Thundersheep and Ayvuir's Top 50 songs in Trance and Electronica

Thundersheep's list
50. Air – Sexy Boy Genre – Electronica, Chillout Year – 1998

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wouKI_myXxk

Overview I’ll let you guys know something right now. I do not like Air. Everyone else with decent taste in music seems to think they’re great, but I’ve just never really been able to get into their music. This track however.. I really love. The bass is just killer, I’m sure if all other aspects of the song were removed, I’d still love this track. The vocals are kept light, which is always good in this type of music. Overall it’s just a really nice chillout track. I can’t really imagine anyone NOT liking this song, honestly. It’s just so chill.

Favourite Part I’m not really sure how to describe the sounds in this type of music, and I’m sure that will become a problem later, but my favourite part of this song would have to be the echoing sound that appears directly before the vocalist repeats “Sexy Boy” in each “chorus”.

49. DJ Shadow – Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul) Genre – Trip-hop, Instrumental hip-hop, Electronica Year - 1996

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujLzS2aXDJs

Overview This is the first song on my list that I would consider a classic. It is also where I drew the line for what I would consider electronic music. I find the song to sound incredibly hip-hop, but it contained just enough effects and DJ techniques to make the cut. The rest of the list will be decidedly more electronic than this track.

To start, I love how this track begins. It comes out swinging and the pace really does not let up until there is about a minute left. It’s pretty rare to hear organs in this type of music, and I find them to sound a bit weird in any type of music. But with this song it just works. Excessive scratching is also something I’m not particularly fond of, yet it doesn’t bother me much in this track. The drums and effects aren’t anything special; the organ melody makes the song. There isn’t really much else I can say about this song that you don’t already know by listening to it.

Favourite Part The organ solo that begins at 1:09. Just listen to it. It’s amazing.

48. Solarity – Laika (Original Mix) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZJX-M52atA

Overview Aww yeah, were getting into the Trance. First off, love the bass. It’s an incredibly danceable beat and I just can’t keep myself from moving once this track starts to play. Unlike most of the trance on my list this song doesn't contain any epic breakdowns, although it does have a couple really nice build-ups to keep things interesting. As I’ve said before, I’m not too great at identifying the names of sounds, but what I assume are the synths are definitely the highlight of this tune for me. I also really like the synth sounds they throw in roughly every 2 seconds starting around the 3:00 mark, they sound a little like voices to me, and I’ve always liked electronic sounds that mimic voices.

Favourite Part I think it’s obvious enough with this song, but the section starting at about 0:27 that goes on for a good 45 seconds after that.

47. Daft Punk – One More Time/Aerodynamic Genre – Wikipedia is telling me House. Alright. Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OXE8EmZoFM

Overview

My list is pretty deceiving right now as not many of the first tunes are really trance, I guess that just goes to show how much I love trance haha. Anyways, here we have Daft Punk, a group I could generally say I like. But that’s pretty much it. I’d enjoy listening to Around the World or Da Funk or whatever, but I never really loved any of them. Until I was on a plane one afternoon and I decided to look through the music library streamed on the plane. I started up Alive 2007 since it was the only thing that looked decent (afterwards I listened to a Kylie Minogue album iirc). Since I didn’t know most of the songs, I decided to just pick a pair which had a song I was familiar with first I settled on this track. Anyone who has heard Aerodynamic before can probably understand how my mind was blown when the guitar came in. Holy ****. That awesomeness of that still catches me off guard every now and then. I don’t really like either of these tracks by themselves (I immediately searched for Aerodynamic when I could) so this must be one of those greater than the sum of its parts situations.

Favourite Part

2:35 to... I don’t know, it goes on for over a minute.

46. Miss Jane – It’s a Fine Day (ATB Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 1999

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC5-T3Igug0

Overview

Can’t remember where I first heard this song. But I remember when I rediscovered it in a WoW video. I was pretty happy that day. This song just makes me feel good. Everything about it is just so happy and upbeat. The vocals are simply amazing, listen to the original Opus III track (YouTube) if you want to get chills. The beat stays pretty light, letting the magnificent vocals carry the song. I can’t really think of anything I dislike about this song, it doesn’t even go on too long. It ends as soon as it starts getting repetitive.

Favourite Part

The whole thing.

45. DJ Toxic – It’s Killing Me Genre – last.fm is telling me Euro Trance/House, I honestly don’t know. Year – 2003

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEeBoEZrYc0

Overview My friends all got into this hardstyle/hardcore phase for a while a couple years back. During that time they kept making me listen to a bunch of music I often didn’t like. But every once in a while there would be a track that I ended up really liking, this is one of them. It starts off with a really futuristic sounding beat (makes me think of an emergency on some kind of space shuttle) until the vocals hit. The vocals are cheesy, ridiculous, and performed by a male. I can’t tell you this is a good song with a straight face, but I just love the energy in the beat as soon as the vocals end, which fortunately doesn’t take long. The beat keeps a frantic pace with some seriously epic synths in the back, I just love it.

