Armin van Buuren stands as one of electronic music’s most influential figures, having shaped the trance genre for over two decades. The Dutch DJ and producer has consistently delivered euphoric anthems that have become staples in clubs and festivals worldwide. From groundbreaking classics like “Communication” to recent chart-toppers, his discography represents the evolution of trance music itself. This comprehensive guide explores the definitive collection of his greatest works, spanning career-defining moments and contemporary masterpieces that continue to captivate global audiences.
Since his breakthrough with “Blue Fear” in 1997, van Buuren has maintained his position as a leading figure in electronic dance music, earning five number-one positions in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll and hosting the globally acclaimed A State of Trance radio show since 2001. His influence extends beyond production, having cultivated an international fanbase through his radio program that reaches nearly 40 million listeners across 84 countries.
Communication
“Communication” stands as one of van Buuren’s most beloved compositions, initially released in 1999 and later becoming the first single from his debut album “76.” This instrumental masterpiece showcases the producer’s ability to create emotional depth through minimalist arrangements and hypnotic progressions. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of driving basslines and ethereal melodies that transport listeners into a state of pure euphoria. Van Buuren crafted this timeless piece over two days in his parents’ house in Leiden, drawing inspiration from Speedy J’s “Ginger” album. The composition’s impact on the trance community cannot be overstated, as it established many of the sonic elements that would define the genre throughout the early 2000s.
Shivers
“Shivers” emerged as the title track from van Buuren’s second studio album in 2005 and was later voted by fans as the number-one song in the 20-year history of A State of Trance during episode 1000. This emotional powerhouse features haunting vocals that perfectly complement the track’s progressive build-up and euphoric breakdown. The song represents a pivotal moment in van Buuren’s career, demonstrating his evolution from underground producer to mainstream crossover artist. Its cinematic qualities and emotional resonance have made it a festival anthem that continues to move crowds worldwide, proving that great trance music transcends generational boundaries.
This Is What It Feels Like (feat. Trevor Guthrie)
Released in 2013, “This Is What It Feels Like” marked a significant milestone as it earned van Buuren a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording, making him the fourth trance artist to receive such recognition. The collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Trevor Guthrie showcases van Buuren’s ability to blend radio-friendly pop sensibilities with trance fundamentals. This track opened doors for electronic music in mainstream media while maintaining the emotional depth that defines quality trance production. The song’s success demonstrated that trance music could reach broader audiences without compromising its core identity, paving the way for future crossover collaborations in the genre.
Blue Fear
“Blue Fear” represents van Buuren’s first major breakthrough, released when he was just 19 years old and now considered a trance classic. The track’s title reflects the personal struggles van Buuren faced as a teenager, transforming anxiety into artistic expression. This early work established his reputation as a rising star in the trance scene and demonstrated his natural ability to create emotionally resonant music. The composition’s dark undertones combined with uplifting progressions would become a signature element in many of his subsequent productions, showing how personal experiences can fuel creative innovation.
In and Out of Love (feat. Sharon den Adel)
This collaboration with Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel represents one of van Buuren’s most successful crossover attempts, blending trance elements with rock sensibilities. Den Adel’s powerful vocals provide the perfect counterpoint to van Buuren’s intricate production work, creating a dynamic that appeals to both electronic and rock audiences. The track’s music video became a viral sensation, further cementing its status as a modern classic. The song’s ability to transcend genre boundaries while maintaining trance music’s emotional core demonstrates van Buuren’s versatility as a producer and his understanding of diverse musical landscapes.
Great Spirit (with Vini Vici feat. Hilight Tribe)
This collaboration with Vini Vici became one of van Buuren’s most successful tracks, earning critical acclaim alongside other global hits like “Leave A Little Love” and “Music Means Love Forever.” The track fuses traditional psytrance elements with van Buuren’s signature melodic approach, creating a unique sonic experience that bridges different electronic music communities. Hilight Tribe’s distinctive percussion and chanting add an organic element that sets this production apart from typical club anthems. The song’s success highlighted the growing popularity of psytrance influences in mainstream electronic music and demonstrated van Buuren’s willingness to explore new creative territories while respecting established musical traditions.
Blah Blah Blah
“Blah Blah Blah” stands among van Buuren’s most recognized hits, earning critical acclaim as one of his signature global singles. This high-energy anthem captures the frustration of meaningless communication while delivering an irresistibly catchy hook that has become a festival staple. The track’s rebellious spirit and infectious energy showcase van Buuren’s ability to create music that resonates with contemporary social themes. The song received additional attention through Lilly Palmer’s remix, which was premiered at A State of Trance 2024 in Rotterdam and has become even more rambunctious than the original. Its enduring popularity demonstrates how effective production and relatable themes can create lasting cultural impact.
