Armin van Buuren – Mirage – The Remixes
Pin ItArmin van Buuren, the world’s top DJ created a magical album this spring called ‘Mirage‘. People looked up to it, hoping that Armin will bring euphoric trance beats to his listeners once more!
I on the other hand, never have been one of Armin’s fans. My trance tastes were first found in the tracks and sound of Tiësto, and Armin’s wave of trance sound somehow missed me completely. So I really wasn’t excited when the release date of this album was announced. I was focusing on other albums, other releases, and when the offer to write a review for ‘Mirage‘ came, I rejected it.
I heard this album about a month after the release, and I wasn’t shocked. The album was pretty poppy, and it was clear that Armin is trying to impress the more ‘mainstream’ fans (larger numbers I guess). I found my favorites from the album though, and bought the copies of them.
Later on, the word about a remix version of ‘Mirage‘ came into my ears and in that, I started to be interested, because lately I became more satisfied with remixed versions of many other albums. The track list looked pretty promising, showing progressive, house and trance artists all together on these remix duties!
The day of 17th June came, and ‘Mirage – The Remixes‘ was released. The album found its way to me too, and it stayed on my desktop for a couple of days, before I caught the taste to listen to it. On 19th of June I became rightly set for listening, and my speakers started pumping the first sounds.
Avicci is the first big name that is opening the album with his remix of "Drowning". Very pianistic piece, bringing all types of piano & keyboard sounds. Still would rather go for the Myon & Shane 54 remix though.
The next track is another banger. Featuring Nadia Ali’s sweet vocals, Tristan Garner changed the track "Feels So Good" with his sounds. Trousy melody, cruel beats. I personally found this tracked very well reworked, massive club reaper! Would awaken the dead in there!
I listened to the next few tracks, but there was really nothing to report, until the melody of "Virtual Friend", featuring vocals of Sophie and remixed by BT hit my ears. The vocals in this piece are really pretty. BT made a melodic, yet so party-full track from this. Something that really makes you move.
But the absolute master track of the whole remixed versions? Ladies & Gentleman, there is no wonder, that no one else other than Andy Moor is to thank for it. His remix of "I Don’t Own You" is the most beautiful track of the album. Bringing choppy vocals, synthy melody, and destroyful beats. This is something that would make you jump three metres into the air.
That’s followed by Alex M.O.R.P.H.’s remix on "Take A Moment". A very emotional track, with beautiful vocals by Winter Kills, that will make you sing along for the full duration of the track. Alex brought his uplifting sound to this track, and it sure worked his magic, a true "hand raiser".
Verdict
The rest of the tracks are barely worth a mention, which is a bit sad, but I don’t think anyone will like this or the original album as a whole piece. 90% of listeners will find their favorites in
these versions and that’s the end of it. Armin should have done better job with the originals!
5/10
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