Imagine - Armin Van Buuren

Post Reply Create New Topic

DJ Blitzkrieg
1521 forum
Posts: 842
Imagine - Armin Van Buuren -
19 April 2008, at 15:47


The album is released today. What did you guys think of it? Any favorite tracks? Also why wasn't "If You Should Go" on this CD?

My favorite track currently is Hold On To Me. I think it was Ben who said the Audrey's vocals are more suited to this track than Big Sky and I completely agree. Great track!
Ben
TrancePodium Staff
1026 forum
Posts: 3823
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 19 April 2008, at 16:07
If You Should Go is not on the CD because it's all new Armin material, that track was first previewed in 2006 I believe so to include it would be a bit silly IMO.

Hoping to get this album within the next two weeks.
DJ Blitzkrieg
1521 forum
Posts: 842
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 19 April 2008, at 16:18
Oh, didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
Ben
TrancePodium Staff
1026 forum
Posts: 3823
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 4 May 2008, at 11:38
Absolutly brilliant album. I've decided to do a full in-depth review of the album cos it's so good.

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. :)
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 4 May 2008, at 12:12
good job Ben :-)
Remco
TrancePodium Staff
948 forum
Posts: 53803
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 4 May 2008, at 12:26
A bit disappointing to be honest. Better than Shivers, yes. But besides the great opening with Imagine, there are a few tracks which are alright, but half of the album is average.
Marjan
TrancePodium Staff
1 forum
Posts: 11088
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 4 May 2008, at 12:53
Just published the review on the site: http://www.trancepodium.com/articles/reviews/armin_van_buuren_-_imagine_119_37.html

Great contribution Ben!
Ben
TrancePodium Staff
1026 forum
Posts: 3823
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 4 May 2008, at 12:59
Cheers Marjan. :)
Remco
TrancePodium Staff
948 forum
Posts: 53803
# Re: Imagine - Armin Van Buuren - 6 June 2008, at 16:11
Have listened to it several times now and my favorites are:

Imagine
Unforgiveable
Hold on to Me
In and Out of Love
Intricacy

Although 'In and Out of Love' very much looks like a copy of Ian Van Dahl's 'I Wanna Fly So High'.

'Fine without you' also sounds very familiar, but I can't think of the right track right now.

'Intricity' sounds like it could've been a co-production with Tiësto as well.

The rest is average and I stand by my first opinion that it's too sof t to dance on.