Imagine

Armin Van Buuren’s another dance music masterpiece

Although Dutch producer Armin Van Buuren turned only thirty a year and a half ago, he can be already called the great. This big-named DJ became more successful with each of his creations on the turn of the centuries and last year got voted number one DJ in the annual vote. His trance music is an example for a huge number of beginning producers and the nine hour sets are conquering the audience on the world’s best dance floors. 1999’s composition Communication was a great success on Ibiza and since then each of his new releases becomes a hit of all the night clubs. Van Buuren’s discography mainly consists of the self-recorded sets and compilations, the recordings of his radio show A State of Trance A being especially salable, but sometimes he also pleases the audience with studio albums. Thus this year his third studio work Imagine is released after the albums 76 and 10 Years. Record Imagine, on which Armin Van Buuren has been working for almost half a year, is another dance music masterpiece full of new hits ready for this summer and never letting one doubt its creator’s talent.

Vocal compositions prevail on Imagine

Imagine differs from Armin Van Buuren’s latest works with a greater number of vocal tracks: of 11 songs only three have turned out to be instrumental and mostly female vocals remind of the producer’s earlier creative work on the rest of them. The album’s first sounds – the introduction to the title composition which is the longest one here – create a majestic solemn atmosphere. Largely this happens due to the wonderful piano and guitar that joins it performed by Van Buuren’s brother, Eller, preparing the listeners for a great instrumental track. Single Going Wrong featuring DJ Shah and Chris Jones is one the album leaders, here one can find a beautiful memorable melody and most pleasant male vocals. The same interesting is track Unforgiveable refined with amazing vocals of singer Jaren and a stylish bass line that sets the mood to the whole track. Another instrumental composition Face To Face pleases with a faultless introduction while Hold On To Me featuring Audrey Gallagher is remarkable for one of the catchiest tunes on the album. Dutch performers join DJ on two compositions: Sharon Den Adel with her powerful vocals is on In And Out Of Love based on a great break-beat, and Jacqueline Govaert performs the vocal part on Never Say Never. A touching singing of Vera Ostrova on What If is not less contagious than the trance beat, and another highlight is certainly featuring Jennifer Rene with a spectacular bass guitar and a perfectly chosen percussion. The album closes with the last instrumental composition Intricacy proving that Armin Van Buuren is still the king of the dance floor and it is a great pleasure to dance to his ‘pipe’.

In the best trance music traditions

In his time Armin Van Buuren refused a career of a lawyer and it was music he chose as his main life occupation. Now his creations speak better than any words that he has made the right choice. Known for never limiting himself in styles the Dutch knows perfectly well how to combine what cannot be combined and make a mix that will make the hall move on one half-turn. The lyrical texts of songs on Imagine are united with unusual sounds, great audio effects, and his brother’s guitar harmonized with the piano on both instrumental and vocal tracks have already become an integral part of the producer’s best works. Made in the best trance music traditions his new album is sure to prove irreplaceable on any party this spring and summer and will not let one feel bored during the working days of fall and winter. Although Imagine can not surprise the real connoisseurs of dance music too much no doubt that this record never disappoints and continues the world best DJ’s brilliant career.