So, let’s get started:
#10 Pryda – Layers [Pryda Recordings]
(c) Pryda Recordings
It is scientifically proven that high frequencies stimulate the upper part of the body, while the lower frequencies stimulate the lower part of the body. According to that finding a dirty mid-bass hits you at a specific point of your body – you name it! Maybe this is the reason why we label such basslines as “sexy”. And the bassline in “Layers” is just that: dirty, catchy, repetitive, sexy. In other words, it is a track that you must love – mentally and physically. #9 Sneijder & Mark Leanings – Now Or Never [Kearnage Recordings]
In times where everybody is going below 130 BPM, Sneijder and Mark Leanings decided to choose a different path. The stomping “Now Or Never” goes even beyond the obligatory 138 BPM defining the term “Uplifting” in a new way. What an absolutely massive bomb!
#8 Andy Moor & Ashley Wallbridge feat. Gabriela – World To Turn (Daniel Kandi’s Bangin’ Mix) [ARVA]
When Daniel Kandi puts his hands on a track to create one of his well-known “Banging” remixes, make sure to fasten your seatbelts! It’s this very special lead synth sound that just blows you away – as in the vocal trance smasher “World To Turn” by Andy Moor & Ashley Wallbridge.
#7 Avenger – Orca [Blue Soho Recordings]
If you name your song after a whale, you have to have a reason. In this case, “Orca” is wisely chosen: Beautiful like the most amazing creatures on this planet, but also huge and powerful. Indeed, this track by Avenger is a memorable melodic trance tune best described by the aforementioned attributes.
#6 Ana Criado and Adrian&Raz – How Will I Know [AdrianRazRecordings]
One of the most poetic vocal trance tracks of 2013 is “How Will I Know” featuring the beautiful Ana Criado on the vocals. The lyrics tell the touching story of somebody trying to find true love. At latest, when the chorus starts, you can’t stop your tears from falling. Fabulous tune!
#5 Armin van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie – This Is What It Feels Like [Armind]
If there was a track from Armin’s album “Intense” which hit the dance floors and the radio stations alike, it was “This Is What It Feels Like”. The Dutch superstar produced a song which is catchy and pop-like with a little touch of a Coldplay’ish sound. In fact, it’s one of those tracks which you have to listen to over and over again until you hate it. But fortunately, you won’t hate it – even after the 1000th listen.
#4 Pryda vs. Human League - Don't You Want Me Allein (Gabriel & Dresden Mashup) [Whitelabel]
There’s a big debate on mashups going on these days: Some people love them, others hate them claiming they are destroying our DJ culture. And indeed, I must say there are a lot of crappy mashups out there. But… If there are two guys who know their craft, it is the Californian duo Gabriel & Dresden. With “Don’t You Want Me Allein” they give us the perfect example. Not only did they reanimate an 80s classic to bring it back to the dance floors, they also created a cohesive whole leaving you with the impression: “Boy, how could these two songs have been existing on their own?” [Note: The mashup consists of “Don’t You Want Me” by Human League and “Allein” by Pryda. The latter one is a remake of “Polarkreis 18 – Allein” featuring a vocal sample of the German band. As you see, you could even say that the mashup consists of three tracks if you want to put it that way.]
#3 Aerosoul feat. John Ward – Time Is By Your Side (Nigel Good Remix) [Silk Royal Recordings]
One of the newcomers of 2013 is – without a doubt – Nigel Good. The Canadian progressive house producer caught my attention with his unique style. Although being released in February, his remix for Aerosoul’s “Time Is By Your Side” is the perfect summer tune defined by a laid-back groove, fresh sounds and vocals with so much soul in it.
#2 Giuseppe Ottaviani feat. Eric Lumiere – Love Will Bring It All Around [Black Hole Recordings]
The first release from Giuseppe Ottaviani’s artist album “Magenta” was a collaboration with singer-songwriter Eric Lumiere. It’s a song that’s typical for Eric Lumiere, the “lover of life” (as he describes himself): The lyrics contain so much strength in it to infect you with his positive vibe and optimism. But it’s not only the lyrics, of course. Giuseppe’s powerful synth sounds and his cautious arrangement contribute perfectly to the vocals.
#1 Christian Rusch feat. Chase – Set Me Free [Future Sound Of Sweden]
I don’t have to think twice which record was my favorite of 2013. I guess it was with the first listening that I felt something very special within “Set Me Free”. It’s really hard to think of any other vocal trance track that contains so much emotion. Amazing job, Christian! Hoping for more like this to come in the future…
No comments:
Post a Comment