Ultra.Trance:1, the first compilation CD in this series, was almost a challenge to enjoy. It was basically a myriad of remixed 80s pop anthems sprinkled with some decent sleeper hits. I'm happy to say that I really like Ultra.Trance:2; it's one of my favorite dance music compilations.
Tracklist
1. Never (DJ Tiesto Remix) / The Roc Project feat. Tina Arena
2. On A High (Gabriel & Dresden Love From Humboldt Mix) / Duncan Sheik
3. Let It Rain / 4 Strings
4. Livin' My Life / Sylver
5. Damaged 03 (Antillas UK Remix) / Plummet
6. I’ll Be Your Angel / Kira
7. Am I On Your Mind / Oxygen feat. Andrea Britton
8. God Is A Girl / Groove Coverage
9. Dreams / DJ Icey
10. Set It Off / DJ Spud
11. Beachball (Gabriel & Dresden South Beach Vacation Mix) / Nalin & Kane
12. Into The Sun (Riva Mix) / Weekend Players
13. Sunburn / Armin van Buuren
14. The Prophet (Sabata Remix) / Oakenfold Vs. DJ Judas
15. Nothing But You / Paul van Dyk
16. I’m In Heaven (Dub Mix) / Jason Nevins presents Holly
*All songs are radio mixes or original mixes unless otherwise noted.
Overview
Ultra.Trance:2 is packed with the latest anthems from the most renowned figures in the genre. If you’re up-to-date in the Trance world, you’ll be familiar with most of the songs.
“Never (DJ Tiesto Remix)” is Tiesto’s mix of the urban smash hit. A faster beat, darker tone, and echoing vocals make this track feel hypnotic, almost sleep-inducing. Nevertheless the song still keeps its pop-like narrative. It sounds great, but I definitely prefer Johnny Budz’s hard-to-find remix.
My favorite track, “On A High (Gabriel & Dresden Love From Humboldt Mix),” is so good it makes you smile. This track most closely resembles a rock song with its competent lyrics, male vocals, and liquid beat. There couldn’t be a more perfect summer anthem.
“Let It Rain” pulls you closer to Trance genre, though it is actually House. 4 Strings has quite a high bar to vault considering its previous hits, “Take Me Away” and “Diving.” Thankfully “Let It Rain” clears this easily, as it is very progressive and powerful with incredible vocals and bold instrumentals.
You don’t hear genuine Trance until “Livin’ My Life.” It has all of the characteristics of the genre including soft, feminine vocals and synthesizer instrumentals. In other words, it sounds like any other old Trance song.
Which is the exact opposite of the next track, “Damaged 03 (Antillas UK Remix).” This is the biggest sleeper hit of all time. It’s my second favorite track on the album because of its remarkable vocals and engaging instrumentals.
Kira’s “I’ll Be Your Angel” is a decent filler song because it doesn’t offer anything new.
At this point in the album, one anticipates a bunch of unremarkable, banal fillers, but the next track, “Am I On Your Mind,” is surprisingly good. It sounds newer because of its sultry, drugged-up vocals, which are becoming increasingly popular throughout the genre.
“God Is A Girl” qualifies as the worst song I have ever heard. The chorus doesn’t make any sense. It is a disgrace to such a great album.
Novices to the genre will find it hard to progress beyond this point. Here the album takes a turn to the Underground. For Trance aficionados, it shouldn’t be too hard to go through. “Dreams” by DJ Icey sets off the unfamiliar sector of the album. The vocals are mystical, and the beat prepares for the darker experience ahead. It isn’t bad.
A simple percussion and chorus prevail in “Set It Off,” which is a pretty good Club anthem. Even though most of the song is quiet, it’s progressive beat makes for easy dancibility (not a word, I know).
You aren’t likely to be familiar with the next track, “Beachball (Gabriel & Dresden South Beach Vacation Mix),” unless you’ve frequented clubs lately. This is the most popular of the underground songs. It has a very summery theme (wry that it’s never seen the light of day). The tone borders on that of a Chillout song, and serves as a temporary break in the darkness.
Introducing the next track, “Sunburn,” is Armin van Buuren’s signature synthesizer/percussion opening. His new single is not as enjoyable as “Yet Another Day,” one of my favorite Trance anthems, but it’s still good.
Transition
Just as important as song selection is the way they are put together. Transition between each track should be natural and progressive- that’s an ulterior requirement of dance music. David Waxman did a great job mixing the songs together in smooth succession.
Extras
There are very few reasons to pay for music nowadays, and record companies realize that. It was a smart move for Ultra Records to include a DVD with the album. On it, you’ll find eight rare music videos from Armin van Buuren, The Roc Project, Kira, and others. Also included are several photos of the jaunty cover model- a stupid but felicitous way to emphasize Ultra’s sultry theme.
Gripes
Sadly not everything about this album is perfect. If you scrutinize the tracklist above, you’ll notice that almost all of the songs are either radio mixes or original mixes. Unlike Louie Devito’s NYC Underground Series, many of the songs aren’t hard to find on KaZaA or other file-sharing services. There are a few exceptions but only a few. Don’t get me wrong- the tracks are all excellent; I just wish David Waxman had rearranged the instrumentals a bit.
There is only one disk of music in Ultra.Trance:2 so there are only 16 tracks. After being spoiled by two-disk sets of previous Ultra albums, you might feel a little malnourished.
Conclusion
I really enjoy Ultra.Trance:2. The greatest song selections I’ve ever seen in a dance music album make this one of the best compilations from Ultra Records. My recommendations include Ultra Dance 03 and Louie Devito’s NYC Underground Party Vol. 5.
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