Favourite Part Exactly at 2:17, the energy just gets insane. I wish I could see how this song works live.

44. Blaqk Audio – Stiff Kittens Genre – Electronica Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1rs4byfv8o

''Desecrating our... sanctuaries.''

Overview AFI happens to be one of my favourite bands, when they announced Davey and Jade were going to make an Electronica group their side-project, I was pretty excited. This is the first song Blaqk Audio song I listened to, and it remains my favourite of theirs. Davey is a pretty exceptional lyricist, and although it might not show too clearly in this track, it’s obvious that the vocals were not simply an afterthought as they seem to be in so many songs in this genre. I might be a little biased by my love of AFI, but I think Davey vocals are great, and I can’t get enough of the electronic sounds they use, such as the keys you hear during the second verse.

Favourite Part From about 0:09 until the vocals begin. I love the rest of the song as well, but I could listen to that beat for the full 4 minutes by itself.

43. Reeves (Andy Duguid) – The Call of Loneliness Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMNoXgssiF0

Overview This is definitely a change of pace from the rest of my list so far. It’s a pretty mellow throughout with no crazy climax at any part of the song. One thing I really love is when the title of a song perfectly describes the tune itself, which happens to be the case with this song. There is no featured vocalist on this track so I assume “The Call” is sampled from another work. It fits perfectly with the light trancy beat. Not much else to say.. it's a really chill trance tune.

Favourite Part The keys that begin around 1:30 and the ensuing build-up.

42. Markus Schulz (as Dakota) – Johnny the Fox (Barnes and Heatcliff Remix) Genre – Progressive Trance Year – 2005 for the original track, remixed in 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRZpjKet7Jg

Overview Another progressive track for the list, and it’s definitely one of my favourites. The beat is just so funky. The bleeps and bloops (I honestly can’t think of a better way to describe them) that are omnipresent in this song, make it incredibly danceable. I first heard this track live when seeing Markus and I was getting down pretty much instantly. It’s one of those songs I just can’t listen to while sitting still. I just can’t do it. It stays pretty funky throughout and never slows down too much either.

Favourite Part It’s really subtle, but right when the bass comes in at 1:13 to start the build-up.

41. Little Boots – Earthquake (Ali Wilson Tekelec Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh8vi2DRRZ4

Every little earthquake, every little heartbreak going unheard....

Overview A little side note about genre. A lot of the tracks I label as simply “Trance” will probably fit into a couple other genres as well. In general what has been called progressive over the past several years is slowly becoming the standard in this genre, at least in my experience.

Anyways... This song is a bit of a guilty pleasure. I love Pop music, and I was somewhat impressed with Little Boots’ debut album Hands. It’s quite electronic, but not quite enough to make this list. Luckily for me I enjoy this remix just as much as any of the songs on her album. The background beat is pretty generic, but I love how it all sounds when they add the echoing “pings” which happens right as the vocals start around 1:30. The vocals definitely carry this song for me, but those little “pings” come in at a close second. They’re basically what I assume light itself would sound like.

Favourite Part It begins around 3:50 when they layer the chorus over her “Ahhhh”s in the background.

40. Flutlicht – Ahmea Genre – Trance Year – 2000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnSBMP_uLWs

Overview I first heard this song on di.fm a couple years back just listening to the Trance station. I wasn’t paying much attention to it at first, until the first breakdown (3:10) just completely floored me. I’m a sucker for uplifting trance and this is easily one of the most uplifting songs on my list. After the first breakdown it slows back down a bit before building back up again, complete with drum roll, etc. Standard trance fare. It’s pretty remarkable that it manages to go the full 8 minutes without dragging on at all, when there is no drastic change in the beat for the full duration.

Favourite Part 3:10-3:25, it’s beautiful.

39. Wippenberg – Pong Genre – Progressive House Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_3p8vmH7O0

Overview This song gets you excited from the first second, it starts on a build-up. It’s more evident in the clip I used because it’s not the full song, but it does in the extended mix as well. The drum beat changes to something that sounds like it's leading a cheer, complete with clapping-until the synth builds up to the amazing chorus. I can’t really describe why it’s so good, it just is. The beat of the song following that is pretty good too. It’s just a really cool song all around. And it’s called Pong.

Favourite Part 3:41, when they drop everything but the drum.

38. Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone (Tiesto Remix)

Genre: Trance Year: 2009

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCI3-4gDhQg&feature=related

Overview

I actually loved this song when it came out, yet had never heard this tiesto remix until someone mentioned it in the previous topic... fell in love with it straight away. It doesn't differ an incredible amount from the original except the bass line and a few nice trance-esque touches that Tiesto does better than most DJs. He just basically improved an already incredible song.

