Trance music has been a beloved form of relaxation and unwinding for decades, but with so many different types of trance available it can be hard to decide which type is the best one for you.
No matter your experience level or genre, here are some key aspects to take into account when selecting the ideal track.
1. Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren may be the official World’s Most Popular DJ, but his passion and dedication to dance music has never wavered. This dedication has been the driving force behind his success so far.
Dutch DJ A State of Trance has been a force in electronic dance music for more than two decades, and his radio show A State of Trance has cemented him as one of the world’s most beloved figures. His innovative studio work, devotion to fans, and vibrant live shows have cemented him as one of the greatest DJs of all time.
Armin van Buuren’s music encompasses a multitude of styles and genres while still remaining true to his signature sound. He’s created numerous classic trance songs and remixes, with some of his best works becoming timeless classic anthems that have stood the test of time.
He’s released four artist albums, including ’76’ and ‘Shivers’. With over 50 awards under his belt, he continues to be one of the most influential names in music today.
Armin’s passion for trance music, whether it’s his own productions or those released through Armada Music, is evident in all his creations. He has an uncanny ability to turn even obscure tracks into timeless hits that will be played for years to come.
2. Aly & Fila
Egyptian duo Aly Amr Fathalah (aka Aly) and Fadi Wassef Naguib (aka Fila) are renowned for their uplifted, euphoric trance music. With roots in Egypt, this duo has gained a global following over time.
These DJs have been friends since childhood and share an affinity for trance music. They cite European electronic acts such as Paul Van Dyk and Chicane as major influences, along with their passion for travel and seeking out new sounds.
After falling in love with trance music genre, they started creating their own dance tracks in 1999 and began spinning at clubs. In 2002 they signed with German record label Euphonic Records and their first single, “Eye of Horus”, received widespread airplay from top DJs such as Armin van Buuren.
They’re renowned for their razor-smart productions and thunderous sounds, having performed at some of the world’s biggest clubs and festivals. Their radio show Future Sound of Egypt has become a huge success, solidifying them as one of trance music’s most beloved names.
This summer, they marked their 500th episode of their radio show with an array of events around the globe. Additionally, they hosted a stage at Tomorrowland – one of the world’s largest festivals! This was by far their biggest yet!
3. Tisto
Tisto is one of the greatest trance music artists ever. Their tunes have been a mainstay at festivals around the world for years, producing some iconic songs in the genre.
Their latest album, Just Be, continues the trend of trance musicians who have returned to its roots. Its lead single “Traffic” achieved unprecedented success; it reached number one on the Dutch singles chart!
The track’s driving synths and energetic percussion create a dancefloor anthem that will transport listeners to another realm. KSHMR makes an appearance, adding his signature high-powered synths for some extra zip.
Tisto is a well-known DJ who releases their own music as well. They have performed at numerous events and earned many accolades along the way.
Another excellent Tisto song is “Elements of Life.” The track begins with a soft instrumental and gradually blends several elements. After about one minute, the melody picks up and heavy bass takes over; these two elements remain throughout the rest of the song.
This trance track is one of the classics and one of the most beloved tracks within the genre. The bass line and melody are repeated multiple times throughout, building in intensity as you progress through it.
4. Ferry Corsten
Ferry Corsten is one of the most renowned names in trance music today. His hits and remixes have cemented him as a worldwide DJ and respected producer. Furthermore, he founded Flashover Recordings – home to some of the finest producers worldwide – with his business partner John Cooper.
Corsten was born and raised in Rotterdam, Netherlands and developed an interest in dance music from a young age. He began experimenting with computers and turntables at home, eventually producing and mixing his own tracks. Initially producing hardcore gabba tracks during the early 1990s, Corsten soon moved onto clubhouse sounds as well as trance sounds.
His first major hit came in 1999 with “Out of the Blue,” a track which reached number 20 on the UK singles chart and cemented Corsten’s reputation for melodic yet powerful twisters. Other popular songs include “Punk” and “Rock Your Body Rock.”
In addition to his solo productions, Corsten collaborated with several DJs. He was co-producer on Tiesto’s Gouryella project and remixed trance tracks by William Orbit, Faithless, Moby, and Cygnus X. Vincent de Moor collaborated with him under the moniker Veracocha; Corsten also composed music for several soundtracks including David Gleeson’s Don’t Go.
Under many guises and as part of numerous side projects, Corsten has always been a mainstay in the trance scene. He continues to produce hits as both DJ and label owner for Flashover Recordings, which has become an internationally acclaimed dance music label. A true pioneer in trance music, he continues to inspire new artists.
