A friend and I were having dinner together recently, discussing the state of dance music in general, trance music in particular. He posed a question to me while we debated the authenticity of Ultra Records' Ultra Trance compilations. "When," he said, "did Euro-pop become trance music?" More of an observation really, but a darn good one. When did flowery, uplifting vocal tracks replace hands in the air, sweaty bodies surrounding you, lost in the moment trance anthems? Don't get me wrong... I'm a big fan of the Ultra compilations, but they are not Trance albums (maybe someone should inform them, though it seems redundant to have to do so; aren't they supposed to be the experts?) Over the years, my search for the ultimate Trance record has been met with mixed results, so you can imagine my skepticism when my friend slipped me a copy of the Perfect Trance 2.0, mixed by Suzy Solar (kind of an arrogant title, I thought). I expected yet another pretty, Europop dance album-- fun and serviceable, but not a trance disc.
Thank the higher being that I'm not always right (don't tell my boyfriend).
The Perfect Trance 2.0 is arguably the best trance record to date.
From the opening salvo of Asura's Totem to the almost regal beauty of Sunstorm's Fable, to the techno bounce of DJ Air's Riding A Star, this disc is a flawlessly-mixed compilation of some of the best trance tracks from around the world. The Perfect Trance 2.0 is a stunning assault on the senses, bombarding you with one beautiful track after another. I've spent a great deal of time and money searching for the ultimate trance groove. I want to lose myself in the moment, and at last I've found my groove. I know what I'll be listening to between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Saturday nights.
Remember Suzy Solar's name. I know I will.