Favourite Part:

1:39 onwards. The main trance beat to the song kicks in with a really nice bass line. Beautiful.

38. John O’ Callaghan – Find Yourself ft. Sarah Howells (Cosmic Gate Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYLVsgWeN3c

Looking at life through a loaded gun you know you’ll find...

Overview For some reason I find the starting beat of this song is just plain badass. I really like how the low buzz/feedback contrasts with the drum beat. About a minute and a half in everything fades away to showcase some great vocal work by Howells. She just sounds great, she makes this track for me. What’s even better is that the lyrics are actually interesting. There are so many trance songs (even ones that I love) with completely meaningless lyrics. Not exactly the case with this one. Although it’s light on lyrics, I really enjoy the ones included.

Favourite Part Right around the 2:00 mark when she sings “Looking at life through a loaded gun”.

...and that's all for now. They're on my back now and I gotta jet.

37. Tegan and Sara – Back in Your Head (Tiesto Remix) Genre – Trance? Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ-PwPf6AhA

I just want back in your head...

Overview This song is just a perfect remix. Tiesto takes Tegan and Sara’s light hearted tune, and turns it into something dark and creepy. The awesome thing is that even though the original and the remix sound almost nothing alike, their voices remain basically the same in both versions. It’s definitely not your typical trance tune. I’m not even sure if it is trance, but it’s much different from anything else I have on this list. My favourite thing about the track is probably how it starts off really dark, but gets brighter as it goes on. When you listen to the chorus at the end, the entire tone of the song has changed. It’s pretty cool. I don’t have much to say about the production... I just love Tegan and Sara, and this song just sounds good.

Favourite Part Around 4:14 when the beat gets all happy.

36. Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone Genre – Electronica Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnBpUGmcsFo

But can you stay up for the weekend 'til next year...?

Overview Uhh... You should have already listened to this song and read Ayv’s writeup by now... I just prefer the shorter version of this track. Although I don’t mind the touches added by Tiesto, I don’t enjoy them enough to tolerate the length of the remix. Different strokes I suppose.

Favourite Part Pick a chorus, any chorus.

35. Cascada – Everytime We Touch Genre – Eurodance Year – 2005

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G6QDNC4jPs

'Cause everytime we touch, I get this feeling...

Overview No, I’m not joking. I’m also not going to tell you why this song is good... because I can’t. I just like it. Infectious beat, good...ish vocals, and uh... yeah. I just checked out the music video for the first time while looking for the link, it’s pretty interesting. So uh... just watch the video and then forget we had this conversation.

Favourite Part Where she’s dancing on the table.

34. Armin van Buuren – Shivers ft. Susana Genre – Trance, Progressive Year – 2005

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_RnvnRQtdo

''Don’t leave me.... love me.''

Overview So the world’s #1 DJ makes his first appearance on this list at #34. This title track from his second album happens to be one of the few songs on the album I really do like. It’s definitely what I would call a slow burner. The vocals begin around 1:30, yet only last for about 30 seconds before disappearing. The beat continues for about a minute, building up to the first chorus, which gives us just a taste of Susana’s powerful voice. It’s around the four and a half minute mark that the song really gets going. The song just gets better in virtually every way at this point. More prominent vocals, and better build-ups with the beat. It also has sing-along potential, which is always great. Being in a crowd of thousands singing about love is an experience in itself.

Favourite Part 4:51, I’m a sucker for moments like that in any trance tune.

33. Editors – Papillon (Tiesto Remix) Genre – I really don’t know, it’s just awesome Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPJ0aldeNW0

It kicks like a sleep twitch...

Overview Voted remix of the year (by yours truly), this track is just great from start to finish. “Back in Your Head” was a perfect remix by completely changing everything and turning it into a trance anthem (I use that term loosely). This is the other side of the spectrum, much like Tiesto’s “I’m not Alone” remix, this takes a pretty electronic track and just fine tunes it. This remix takes nothing away from the original and instead just adds subtle touches to improve virtually every aspect of the song. And the original was amazing too. I love the creepy vibe throughout the song, the lead singer’s voice just adds to that effect. Clocking in at 8 minutes it’s amazing that this track doesn’t drag down at any point either. Definitely one of the top 5 tracks in the genre this year (hint hint).

Favourite Part The build-up starting at 3:54, this song is so damn epic live.

32. Infected Mushroom – Suliman Genre – Psychedelic Trance Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuZNLKTUlsY

Overview Aww yeah, Infected Mushroom. The trippiness begins pretty much instantly with what I’m going to call “muting”, before some trademark weird ass vocals are heard. I wish I could explain the next couple minutes of the song, but I can’t. It’s weird, and it’s awesome.