5. Mauro Picotto
One of the greatest names in dance music history, Mauro Picotto has sold an astounding 700+ tracks over 25 years! He tours worldwide and continues to be highly sought-after for his DJing, producing, and label work – making him an undisputed legend in electronic music who truly represents a work/life balance that many artists only dream about!
The Italian superstar began his career as a member of R.A.F and CRW before going solo, producing some iconic trance tracks in dance music history. His latest album ‘Embrace’ combines an orchestral opener with fast-paced trance tracks that sound like progressive house tunes.
Over the course of 25 years, he’s released more than 700 trance tracks and proven himself an uncompromising producer and DJ. His most recent album ‘Embrace’ is no exception – it’s packed with energy from start to finish!
This classic trance anthem, featuring tracks such as “Song of the Sun” and “No Signs Of Life”, is an absolute powerhouse. It boasts a soaring bassline, solid kicks and an epic breakdown that’ll surely leave you in awe.
This classic trance track continues to be one of the most popular today! You can get this incredible classic on vinyl from Discogs or Traxsource; plus it comes with some excellent remixes!
6. Lizard
Over the last few years, Australian band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard has become a sensation in psychedelic music. Their eclectic repertoire of themes resonates with fans who desire their favorite bands to convey an important message.
Their stunning, psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll journey is a tale of the mystical and cosmic. It weaves through different albums and songs to form an expansive thematic landscape known as “Gizzverse.”
On this night, the band tore through some microtonal tunes from 2021’s Butterfly 3000 album with ease. Drummer Michael Cavanagh and bassist Lucas Harwood seamlessly transitioned between hard rock, funk and psychedelic jam rock while guitarists Mackenzie, Walker, and Cook Craig created an expansive sonic landscape of varying dimensions that mesmerized their audience.
This segment featured some incredible vocal work, particularly Kenny-Smith’s sax solos and flute sounds. It is undoubtedly one of the set’s highlights and an exclamatory way to conclude things.
This epic psychedelic rock ‘n’ roller takes the audience on an immersive journey into another dimension, with its narrator’s mystical narration leading to a battle against a balrog. This track has an immense epic vibe and will certainly get everyone moving with its infectious tribal beat.
It’s an epic psychedelic music classic from Spanish label Insolent Tracks on Discogs or digitally from Beatport. If you’re into trance music, we highly recommend checking out this incredible track!
The best trance songs are experts at building tension gradually until they release you into a blissful state of mind. Their mesmeric beats and mesmeric melodies create an inimitable soundscape which cannot be replicated.
Uplifting trance occupies the same aesthetic space as classical and orchestral film music. Its melodies evoke feelings of longing and discovery for listeners and create a powerful connection with them on an intimate level.
Armin van Buuren – “Lose This Feeling”
Trance music is defined by its euphoric and addictive melodies. This form of electronic dance music often incorporates delay and reverb effects for an atmospheric soundscape, with emotive vocals making these tracks all the more captivating to listen to – something which “Lose This Feeling” by Armin van Buuren perfectly illustrates.
Trance has been around since 1996 as an electronic dance music subgenre. While Trance may share some characteristics with Techno and House music, its characteristic energeticity and faster tempo/BPM sets it apart. Furthermore, its signature breakdowns and builds leave listeners in an enthralled state, as do its long-lasting breakdowns and builds that induce trance-like states in listeners. Furthermore, its musical style closely mirrors classical film music composers’ string harmonies and melodies.
Armin van Buuren has long been one of the premier trance musicians. Never afraid to experiment and explore new sounds, his ninth album Breathe In showcases this talent with 12 original tracks that both honor his trance roots as well as explore them further.
Uplifting Trance
Uplifting Trance is one of the most beloved forms of electronic dance music. Boasting a tempo between 128 BPM and 140 BPM, Uplifting Trance mixes energy with intricate melodies that send listeners into an intoxicating state reminiscent of trance-like states; often featuring vocals as part of its intense build-ups leading up to powerful beat drops at its conclusion.
Progressive Trance
Unlike its more upbeat counterpart, Progressive Trance features an overall more groove-oriented sound with a tempo between 126 BPM to 132 BPM. It utilizes multilayered synthesizers and harmonic progressions more complex than Uplifting Trance for added melodic depth. Tracks usually also include lead singers for additional depth in its melodic structure.
Armin’s collaboration with GRAMMY-nominated duo Goodboys on “Bed of Rain,” an atmospheric melodic anthem, stands out on Breathe In as another standout track. Armin enlivens this track with his signature style by including an infectious piano lead and soulful choir voices for an engaging track that transcends dance floors while inspiring wonder.
