(Photo Credit: http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000047077681-0n22rs-original.jpg?c96936e)
When Armin van Buuren announced that he was releasing a new artist album the Trance and Electronic Music world started buzzing like crazy. The number one DJ in the world was finally releasing another full album with new material and surprises. As Armin slowly revealed the album bit by bit, the anticipation and expectations for the album grew. After Armin told interviewers that he experimented with new sounds and he revealed certain collaborations, I didn't know what to expect from this album. Was it going to be the same Armin who made "Mirage" or a whole other side we have never seen from the God of Trance? With "Intense" finally out and in my hands, I can assure you it's the Armin we all love with very new and fresh material. It took me several listens to fully grasp the magnitude of "Intense." However, the wait was worth it and the expectations were exceeded once again by Armin van Buuren.
Intense
Sharing the album title, "Intense" is the opening song on the album. With a name like "Intense" the song must be exactly that, right? The song opens with beautiful violins, soothing to the ears and the soul. It was refreshing to hear actual instruments in a trance song. but things quickly get "intense" when Armin flawlessly leads the violins into a trance breakdown. Typical of an Armin song, the melody quickly picks up into a trance tune. But what makes this song so unique, setting the bar high for the rest of the album, is the breakdown back into violins. The flow of this song from violins to electronic sounds is just pure bliss. It's over eight minutes of an "intense" ride between trance and orchestral sounds, flawlessly done. "Intense" lived up to it's name and certainly put high expectations for the rest of the album. I hope this isn't the last time we hear the use of beautiful instruments in Armin's music.
This Is What It Feels Like (feat. Trevor Guthrie)
Having been circulated and remixed throughout various DJ sets, "This Is What It Feels Like" is the lead single from the album. Starting off with a beautiful piano sounding melody, Trevor Guthrie voice quickly comes in putting you in instant awe of the song. Though this is one of the pop sounding progressive house tunes, the production quality is still there. Once you learn the lyrics it quickly becomes a song you sing every time you hear it. It is no wonder why DJs loved playing this in their sets as they heard everyone sing along.
Beautiful Life (feat. Cindy Alma)
Armin always chooses the best vocalists for each song and the emotions he wants to portray from those songs. "Beautiful Life" has the voice of Cindy Alma. Her voice is perfect for portraying life as a beautiful and wonderful thing. The melody and her voice flawlessly flow together. The vocal splicing Armin uses early in the song is pretty magnificent. The song quickly drops into a classic Armin trance tune. You can hear the sound Armin used in his album "Mirage" in this song. It never gets old.
Waiting For The Night (feat. Fiora)
I first heard this song in one of Armin's ASOT set. This song left me wanting more as I tried to figure out what song it was. When I quickly learned the name of this song I fell in love with it. "Waiting For The Night" features Fiora's magnificent voice. A typical love driven song by Armin, it's one of the slower Trance tunes of the album but definitely one of the high points of the album. It's just pure good old Armin van Buuren. The vocal and the melody are just perfect for each other.
Pulsar
One the few non-vocal tunes from the album, "Pulsar" is a high energy trance tune. It's high energy melody and grindier sound it perfect for those ASOT sets Armin is famous for. Not much to say about this track besides the fact that it showcases Armin's talent and will for sure have you bobbing your head. Just listen and see for yourself.
Sound Of The Drums (feat. Laura Jansen)
"Sound Of The Drums" quickly became one of my favorites from this album. I'm a sucker for emotional trance tunes and this is exactly what this song is. Having one of the slowest starts from any song of the album, it opens up with Laura Jansen's innocent voice. The lyrics really stand out and the emotion is clearly felt as she sings to nothing more than a piano playing. But don't let the opening deceive you into thinking this song is slow throughout. As soon as her verse finishes, you can hear the trance buildup. With a classic trance breakdown after the vocals and the quick buildup, this song is purely emotional. A feeling of emotions and euphoria fell over me with this song. It's definitely one of my personal favorites from the album.
Alone (feat. Lauren Evans)
Another beautiful vocal tune by Armin and this time Lauren Evans. After a slower tune with "Sound Of The Drums," Armin quickly picks up the tempo once again with "Alone." Lauren Evans voice is full of soul and emotion as the lyrics bring out emotions while you listen. The mixture of lyrics questioning the state of human connections with an uplifting melody just makes you smile and makes you want to be a better person . And that's what music is all about, making the world a better place starting with yourself. Just a beautiful song to hope for a loving world.