Favourite Part 3:45 when the guitar kicks in and takes the track somewhere CRAZY.

31. Humate – Love Stimulation (Paul van Dyk Love/Club Mix) Genre – Classic Trance Year – 1993

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=632PB_lGL7g

Overview I first heard this song when I was a real trance newbie. I’m talking about the days where I would find music by typing “Trance” into Morpheus or Kazaa or whatever the big thing was back then. So I found this by searching Google for “The greatest Trance songs of all time”. This track was number one on a list of 400 songs. Obviously I don’t have the same opinion, but I still think it’s a pretty great tune. It really takes me to a different place as soon as I start listening to it. I get all this imagery of nature and stuff in my head and I’m instantly put into a “trance”, as some might put it.

Favourite Part 4:03, nuff said.

30. Simon Patterson – Bulldozer Genre – Trance, Tech Trance Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyCCsyU_nek

Overview This is such a massive tune. Tiesto has nothing to do with the actual track, he did not produce or remix it, I just used the video from his concert because the original 8 minute track doesn’t add anything special, and the three minute versions aren’t long enough. It really takes a bit to get going, but around the 1:20 mark it starts getting real good. I always got a really dark vibe from this track, so I thought it was awesome that the lighting in the video reflected that. But the climax, it’s just craziness. It’s one of those peaks where I was left with a feeling of “What the **** just happened?” after it was over. But it doesn’t end there. It just transitions to a really sick dance beat. Great track.

Favourite Part The chick’s face at 2:33. Don’t laugh. I’m serious. That right there is why I love trance music. The dude at 4:31 gets an honourable mention.

29. TIESTOOOOOOOOOOOOO (sorry, I had to do it) ft. BT – Love Comes Again  Genre – Trance Year – 2004

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIA7uzcjiTw

Overview I’m going to be honest with you guys here. This song could be in my top 5. The only reason it isn’t is because I’m not ranking how good these songs sound live. I’m a sucker for sing-alongs and this is the cream of the crop as far as those go. The actual track doesn’t begin until 2:20, I’m not sure which track the video starts with, but it’s pretty good so you might as well listen to that too. Lyrics are pretty standard, but the beat is pretty ridiculous (in a good way). I think it might even be good enough to stand on its own. But as I said before, the sing-along is what makes this track for me.

I mentioned before that Tiesto probably would have taken half the list if this was a raw ranking of favourites, so I decided to knock him down to one song from each album with a couple remixes and extras. This is the extra. There will only be 4 more songs from him on this list.

Favourite Part Either of the sing-alongs or the part following the second sing-along right at 5:50.

28. Gareth Emery – Exposure Genre – Trance, Progressive Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVmmuzZu384

Overview This track is special. It’s one of those tunes that you don’t even have to listen to in full to appreciate it. When you get to 0:44 you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ll admit, trance can be a pretty cheesy genre sometimes with its epic breakdowns and ridiculous climaxes, so I really appreciate producers that can take a good melody and create a great song from it without any of the added cheese (although I do love me some cheese every now and then). Gareth is probably one of the fastest rising stars in EDM right now along with Deadmau5 and Cosmic Gate... and it’s pretty easy to tell why after listening to this tune.

Favourite Part 4:07, for what should be an obvious reason once you reach it.

27. Infected Mushroom – Artillery Genre – Psychedelic Trance, Trip-Hop Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNV3tGpWrgQ (It’s not 10 minutes long, audio ends at 4:34)

With the ratatatata!

Overview Remember when I said Organ Donor was the least electronic sounding song on this list? Yeah, I lied. Infected Mushroom tend to use a lot of real instruments in their music as you probably heard on Suliman. There are even more instruments to be heard on this track, as well as a pretty heavy focus on vocals. You may notice that the vocals are provided by Canadian rap duo/group Swollen Members. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the group, but I liked Fuel Injected as much as the next guy. Their vocals work really well here, but the screaming vocals (I’m not sure who they’re done by) are the main highlight on this track. The more I listen to this, the less I think it’s appropriate for this list, but it’s a bit late now. Enjoy.

Favourite Part From about 3:12 to 3:42.

26. 4 Strings – Take Me Away (Into the Night) Genre – Trance Year – 2002

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faHomJimjLc

''Take me away... Forever you and me... ''

Overview I first heard this song on some version of DDR and fell in love with it after a single play. Everything about it is just so... beautiful. The lyrics, her voice, the beat... It’s incredibly soothing. When I listen to songs like this I just can’t understand why trance music isn’t more popular in North America. I understand people have short attention spans and maybe they can’t enjoy a seven minute epic, but songs like this can be appreciated by everyone no?

Favourite Part I don’t think I have one.

25. Ratatat – Wildcat Genre – Electronica Year – 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1H7vZYBeHc

Rawr.

