of the lot while DJ Fire remix is a more calming experience. Anyways, I think the Original beats them all.
- Paul van Dyk - Nothing But You (Original Mix) [2003]
- Just changed Netherworld (Oliver Lieb Remix) to this. Don't know why I even added it. Personally I don't think there's anything WRONG with this track although people tend to complain about it. Good vocals and harmony, I think this deserves an add, even if it isn't PvD's best.
- Art of Trance - The Horn (Original Mix) [2011]
- Maybe not uplifting by definition, more like experimental acid trance. But it's thrilling and driving, which is something that goes here. One of Simon Berry's newest works and it's just weird in a very good way. He uses his old style and manages to make it seem like it's classic trance. The track uses soundtrack from "Perfume: Story of a Murderer" or at least its vocals. Very nice sampling and the horn? Takes your spine away.
- Bjorn Akesson - Painting Pyramids (Original Mix) [2011]
- Had a hard time getting used to listening to this to be honest but it finally worked for me. Clearly it's been influenced by music a little more from the eastern side of the planet. It's nothing too serious but it's good and made it to ASOT's annual album, which makes it something at least though the album gets worse every single year.
- Plastic Boy - Silver Bath [2002]
- A very big downfall from Push but still one of his most memorable works. It just sounds it's getting really old and Strange World isn't nearly as much. Anyhow, not saying much about the track so far. Silver Bath may have gotten old by now but it has one of these very well known trance climaxes, which rocked the floor in its time.
- Art of Trance - Mongoose (Tek^Tonic Remix) [2004]
- Art of Trance and Tek^Tonic is one of the most amazing combinations I've seen. Art of Trance creates some of the most controversial trance works to date. He often makes "video game trance" and incredibly atmospheric music while doing that. He knows how to do that better than anyone.
- Armin van Buuren - Shivers (Alex M.O.R.P.H Red Light Dub Mix) [2005]
- Note: I REALLY SUGGEST the 6 minute version from Armin's 10 Years album. The 9 minute version can be just utter pain. Almost 5 minutes of just building up. I mean, what?! Anyways, the 6 minute version is totally worth it.
- Barthezz - On the Move (Original Mix) [2001]
- On the Move is a total exception in the list. I can't take the track's brightness too seriously but because it's simply just so unique and adorably cute, it HAS to be somewhere here.
- Hydro Aquatic & Vir2l Vision - Vigor (Cold Blue Remix) [2010]
- MonsterTunes is a fitting label for this list as well. Even more with Cold Blue. He beats the original mix and creates a movie epic track, using his trademark lead from Mount Everest. Great stuff again.
- Bobina - More than Love (Heatbeat Remix) [2009]
- I liked the radio version more. Somewhat a lacking track, maybe going to that "video game trance" -style but what's wrong with that? It's driving, uplifting and positive.
- ATN - Miss a Day [2004]
- Quite likely a classic now. It's not one of the ultimate tracks ever made, nonetheless it sounds good. It might be just a little bit quickly made if anything.
- JayB - Eleven Thirty (Suncatcher Remix) [2010]
- Good stuff here. Suncatcher may not be a brilliant producer overall but this is clearly a great clubby trance tune. Original mix is okay as well except that it sounds too thin. This is the blood-pumping and aggressive version that makes my own skin go chicken right away. Build-up is not perfect but after the breakdown, intresting things start happening..
- Sean Tyas - Lift (Rework) [2006]
- Can't imagine adding this to the top 50 but Tyas is a good artist, I have to admit, this being one of his best works. He's often called one of the best trance remixers around as he goes on making solid hard uplifting tunes.
- But.. he's not really a highly original artist neither technically or artistically. I just don't like his generic style. Often tasteless and overdone phaser or flanger effects and supersweeps that make your head spin 360 degrees like in The Exorcist. Tyas still has a talent and I'm hoping he evolves and learns to make a bit more subtle trance music.
- Cape Town - Albatros [2008]
- May not be on par with most of the tracks but it's a pretty good track. Technically it doesn't sound like it was made in 2008 so that's why the big minuses. Composition-wise it's a witty tune.
- Saviour - Solarflare (Both mixes) [2004]
- A very unfamiliar trance release which I just happened to find on Platipus Euro and it's very hard to buy online anymore since Platipus is dead. Right now Spotify has it though. I can't pick my favourite mix. Original is darker and Satori Remix is perhaps a bit more furthered but.. something is right and something is wrong with both. Very good tracks anyhow.
