Rekindling lost connections to certain aspects of his life in a post-pandemic world, dance music legend Armin van Buuren has released his ninth studio album, Aspire.
A follow-up to 2023feel again trilogy, the new album revolves around the lasting relationship he has established with his fans throughout his storied career. That sacred bond can be heard throughout the entire 12-track LP, which touches on themes such as positivity, open-mindedness, and unity.
“In sound, soul and spirit, Aspire “It reflects and underscores music's ability to unite while urging listeners to celebrate life, see the light in others and (re)connect on the dance floor,” the trance icon said in a press release. “I urge everyone to focus on the wonders around you, Breathe in and let it form a deeper understanding for each other.”
A more cohesive production than his previous efforts, the fast-pacedAspire amplifies the beat, allowing van Buuren to maintain his firm grip on the strength of progressive trance. This change of pace can be found on tracks like “Love Is A Drug,” “Lose This Feeling,” and “Destination,” the anthem from 2024’s A State of Trance, which features Rank 1 trance heavyweights, Ferry Corsten and Ruben de Ronde.
This massive collaboration in trance was not the only one found in Aspire. The album makes the most of the close relationships van Buuren has cultivated in the electronic music community. Psytrance superstars Vini Vici appear on “When We Come Alive” (feat. ALBA) and the Grammy-nominated Goodboys help open the album with the Guru-Josh-inspired “Forever (Stay Like This).”
Although brief, the album allows for some respite, with cuts like “Motive”, “Bed of Rain” (featuring Mila Josef) and “Fire With Fire” (featuring HRRTZ and Julia Church). However, the general pace of Aspire It's exciting, as many of the tracks have already been played live by van Buuren, who is loved for his high-energy performances.
Speaking of excitement, acting as a final dose of adrenaline, van Buuren closes Aspire with a double whammy of trance heaters. Both “Make It Count” (featuring Just_us) and “Space Case” herald a return to the harder sounds of trance, with pulsing rhythms and a melodic bond that acts as a symphonic tape of unity.
Aspireis now available on van Buuren's own Armada label. Listen below and stream the new album. here.
Follow Armin van Buuren:
Facebook: facebook.com/arminvanbuuren
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Instagram: instagram.com/arminvanbuuren
Spotify: spoti.fi/2WHsl2t
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