Overview This song is like the embodiment of “cool”. Everything about it just sounds cool. From the twangy guitars and synth work, to the “Wildcat” itself... it all just screams cool to me. They make great use of echos throughout the song, although you may not notice it until after a few listens. The track is really kicked up a notch right before the two minute mark, and it even with several different sounds and melodies going on at the same time, it manages not to sound like a jumbled mess. From here it builds up to the climax, which is the best part of the song if you ask me.

Favourite Part 3:37 to about 4:07. Pure awesome.

24. Ian Van Dahl – Will I? Genre – Vocal Trance Year – 2001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kzh3Sz8kFs

Will I ever love you... again?

Overview So this is Ayv’s honourable mention that ended up making my list. It STARTED at #21, but many songs have moved around since I made this list and it now sits comfortably at 24. This happens to be the second song on my list that I discovered through DDR. I think I played it over 30 times the night I discovered it. The synths are the main highlight for me, but as with anything from Ian Van Dahl, the vocals are great as well. Simple song with great synths and good vocals. Try not to pay too much attention to the first 30 or so seconds of the video, it can get a little scary.

Favourite Part The synths that hit at 0:32 and every time after that.

23. Infected Mushroom – Deeply Disturbed (Infected Remix) Genre – Psychedelic Trance Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi3K7whmIng

Deeply disturbed... And I’m deeply unhappy...

Overview More Infected Mushroom? **** yes. I mean it’s pretty odd that they landed three songs on this list when I wouldn’t consider them anywhere near one of my favourite acts. I mean they’re going to be in Vancouver on the 18th and I couldn’t care less if I see them or not... but this song is amazing. It really gets going around the minute and a half mark and just builds from there. It contains some really nice breakdowns featuring some string instrument that I can’t quite identify... some kind of acoustic guitar maybe? Anyways, it’s good. We get some creepy vocals here and then the song builds up to “the part”. I’m not even going to indulge you with an explanation here, just get ready for one of the best minute minute and a half sequences you will ever hear in electronic music.

Favourite Part Don’t make me say it again.

22. Tiesto – Suburban Train Genre – Trance Year – 2001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfZCd-HFFrA

Overview So here is the first of four Tiesto tracks that were chosen from each album, this one coming from his 2001 artist debut In My Memory. This track epitomizes Tiesto’s sound in that era. Jeez. I’m finding it really hard to write anything about this song, which is quite odd given how much I like it. Just give it a listen and see what you think.

Favourite Part It’s all pretty damn good.

21. Oceanlab vs. Gareth Emery – On a Metropolis Day (Myon and Shane 54 Mashup) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9uTQawLvwQ

And it feels like me... On a good day.

Overview So here is the first of a couple mashups on this list. It’s sort of funny that I didn’t know this song even existed before I started putting this list together. Both of the individual tracks would have made this list around the 40s, but when I was looking for Youtube videos I happened to find this tune and decided to scrap the two components of it in favour of the mashup. I always just felt like something was missing from “On a Good Day”. The vocals were great, but I wasn’t too impressed by the music around them... Gareth Emery’s “Metropolis” seemed to be the perfect remedy for this. It took the best part of his tune, and used it in place of the worst part of their tune. The result? Well, listen for yourself.

Favourite Part Been talking to myself forever! 3:11.

20. Armin van Buuren ft. Chris Jones and DJ Shah – Going Wrong Genre – Trance Year – 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qEivYkgZM

No matter what is said or done, even if it’s going wrong...

Overview Male vocals often tend to be entirely hit or miss with me. They either actively annoy me, or I find them to be the best part of the song. I think it’s obvious what I think about Chris Jones’ performance on this tune. Upon my first listen of Imagine over a year ago, this is the ONLY track that stood out to me. Obviously after a couple more listens I realized the whole thing was pretty damn good, but this is still one of my favourites on the album.

Favourite Part 0:49, that guitar sounds so good. So, so good. It’s hard to tell exactly how good it sounds on Youtube, but you should all pick up the album anyway, it’s great. P.S. Jesus Christ Armin, spend more than 300 Euros on your official music video next time, god damn.

19. Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone Genre – Eurodance, Trance, Techno Year – 2000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKWEPx0eT8s

Do you think you’re better off alone?

Overview As you’re going to notice very soon as I continue with this list, I am extremely fond of techno crossover hits. I guess it’s because when I was younger I always thought the genre was awesome, but I could never find any good “techno” (I thought all kinds of electronic music were called techno), so whenever a song like this became huge and got radio/TV play, I’d love it. The main beat of this song is just so addictive, I could listen to it all day. I mean I’m sure none of you have forgotten it, no matter how long it’s been since you heard this song. The vocals are light, and competent. They add a lot more to the track, even if they don’t really go anywhere.

Favourite Part 2:27 to be exact. The music video is actually pretty good too.

18. Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff Genre – Progressive House Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU-VA3BYzmg

Overview I’ve never heard a beat that forces me to move more than the one in this song. That’s pretty much it. I don’t even know how to explain what I like about this song, it all just works. I literally can’t listen to it and sit still. I can’t do it.

Favourite Part From about 0:15 until the end.

17. James Doman vs. Red Carpet – Alright Genre – Uplifting House, Trance Year – 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC2pQePcfX8

My love for you will keep on rising... Everything’s gonna be alright.

Overview For the longest time I just knew this as the song during the end credits of “Keys to the VIP” I’d only get to hear about 15-20 seconds of it, and I didn’t even know it contained vocals, but I could tell that the song was awesome. Some years later I ended up watching Tiesto’s Elements of Life DVD and going crazy when I heard him play this song. Then I found out it’s actually a mashup. And it’s mashed up so well I get confused trying to think of which parts come from which song. Red Carpet released the track “Alright” and then James Doman took the lyrics and created the track “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and used completely different sound and rhythm for the piano... And then they were mashed. Anyways, the result is just damn good.

Favourite Part 3:18-3:32, it just sounds so cool. That sound is my favourite part of Red Carpet’s track.

16. Zombie Nation – Kernkraft 400 Genre – Electronica, Techno Year – 1999

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5LW07FTJbI

Overview Everyone knows this song. It’s already appeared on Ayv’s list so I don’t really have too much to add, other than the fact that I LOVE this song live. Just watch the music video again, it’s awesome.

Favourite Part 1:55-2:01. The whole underwater type sound trips me out.

15. Darude – Sandstorm Genre – Trance Year – 1999

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYxT9GM0fQ

Overview So... another song everybody has already heard. It’s really unfortunate that these all got grouped together around this point, but this is just how they happened to rank in my mind. Man did I love this song back in the day... I swear I even considered Darude my favourite artist for at least a couple weeks, even though this was the only song of his I liked. This tune is just straight up badass, it doesn’t quit. The energy just keeps building and building from the gate and doesn’t let up until it’s over. I love how the music video is exactly the same way, and once you think it’s coming to an end... it just busts out in a full sprint.

Favourite Part About 1:33 for that split second where it gets quiet and you hear the synths building back up again in the distance.

14. Cygnus X – The Orange Theme (Vegas Baby Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye5g9aXtdL0

Overview This is going to sound incredibly similar to the song “Clockwork” that appeared on Ayv’s list. It’s another take on the CLASSIC TRANCE ANTHEM “The Orange Theme” by Cygnus X. I think I’m at the point in my list where I can’t even nitpick about any of these tunes anymore, they’re all more or less perfect from this point on. All the elements of the tune just come together in the right way, with no added flack or filler. This song has 3 distinct (or maybe not so distinct) parts, each one incredibly similar, yet totally unique. The transitions between sections do a great job in keeping it from getting dull.

Favourite Part 1:48-1:58. I’ve never listened to this song while rolling before, but I figure this is one of those parts that would just sound trippy as hell, and I bet it would seem like that slowing down happened over the course of a couple minutes rather than a few seconds. I just know it.

13. Armin van Buuren ft. Cathy Burton – Rain Genre – Trance Year – 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3slAESYKCA

Rain...

Overview So we already know the main synths in this song are ****ing amazing. But what I also really like about this tune is the beat produced by what sounds like a xylophone type instrument. It reminds me of the tune in Muse’s song “Megalomania”. In that song the sounds were produced by drumming on human bones, which I don’t believe Armin used for this, but they sound great nonetheless. If he plays this in Vancouver next month, I’m positive I will go ape****. Or at least as ape**** as one can go to a song of this tempo.

Favourite Part So what if Cathy Burton looks a bit like a bloke? I’d still do her. That’s how much I love this song.

12. Cerf, Mitiska and Jaren – Beggin’ You (Armin van Buuren Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHqwDEPOv1Y

Take a look inside... I’m beggin’ you.

Overview If I’ve learned anything about music in 2009, it’s that pianos and trance music go well together. Yeah, maybe I should have known that already, but Armin really shoved this piano trance down our throats this year, and it was all really damn good. I believe Jaren is a relative newcomer to the trance scene, but she has quickly become one of my favourite vocalists in the genre. This track is easily my favourite from Armin’s Universal Religion 4, which is honestly one of the best compilation albums I have ever heard. I love being a fan of a genre that has such amazing releases year after year. The build-up around the 3 minute mark has to be one of my favourites on this entire list. And oh god, Jaren.

Favourite Part From 2:57 onward I guess.