Faithless – “Insomnia”
Faithless’ original 1995 release of Insomnia remains one of the most iconic singles in dance music, topping charts worldwide – US, UK and Canadian dance charts as well as singles charts in Finland Norway Switzerland Germany Austria Sweden being among them! A melodic dance hit featuring great production featuring vocals by UK rapper Maxi Jazz; Insomnia remains timeless today!
Though their second album, 98’s Sunday 8PM, may not reach the heights of their debut record, it still managed to impress and dazzle listeners with hits like Salva Mea, Baseball Cap and Insomnia – this truly classic album from one of dance music’s most influential and successful bands has an unforgettable presence on our stages today.
Faithless have returned after 20 years and, now with only duo members rather than three (in memory of Maxi Jazz), to present Faithless 2.0; an updated take on their back catalogue with both a full mix CD and remix disc reimagining some of their greatest work.
Rollo and Sister Bliss expertly orchestrated new versions of their greatest hits for Reverence II with new, accessible soundscapes combining binary dynamism with more modern soundscaping. It is a masterful mix of old and new material; examples such as Gnarls Barkley’s chart smash ‘Crazy’ being remixed with drum and bass show their readiness to embrace contemporary trends.
Listening to it either in a club or at home, its songs effortlessly flow together creating an idyllic late-night feeling. Furthermore, its organic approach blends more natural instruments alongside synthetic ones for an engaging listening experience.
Reworking classic tracks is impressive, with some fantastic guest appearances. Dido, Rollo’s sister, gives a stunning vocal on Flowerstand Man that captures Rollo’s vulnerable melancholy that was missing on his subsequent albums. Also impressive was Don’t Leave’s emotive authenticity which had been missing from later releases by them.
Cafe Del Mar – “Cafe Del Mar”
The Cafe del Mar is an iconic venue known for its sunset views, drinks, and music – an absolute must-see when visiting Ibiza! Relaxed ambience makes this venue the perfect place to unwind before hitting Ibiza clubs after sunset; yet great DJs spin here too.
Bar Ibiza has been around for over 40 years and remains one of the most beloved establishments on Ibiza, thanks to its unique spaces, young crowd, musical selection and panoramic beachfront views. Additionally, its menu boasts many dishes and beverages to complement its already impressive reputation.
“Cafe del Mar,” released by Energy 52 and originally reaching number 24 on the UK charts when first released in 1994, later received remix treatment by Orbital/KOMpakt Records boss Michael Mayer to reach even wider popularity.
Alongside its exhilarating dance beats, this track also offers a soothing melody – making it ideal for relaxing after a night of dancing and winding down afterward. As proof of its widespread popularity is found by appearing on several compilation albums.
After its initial release, this song was warmly received by both underground and mainstream dance music audiences alike. Its influence has even transcended genres; even appearing in rave culture film Human Traffic. Trance music fans worldwide now consider this track an iconic piece.
Since 1994, The Cafe Ibiza is also famous for releasing annual compilation albums featuring ambient, downtempo, lounge, and other genres from leading musicians on Ibiza. The annual compilation albums also highlight local talent.
These compilations can be found across numerous websites, such as iTunes and Spotify, providing an ideal way to experience the culture and cuisine of the island.
Sash – “Ecuador”
German trio Ralf Kappmeier, Thomas Ludke and Sascha Lappessen made history with one hit: They revolutionized dance culture with songs that became an inexorable presence at clubs and music festivals across Europe; their debut album It’s My Life became an international success and was instrumental in shaping Eurodance style which would come to be popular during the 2000s.
The group made smart use of lyrics written in multiple languages to extend their global presence. They featured guest vocalists such as freestyle legend Shannon on 1998’s “Move Mania,” Culture Club member Boy George for 2002’s “Run,” and soprano Sarah Brightman in 2021 on trance-pop anthem “Coming Home.”
Their music was both aggressive and melodic, featuring dramatic arcs that elevated it beyond mere Eurodance tracks; rather, it laid the groundwork for what would later become Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
Ecuador was an enormous hit, topping charts in Flanders, Romania and Scotland as well as landing within the top 20 in both North America and Europe.
Ecuador was different than his earlier hits in that it did not feature vocalists; it instead begins with DJ Rodriguez giving an introduction with spoken text. Ecuador is more experimental in terms of sound design than most, and contains elements from Puccini’s opera Nessun Dorma that give its rhythm an intriguing edge.
The chorus may be weak, but the rest of the song makes up for it. Acoustic guitars and piano sounds add depth to its second half and add something memorable about this time period’s music. It remains one of my favourite songs from that era.
Subsequently, the band began releasing songs which seemed similar. This trend became especially evident on their second and subsequent albums: Life Goes On and Trilenium lacked the artistry of Ecuador or its predecessors and were quite lackluster; although given enough time they might have produced great dance tracks.