The Vitals:

Label: Armada/Ultra (U.S.)
Genre: Trance, Vocal Trance
Number of Tracks: 29
How to Obtain: www.tower.com

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 8.5
Programming and Arrangement: 9
Entertainment Quality: 9
Total: 8.9 - Great

Du Nord’s Take:

This is what I like to hear in a Trance mix: a steady flow and mixture of Vocal and Instrumental tracks that hold the listener’s attention. Armin (Van Buuren) is a fantastic song writer and DJ in anyone’s book, and his radio show, A State of Trance, is heard all over the world today. In fact, the radio stations that carry his broadcast are listed on the inside sleeve of the CD.

Mix 1, “On the Beach”, starts out perfectly with Mike Foyle’s “Shipwrecked” (John O’Callahan vs. Mike Foyle Club Mix) with its beautiful piano melodies. Then it dives deeper into other cuts like Karen Overton’s “Your Loving Arms” (Club Mix) and Jody Wisternoff’s “Cold Drink, Hot Girl” (Original Mix). It all ends with Envio’s “For You” (Outro Edit) getting us in the mood for what comes next.

Mix 2, “In the Club”, goes into more progressive territory with Kyau vs. Albert’s “Walk Down” (KVA Club Mix) and the fantastic “Kiksu” (Original Mix), which also is by Kyau vs. Albert.  The journey comes to a close with Armin’s latest track, “Sail”, which brings a fine finish to a very polished mix. Of note is the Sander Van Doorn remix of Armin’s “Control Freak” for all you techy progressive fans.

All in all, a great CD that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a taste of the best Trance being spun in clubs and in your car driving down the coast.

Sun on your face, wind in your hair, and your partner by your side. Isn’t life wonderful?