11. 2000 – Binary Finary (Jam X and Dumonde Remix) Genre – Trance Year – 2000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZTpGsM2zYo

Overview Jesus ****ing Christ. This song took forever to find with the correct name/artists and everything. Even now I’m not completely sure it’s right, but I’m past the point of giving a ****. Until about a couple weeks ago when I watched a Ferry Corsten concert video (Creamfields 2009 iirc) I thought this was a song called “Trance Energy” by Tiesto. If you search that on Youtube you’ll find videos with over a hundred thousand views, which made it seem legit. Apparently the original track was called 1998 by Binary Finary, and then they remixed it in 1999 (Guess what that track was called?) and then once more in 2000. So then I had to figure out which original version of the track was used, and who remixed it... augh. I could go on complaining forever, but instead I’ll just give you the facts. This is the song that got me into trance music. I can pinpoint the exact moment in my life when I fell in love with trance for good and it was after hearing this song the first time. Honestly, that’s a whole ‘nother story that I don’t feel like getting into right now, and I’ve already went on pretty long. This song was my absolute favourite in any genre until well... last year, when I REALLY got into trance. This song is ****ing epic, that’s all I have to say.

Favourite Part The build-up at 2:59, so good.

10. Vince Nysse & NJ Hinton – Silver Water (Darren Styles Remix) Genre – Hardcore Year – 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9dcSqadvyE

Lightning strikes the silver water... A fire lights above my head...

Overview PUMP UP THE BPM, IT’S THE RETURN OF HARDCORE! Oh god I love this song. The vocals grab you instantly and the ridiculous pace keeps you in. My favourite thing about the hardcore genre is probably the fact that these songs just don’t stop. If you like the tune of a hardcore song 30 seconds in, you’re probably going to love the whole thing. This song was as high up as 14 a couple days ago before I realized exactly how much I like it. The vocal performance is second to none (or should I say second to one? *wink*) and I love the keyboard work in the background, as well as the high pitched synths. I don’t know how people could dance to this music for an entire night, but I definitely would not be opposed to DJs throwing in a song or two of this pace during their sets. Ridiculous energy.

Favourite Part 2:30 until the end of the song.

9. DJ Sammy ft. Do – Heaven Genre – Eurodance, Eurotrance Year – 2002

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuBmiu68ECU

''I’m finding it hard to believe... we’re in heaven.''

Overview Man, I may take some flak for this as Eurodance is seen as a pretty cheesy genre in general by trance critics, but this was an extremely easy choice for my top 10. This is my favourite vocal performance of all-time, seriously. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it, and my love hasn’t dipped even slightly since. The lyrics are beautiful, her voice is beautiful, this song is perfect.

Favourite Part It would be extremely hard for me to choose one.

8. Ben Preston – Glorious Genre – Trance Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyh5216rEuc

Overview Tune of the Year 2009, at least in my books. I think ASOT’s tune of the year vote this year was a joke, as 90% of the list was signed to Armada.. and a quarter of the list was Armin himself! But enough about that. I heard this song on Tiesto’s Club Life 138 podcast, and it’s one of the main reasons I still have that podcast on my iPod today, it’s probably the best one he’s ever released. I love absolutely every second of this song. The highlights for me are when the beat is dropped for the build-up, it sounds like light is breaking through the clouds from the heavens. I puts such a distinct image in my mind you would think I’ve seen a music video for this song or something, Amazing.

Favourite Part That would be precisely 2:18, or at least what begins there.

7. Faithless – Insomnia (Monster Mix) Genre – Trance Year – 1995

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T1plv7Z978

I only smoke weed when I need to, and I need to... (I already knew the lyrics, but I looked them up anyways to see if there was anything better to use, and that’s how I got the virus)

Overview Hah, fooled you didn’t I? There was no way I could leave this off the list entirely. It sort of blows my mind to know that there was trance this good made so long ago. As you’ve undoubtedly noticed by now I’m much more fond of the 2000s style of trance than what was big in the 90s, but this track is just top-tier. I mean if a vocal track can have me completely digging the song before any vocals are even heard, they’re doing something right. I don’t think anyone would say the vocals are the highlight of this track, but they definitely add a lot. It makes me a little sad I was too young for the scene during the time this track was released as the chances of me ever hearing it live are pretty damn low these days.

Favourite Part I can’t get no sleep...

6. Scott Brown – Roll the Track (Gammer Remix) Genre – Hardcore Year – I’m not sure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIF8HNS5Ygo

Overview The hardcore doesn’t stop here. Despite not even being trance, this is one of the most personally uplifting songs I’ve ever heard. I’m still not sure if I find this car objectively great, or if it’s just because of all the memories it brings up for me. My buddy has a SICK set-up in his car with 2 Kicker subs, so a couple summers ago we played the hell out of this song along with a ton of other hardcore tunes, but this one was always my favourite. I think the weirdest thing about this track and the vast majority of my top 20 now that I think about it... is that I’ve never even heard them while rolling. One of my buddies did have the pleasure of doing so, in said friend’s car one night and he said it was the best experience of his life, so I’ll take his word for it. I can’t remember what I was doing at the time (Another party at my place) but I probably should have gone with him. Anyways, the “horn” like sounds blaring in this song are the definite highlight for me, this song just gets me feeling good.

