Armin van Buuren - Imagine

Released: 18 April 2008

Label: Armada Music 

 

Tracklist

1. Armin van Buuren - Imagine
2. Armin van Buuren With DJ Shah Feat. Chris Jones - Going Wrong
3. Armin van Buuren Feat. Jaren - Unforgivable
4. Armin van Buuren - Face To Face
5. Armin van Buuren Feat. Audrey Gallagher - Hold On To Me
6. Armin van Buuren Feat. Sharon Den Adel - In And Out Of Love
7. Armin van Buuren Feat. Jacqueline Govaert - Never Say Never
8. Armin van Buuren Feat. Cathy Burton - Rain
9. Armin van Buuren Feat. Vera Ostrova - What If
10. Armin van Buuren Feat. Jennifer Rene - Fine Without You
11. Armin van Buuren - Intricacy
    

Review

Imagine - The title track and opening one on the album does not disappoint. The track starts with an almost alien sounding opening before going into a very profound orchesteral sequence with guitar from Armin's brother Eller. This climaxes and then the bass builds up. The track then slowly evolves into a main melody with a great beat. A very diverse track to start the album off with.

Going Wrong - Perhaps the most controversial track on the album, Going Wrong was co-produced with DJ Shah and has vocals from English vocalist Chris Jones. It's the most commercial of all the songs on the album and I think that shows slightly with the rough vocals from Jones and the slightly cheap sounding main lead. However, despite these criticisms I think it's a good track and doesn't let the overall album down IMO.

Unforgiveable - Before the album was even released and the track available to listen to as a preview I knew it would be good cos Jaren's voice is superb. This track doesn't disappoint and the lyrics are very emotional I think and are sung very well by Jaren. The instrumentals back this up and again this is another strong track.

Face to Face - The second instrumental only track on the album is brilliant and is very similar to Communication with the driving melody of piano. The subtle vocal works very well and it's a superb track. Armin's productions have really improved heaps.

Hold on to Me - I was cautious about this track because I don't think Audrey Gallagher's vocals were that great on Big Sky. However, this is a really nice summery track that has a Happy feel to it, and I think her vocals suit this way more.

In and Out of Love - Sharon den Adel's voice is one of the most deep and powerful voices i've ever heard and it's amazing how well this comes through in a Trance track. You can definently hear Benno's influence here as the bass sounds like something you'd hear from Rank 1. However, the track really works well and has a kinda retro feel to it but at the same time is quite a powerful Trance track.

Never say Never - Jacqueline Govaert from Krezip was used on this one. Once again a very strong vocalist and I think her performance at Armin Only was fantastic. Once again a good melody compliments her vocals and it's another strong track that I cannot criticise.

Rain - Probably my favourite vocal track on the entire album, Rain has a typical Trance supersaw and a superb melody. I really love it and love the way that when the endless 'Rain's' drive the song into a breakdown where the supersaw coming in creates an incredibly euphoric feel. Would love to hear this live.

What If - Another Rank 1 style bassline but this time with Vera Ostrova's vocals from The Bluestorm. I would have to say that perhaps I prefered the version on her MySpace as that was quite chilled and relaxed. Still another strong track, and once the breakdown is reached it's really a good job by Ostrova and Armin to make it quite a relaxed feel to the song.

Fine Without You - Let's face it. Jennifer Rene is gonna be good on whatever she sings. She has a great voice and is very good looking too. I was intriged to see the result of this collaboration and what an awesome job. It's got a very good Summery feel, and the driving guitar really gives it a nice relaxed feel. Superb.

Intricacy - Co-produced with Sean Tyas, this track was always going to be a powerful energetic track. But wow, what a pumping track. Tyas's influence can definently be heard with the hard kick and acids whilst you can hear Armin's synths too. Really a very good track and a great club track.

So overall the album is fantasitc and well worth the buy. Heaps better than Shivers, I can't wait til Armin makes another one if this is how much he can improve in 3 years.