The Best Trance Anthems from the Mid-To-Late 90s
What are the best trance anthems of all time?
Well, that’s a bit of a tough question to answer, however if you were going to attempt it one would probably begin by focusing on the 1990s.
Why? This decade, especially the latter half, was a transformative era for electronic dance music. Various subgenres formed during these times, many trance songs made an indelible cultural impression, and millions of people the world over were captivated by the mesmerising melodies, uplifting vibes and rather hypnotic beats of the very best trance anthems.
Defining Trance Anthems
Trance anthems is a term often used to refer to a track that embodies the essence of the trance genre. Trance, as opposed to the wider genre of electronic dance music, has a few key distinctive characteristics.
1. Mesmerising Melodies
The best trance anthems ever feature truly captivating melodies that manage to excite and emote. Using repetitive structures, they generate a powerful and hypnotic effect that can resonate deeply with listeners and even transport one to a euphoric state.
2. Uplifting Atmosphere
A core element of good trance anthems is their uplifting nature. This subgenre focuses on elevating one’s mood and often has a vein of positivity and optimism weaved throughout the song.
3. Driving Beats
Trance anthems have a steady and driving beat, for the most part. This helps to create a sense of forward momentum and energy that will inspire dancers to stay on the floor and keep music aficionados captivated.
4. Breakdowns and Builds
Another hallmark of the greatest trance anthems is the breakdown and build-up sequence. This is when the music reaches a crescendo before releasing into an even more powerful and even more effectively uplifting climax.
5. Ethereal Vocals
While not an essential criterion, many trance anthems feature ethereal and dreamy vocals. In many instances the purpose of these elements are to add an extra layer of emotion and depth to the track.
The Mid-to-Late 90s: A Golden Era for Trance
As mentioned, the mid-to-late 90s was a remarkable period for the genre and many of the songs from this time are surely in contention for best trance anthems ever. What happened during this period to cause such a transformative musical output?
Pioneering Artists and Labels
For various reasons, visionary artists and producers emerged during this time and began pushing the boundaries of trance music. Iconic labels helped pave the way here and did much of the heavy lifting in ensuring the genre’s global recognition.
Technological Advancements
Music production technology has been developing and improving for centuries, but in the last few decades it’s evolved in leaps and bounds. During the 90, advancements in music production technology allowed artists to experiment with new sounds through synthesisers and new digital editing techniques. For many artists, these were just the tools of the trade they needed to create some unique and groundbreaking anthems.
Global Clubbing Culture
The rise in trance anthems during the 90s coincided with the rise in the clubbing culture. This provided the perfect breeding ground for trance-style music to flourish and become popular. The prevalence of trance in nightclubs and at dance events fostered a passionate and dedicated fan base.
Mainstream Exposure
The greater ability to mass distribute music allowed trance to receive more mainstream attention and gain widespread popularity. Trance anthems soon found their way onto radio stations into TV shows and alongside other songs on movie soundtracks.
Unforgettable Trance Anthems from the Mid-to-Late 90s
1. Paul van Dyk – “For an Angel” (1998)
This iconic track’s enduring popularity can probably be attributed to the rather enchanting melody and uplifting energy. In many ways, For an Angel truly encapsulated the essence of what trance music is and why it appeals to listeners worldwide.
2. Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan – “Silence” (Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise Remix) (1999)
This remix is a timeless classic. Remember those ethereal vocals? Those hypnotic beats? There’s a real sense of transcendence and emotional depth when you listen to Silence on the dance floor in particular.
3. Binary Finary – “1998” (1998)
1998 is truly a powerful and euphoric trance anthem. At the time, and for the years following, it was highly effective in capturing the ears, minds and hearts of trance-fans. The epic build-up and release in particular is enough to earn it a spot on this list of 90s’ best trance anthems ever.
4. Robert Miles – “Children” (1995)
“Children” achieved is highly popular for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the contemplative melody and soothing sounds. Of course, since 1995, Robert Miles went on to become a true pioneer of ambient trance music.
5. ATB – “9 PM (Till I Come)” (1998)
ATB’s breakout hit in the year 1998 won over trance fans with its infectious energy and amazing melody. For many fans and fellow artists, it became the defining track of the late era.
6. Faithless – “Insomnia” (Monster Mix) (1995)
Insomnia (Monster Mix) is innovative, haunting and relentless. In other words, it’s a classic. For those connoisseurs of the electronic music scene you’ll undoubtedly recognise its massive influence in the years since its release.
7. Energy 52 – “Café Del Mar” (Three ‘N One Remix) (1997)
This remix of “Café Del Mar” struck a chord with listeners at the time of release as a result of its entrancing melody. When played in the club, the dance floor seems to transform into a dreamy unreal state field with atmosphere and appeal.
8. System F – “Out of the Blue” (1998)
This 90s anthem has everything you’d want from a trance track: Euphoric melodies, high octane levels of energy, and hooks so captivating you can’t help but be swept away. And that’s exactly what happened with dances in ‘98 and in the years since.
9. Veracocha – “Carte Blanche” (1999)
Carte Blanche is a trance anthem particularly known for its uplifting melody. The infectious sound and ingenious musical structure can surely be credited with its subsequent widespread appeal. For many reasons, Veracocha’s timeless contribution to the trance music scene has earned this track a place among the most beloved trance classics of its time.
10. Chicane feat. Maire Brennan – “Saltwater” (1999)
Last but not least comes Chicane and Maire Brennan’s instant hit, Saltwater. This quintessential trance anthem captures the emotional core of the genre and is quintessential in how it incorporates the melodies and vocals of classic trance.
Ready to make your own anthem? We’re here to help!
Looking back on the 1990s, it is hard to choose the best trance anthems. However, the 10 tracks listed above are our attempt to narrow down the contenders to 10. We welcome you to use these recommendations as a springboard for your own deep dive into this fantastic genre. Or if you disagree with any of the entries on this list and would love to passionately argue for the inclusion of an alternate anthem, the DJ City would love to hear from you.
If you’re ready to start making your very own trance anthem, we can help with that too thanks to our wide range of DJing equipment and gear. Who knows? Maybe in a few years’ time your creation will be on our list of best trance anthems of all time!