Favourite Part Every single time that horn blares.

5. Tiesto ft. Emily Haines – Knock You Out Genre – Tech Trance? That’s just a wild guess, I have no idea. Year – 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTN-F0tG4EM

''Somebody to rough you up... somebody to make it tough.''

Overview So with three Tiesto albums left, Kaleidoscope is the first to be knocked out in the top 5. Here is one of those songs where I knew it would be my favourite before even listening to it. It’s a collaboration between my favourite artist (Tiesto) and the lead singer of my favourite band (Metric), there was no way this could go wrong. It’s actually my most played song by far on this entire list, and it doubles the song in second. As with every song on Kaleidoscope this track sounds like it was made for Emily’s voice, she sounds right at home even though this is far from her regular genre. I really enjoy the lyrics of this song as well. I’m not sure what they all exactly mean in the end, but I love how they’re sung/spoken by Emily. It reminds me of Metric’s older style.

Favourite Part 0:21, yeah it’s a little weird but my favourite part is the second you hear Emily’s voice, it really sets the tone for the rest of the song.

Bonus Extended Version (But shorter than the original)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYKEws0g27E

I had a pretty hard time choosing between versions, as with the In The Dark Remix, the extended version of Knock You Out hasn't been released yet. I think I like this version more, but it that might just be because I've heard the original over 100 times.

'''4. Peter Martin Wijnia pres. Majesta – Not The End vs DJ Shah ft. Adrina Thorpe – Who Will Find Me (Armin van Buuren Mashup)''' Genre – Trance Year – Not sure, 2007 or 2008 probably.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OTi9KVVTzE

''Oh, who will find me...? In your midnight eyes?''

Overview So here is the second mashup on this list (sorry for the title), and man is it good. The beat in the opening couple minutes of this tune do a great job in disguising just how uplifting it is going to be. Armin shows his exceptional mashup skill here by turning two fairly average tunes into something amazing. Obviously since this is the top five, I believe this is an incredible performance on vocals with beautiful lyrics sung by Adrina Thorpe. Just a great uplifting tune here, I would love to hear this song live.

Favourite Part 2:22-3:04, it would be pretty hard for me to find a sequence of vocals I like more than that in ANY genre of music.

3. Tiesto – Elements of Life Genre – Trance Year – 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE7CXZ1Lyu4

Overview At #3 is my favourite song from my favourite Tiesto album, Elements of Life. I think of Elements of Life as Tiesto proving for that he’s a legend of trance, before he stopped producing it. The album as a whole is just perfect. I mean even the bonus track (He’s a Pirate) is ****ing amazing. But as a song Elements of Life is perfect as well. Relatively simple melody in an upbeat track, but it’s so distinct, you can’t forget it after you’ve heard it once. No part of the song dips in quality, and the build-up in the middle is great as well. This song was the definition of instant classic.

Favourite Part Probably 2:30.

2. DJ Hixxy – I See The Light Genre – Happy Hardcore Year – 2005?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl8pkyrYMoI

I see the light...

Overview Yeah, you read that right, happy hardcore. Last one, I promise. Vocals, vocals, vocals. I can’t think of any tune right now with more powerful vocals than in this song. They definitely make this tune for me. As with anything in the hardcore genre, the beat is set to a fairly ridiculous pace, yet they’re perfect for this song. I’ve listened to many versions of this, including the original which isn’t even electronic music.. and none of them compare. The speed, synths and kick drum all come together to showcase how great the vocals really are in this version.

Favourite Part 2:38 and the synths that follow it.

1. Tiesto – Forever Today Genre – Trance Year – 2004

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L6ys9l60MA

Overview Not even near Tiesto’s best known track, but an extremely easy choice as my favourite. I used this video for the link because it’s one of the few on Youtube with the orchestral opening as it is on the CD. I believe it adds a lot to the track as a whole, just like his adaptation of He’s a Pirate. As soon as the orchestral part is over, it breaks into a great, fast dance beat that carries the tune for the next couple minutes. What follows after the beat drops, might be my favourite part in any piece of music. It’s slightly ruined by the announcer, but I believe seeing the crowd during it makes up for that. Just a beautiful piece of music that is RIDICULOUSLY underrated by pretty much everyone. I mean he plays Adagio, Traffic and Lethal Industry nearly every night, but it’s pretty rare that you see him play this nowadays. I guess its better that way though, it’ll just make it that much more special to hear live. Favourite tune by a long shot.

Favourite Part 7:10 for sure.