- Robert Nickson - Circles (Andy Blueman Remix) [2009]
- I think that both Nickson's and Blueman's works are wonderful tunes with different tones. Original is definitely darker and more suspenseful, while Blueman's mix is technically more impressive overall. I think that the Original is too hard for your ears. Depends on the mood which I like to listen but I think Blueman did a better job than Nickson in this case.
- Tiddey - Taylla (Original Mix) [2009]
- Semi-hard uplifting trance, Taylla is a power tune, nothing really wrong with it. Twisted chords and a very unusual melody that keeps suspension up. Otherwise a pretty standard trance track just quite perfectly made.
- Juventa - Dionysia (Original Mix) [2011]
- Huge boomy tune with that deep uplifting drive I'm looking for. One of the most well mixed & mastered tracks I've heard in my life as well. Didn't think that trance could turn itself around since 2008.
- Giuseppe Ottaviani & Stephen Pickup - No More Alone [2008]
- Quite amazing trance music to be honest. Heard it like 2,5 years ago and it hasn't aged badly at all. In these modern false trance days nothing like this could ever get a release.
- Sean Tyas - Ivy [2009]
- Have to say that it's at least on par with Lift with much more composition.
Nice idea for a list. Although this list has some nice songs, I personally think the better trance songs are made between 1990-2001. After that, trance began to sound gimmicky (like pop music). I rarely hear good new trance songs (it's only my opinion), but I'll give the ones on your list a listen. I know Ascent, and think it's a pretty good song. Also take a listen to some songs by Aurosonic, like Hawaii. Pretty good imo. Oh yeah, Estuera is pretty good too, with songs like Castamara, Tales From The South, Travels and Flow.
Keep up the list
Thanks, I'll take a listen.
I've never liked the older trance in general. However, I love tracks like Love Stimulation (PvD Love Mix), L.S.G - Netherworld (Original) or Gouryella - Gouryella. Tracks like Greece 2000 or Acperience however, are hardly "great". I mean they sound good but Greece 2000 is so ridiculously monotonous and simple that I can't understand where people get the idea of putting it on "Greatest trance tracks" -lists. Responsible for creating a trance sub genre? I don't know nor care for that matter. Compare Greece 2000 to Thomas Bronzwaer - Resound for instance. Now, there's a big time and technical difference but is Greece 2000 an outstanding idea? Not really. 2 bars that repeat. Another example is The Age of Love (Jam&Spoon), which I like but it's highly overrated.
But.. I agree that trance is no longer trance. There's almost no chance to hear anything good out there anymore on the radio so fuck it. I was never old enough to hear out some of the good stuff back in the day on the radio.
Hmm, Greece 2000.. You just took one of the songs I really love. It sounds simple, but OK. Trance songs don't need to have many layers for it to sound interesting. The melody in Greece 2000 sounds a little out of pass, but it really isn't. This is a cool feature of the song. But hey, those are only our opinions. I think I listen to trance for over 4 years now, I was born in the early 90's, the beginning years of trance. I also never heard the stuff on the radio, only later stuff like Gouryella and Robert Miles - Children. I started off with songs by Hyrdoid (Greek Trick & The Eternal) and Scoop - Drop It. I thought these songs were awesome when I first heard them. I heard Age Of Love, but didn't like it at first. I listened to it a few more times, and I loved it. Just a matter of time.
Greetings.
No denying that Greece 2000 is a good tune. It's a chilling and clean mix but it's one of those tunes that I'd prefer listening shortened (Radio mix). I can't find Aurosonic's Hawaii. I also liked Estuera.
Hi, I respect your list. When I was an avid following of the "modern generation" Trance, I was listening to similar songs that you have on there. Blueprint by Stoneface & Terminal used to be my favorite track when I first heard it. Ah, back in the 2008 days when I was really into the Armin stuff.
You say you don't like the old school sound, but you have Alphazone - Flashback on there, which is clearly old school by now. Also, have you ever heard these?
Gouryella - Walhalla [1999] (I think it was 1999)
Selu Vibra - Divine
Majai - Lightwave (Airbase Dub Mix)
The Quest - C Sharp
Rank 1 - Airwave
Pulser - Cloud Walking (Astral Mix)
Solar Stone - Seven Cities (Atlantis Edit)
TasteXperience - Summersault
How could you not like these tracks? It ponders to me. How is Airwave commercial? It was underground and obscure before it became commercial. The original mix, that is.
I was just like you when I only liked newer club Trance tracks, with the higher and sharper sound quality. But do you ever find yourself getting bored of the new tracks rather easily and fast? It might be in your best interest to listen to the 1995-2002 era again. For there are tracks that are Euphoric & Epic, that come in different flavors than your average "fluffy" euphoria. Do you know the "dark" side of euphoria? It's when euphoria is still maintained, but with a darker, moodier, and dramatic/emotional tone to it.