Turn This Love Around (feat. NERVO & Laura V)
When I heard Armin was collaborating with NERVO on his new album, I had no idea what to expect. Though I do like NERVO, I knew they weren't trance producers. I was quickly surprised to hear a trance sounding progressive house tune. It is evident NERVO worked with Armin on this as you can hear their influence in the song. Laura V's voice compliments the melody quite well, making it an easy summer tune. My expectations for this NERVO collaboration was easily exceeded, and I am thankful for that.
Won't Let You Go (feat. Aruna)
One of the more emotional driven songs on the album, "Won't Let You Go" is powered by Aruna's voice. You can clearly hear the emotion behind her voice. The Trance breakdown is just perfect for this kind of emotional song. Here is some background behind Aruna and the song: "It was written in the final stages of my relationship with Myon, when we
were essentially on our deathbed and fighting to make it work, a battle
which we ultimately lost, so yes there's definitely a huge emotional
charge in this lyric."As you can see Aruna poured her heart and soul into this tune. And it clearly paid off.
Last Stop Before Heaven
Any song by Armin with the word "Heaven" in the song name quickly grabs my attention. "Last Stop Before Heaven" is actually one of the mellower tunes of the album. Don't expect some "heavenly" drop but rather just a constant "heaven" sounding melody. With a pure trance sound, if this is the last thing I hear before heaven I wouldn't complain.
Forever Is Ours (feat. Emma Hewitt)
Any combination between Armin van Buuren and Emma Hewitt automatically has high expectations for me. "Forever Is Ours" was one of the songs I was most excited to hear on the album. Emma Hewitt's voice is always perfection to my ears. Armin made the ideal melody to compliment her voice. With the slow breakdown in the middle and Emma's voice flowing with emotion is exactly what I wanted from this song. The melody after the first chorus just gives me chills as it builds back up with Emma's voice. This song is easily one of my favorites from the album.
Love Never Came (feat. Richard Bedford)
"A song with Richard Bedford?! The same Richard Bedfor that sang on 'Sun and Moon?!'" This was my exact thought when I first heard of this collaboration. Before the album even came out I knew this was going to be my favorite song on the album. I was not disappointed. "Love Never Came" is probably the darkest and maybe saddest song on the album. Richard Bedford's voice perfectly portrays the strong emotions of someone who lost a love. Even the melody is eerily dark and sad. To top it off, the piano during the breakdown is pure genius. This is definitely my favorite track on the album.
Who's Afraid Of 138?!
The song title speaks for itself. "Who's Afraid Of 138?!" is the highest energy trance song on the album. Not much to say about this song except get your dancing feet ready because this song will have you moving to that 138 BPM.
Reprise
Probably my least favorite from the album, "Reprise" takes the album on interesting turn at the closing of the album. This song isn't really electronic as is it has a lot of instruments in it. Musically it is a very well produced. I guess the fact that it doesn't really go with the rest of the album is why it's my least favorite. Nonetheless respect is due for the fact that Armin tried something different. This is just a showcase of his talents as a producer and musician.
Humming The Lights (feat. Gaia)
If you purchased the "Intense Bonus Album" then you were fortunate enough to also get "Humming The Lights." I knew this song sounded familiar as it's been played in Armin's sets lately. This is another high energy trance song. It's probably my favorite non-vocal track on the album alongside "Intense." The melody and breakdown is classic of Armin. There is no better way to end the album than with a high energy blissful trance tune.
Conclusion
Let's take a moment and be grateful Armin van Buuren chose to make another album. It's hard to say anything negative about this album as to me it's everything and more I expected from the number one DJ in the world. Then again I am a little bias considering I'm a huge fan of Armin van Buuren and I'm just a fan not an actual critic. The album just flowed from track to track perfectly. Armin's choice of collaborations and sounds was just purely magic and you can feel the passion he had making this album. This is why Armin is the best, he does this for the love of the music and you can feel it in every song. His talents and versatility were showcased throughout the album. "Intense" is easily one my favorite albums of the year thus far. I just hope it isn't Armin's last artist album.