This applies to :
Goldenscan - Sunrise (Tiesto Remix)
Jan Johnston - Flesh (Tiesto Remix)
Agnelli & Nelson ft. Aureas - Holding Onto Nothing (Paul Van Dyk Edit)
Delerium - Heaven's Earth (Matt Darey Remix)
^ I hope you find serenity in these songs here. They are fantastic abstract layered songs with high quality production.
As for melodic....
Tiesto - Sparkles (Original Mix)
As for "modern day sound..."
Cerf, Mitiska, & Jaren - Light The Skies (Retrobyte's Classic Electrobounce Mix)
Lange ft. Sarah Howells - Out of The Sky (Kyau vs Albert Remix)
Mat Zo - Lucky Strike
John O Callghan ft. Josie - Out of Nowhere (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
Arctic Moon - Adelaide (Original Mix)
Afternova - Serenity (Andy Blueman Remix)
Trance Arts - Twisted Tales (Original Mix) <---- very good track
Hopefully something that I put up for you strikes a positive cord with you. I understand how you feel, almost everywhere you go you see "Top ### Trance Tracks" and all you find are "classics" from 1990-2002 with the same old "retro era" of Trance, and you were trying to do something different. I respect that, as there are not a lot of people who have the guts to admit that new Trance has it's shiny side as well. And I admit, modern Trance is indeed pretty good and should not be entirely neglected. Before I appreciated old school classics, I first appreciated modern day.
I just want to say that your list is very great and it takes guts to do something different than what the average elitist old school Trancers would all hop on the wagon about. That's respect, man.
In any case, that's not to say you shouldn't overlook the entire classics/old school era, as there are amazing tracks that you'll find which are literally mind blowing. Tracks that will send you into another world, with a stronger and more emotional expression than any new track nowadays can ever be produced. Try searching up the "Sunrise (Tiesto Remix)" by "Goldenscan" and give it a listen. Do your best to imagine yourself in the atmosphere of that song. It's clearly nuts but amazingly artistic and abstract.
Again just wanted to say, keep up the great work buddy. Your list is considerably respectable.
Hey, thanks for your reply. I do like some old school trance music, of course. Thing with this list is that I'm having a difficulty really explaining what I'm looking for. First of all, tracks have to be made since 2000 since most lists are about tracks before that year. That is not to say I hate old school trance though.
List is looking for something serious sounding, emotional or if neutral, it has to be clever, 100% onwards driving, melodically or harmonically complex (which is what old school mostly lacks in lead melodies), not too happy but not totally depressing either, modern and timeless and production wise distinct if possible. Something you might call deep and driving uplifting trance, not just uplifting, which can mean pretty much anything. I'm talking about tracks that you put in a playlist as a DJ for that right moment in the club. Something that can release all the energy that the other slower, progressive tracks before were building. Something that isn't bound to become popular or overplayed but hopefully very well respected. Get that? ;).
I'm familiar with Pulser, Solar Stone, Gouryella, TasteXperience. Majai or Selu Vibra (Divine sounded very good) don't ring a bell as of before. Rank 1 - Airwave is definitely commercial trance music along with Goyryella's most stuff (Tiesto & Corsten). Only track I took seriously from the duo was their first to be honest. Other ones didn't go nearly as deep imo. I have a few commercial exceptions on the list like System F - Exhale and PPK - Resurrection (latter probably replaced soon). I'm not really into Tiesto. I like Elements of Life and Suburban Train most probably. Also, I said no vocal trance or happy/morning trance in most cases. Just a few exceptions there too.
I went through your tracks, half of them familiar and I'm considering Mat Zo's Lucky Strike and Selu Vibra's Divine. However before Lucky Strike, I'd probably add Fractal Universe from Mr. Zo. The Found is also on par but it's slightly restless with the vocal sounds.
that's awesome that you know of JayB. Look at my list and you can see I have one JayB song in there as well as some more info at the bottom of my post (a link to part of a song that he NEEDS to make into a full track). Other than that looks like our lists have no overlap.. Please check out my list--I put many hours of listening and thought into it :) I'll check this list out as well. Let me know if you add an of mine to your favorites list and I'll do the same.
http://www.listology.com/hyogen/list/connoisseurs-real-trance-musicprepa...
Registered for Darktremor's top trance list, did not care much about it until I saw this list
Anyways, here I have one suggestion:
DJ Merlin & C Bass - The Human Spirit [2005] [hard/anthem trance]