Leave a Little Love (with Alesso)
This collaboration with Swedish DJ Alesso resulted in a summer anthem that became part of their collaborative album of the same name, earning recognition as one of van Buuren’s critical global hits. The track perfectly balances both artists’ distinctive styles, creating a euphoric experience that dominated festival circuits worldwide. Alesso’s progressive house sensibilities mesh seamlessly with van Buuren’s trance foundations, producing a crossover hit that appeals to diverse electronic music audiences. The song’s uplifting message and infectious melody make it a perfect example of how collaboration can elevate individual artistic visions to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Intense
The title track from van Buuren’s 2013 album represents a darker, more aggressive side of his musical personality while maintaining the emotional depth that defines his best work. This composition showcases his evolution as an artist willing to explore heavier sonic territories without abandoning his melodic sensibilities. The track’s driving energy and complex layering demonstrate advanced production techniques that have influenced countless producers in the electronic music scene. Its inclusion in the album that received a Dutch Edison Pop Award nomination for Best Dance Album highlights van Buuren’s recognition within the broader music industry beyond electronic music circles.
Ping Pong
This playful yet sophisticated track demonstrates van Buuren’s ability to create memorable hooks while incorporating complex rhythmic elements that keep listeners engaged throughout extended club sets. The composition’s ping-pong effects create a unique spatial dimension that translates exceptionally well in large festival environments. Its clever use of stereo imaging and dynamic range showcases technical production skills that have become hallmarks of van Buuren’s studio work. The track’s enduring popularity in DJ sets worldwide proves that innovation and accessibility can coexist in electronic music production.
Concrete Angel (feat. Gareth Emery)
This collaboration with Gareth Emery resulted in one of the most emotionally powerful tracks in van Buuren’s discography, addressing themes of loss and remembrance with remarkable sensitivity. The song’s poignant lyrics combined with soaring melodies create an experience that transcends typical dance floor expectations. Its music video telling a story of childhood trauma brought important social issues to the electronic music community’s attention. The track’s ability to maintain danceability while delivering serious emotional content demonstrates how electronic music can serve as a vehicle for meaningful artistic expression and social commentary.
Sound of Goodbye
This melancholic masterpiece showcases van Buuren’s ability to transform heartbreak into transcendent musical experiences that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. The track’s gradual build-up and emotional crescendo create a cathartic journey that has made it a favorite among fans seeking more introspective moments. Its sophisticated arrangement and production quality demonstrate the artistic maturity van Buuren achieved during his career’s peak creative period. The song’s enduring emotional impact proves that the best trance music can function as both dance floor anthems and personal soundtracks for life’s most significant moments.
Yet Another Day (feat. Ray Wilson)
Featuring Genesis’s Ray Wilson, this collaboration represents one of van Buuren’s most ambitious crossover attempts, successfully bridging progressive rock and trance music sensibilities. Wilson’s distinctive vocals provide gravitas and emotional depth that elevate the track beyond typical electronic music boundaries. The composition’s complex structure and sophisticated arrangements demonstrate van Buuren’s growth as a songwriter and producer. This track’s success paved the way for future collaborations between electronic producers and established vocalists from other genres, expanding trance music’s artistic possibilities.
Control Freak (feat. Kensington)
This collaboration with Dutch rock band Kensington showcases van Buuren’s commitment to supporting domestic talent while exploring new creative directions. The fusion of rock energy with electronic production creates a unique hybrid that appeals to both rock and electronic music audiences. Kensington’s powerful performance combined with van Buuren’s production expertise results in a track that maintains authenticity in both musical worlds. The song’s success demonstrated the potential for cross-genre collaboration within the Dutch music scene and influenced other electronic producers to seek similar partnerships.
I Live for That Energy (ASOT 800 Anthem)
As the official anthem for A State of Trance 800, this track encapsulates the communal spirit and euphoric energy that defines the trance community worldwide. The composition serves as both a celebration of the radio show’s milestone and a testament to trance music’s enduring power to unite people across cultural boundaries. Its festival-ready energy and anthemic qualities make it a perfect representation of van Buuren’s ability to create music that functions both as individual artistic expression and collective celebration. The track’s role as an official anthem demonstrates how electronic music can serve ceremonial and commemorative purposes within fan communities.
Music Means Love Forever (with Steve Aoki)
This collaboration with Steve Aoki earned recognition as one of van Buuren’s critical global hits, demonstrating his ability to work across different electronic music styles. The track combines Aoki’s EDM sensibilities with van Buuren’s trance foundations, creating a bridge between different electronic music communities. Its positive message about music’s unifying power resonates with audiences worldwide and reflects both artists’ commitment to electronic music’s community-building potential. The collaboration’s success highlights how established artists can learn from each other while creating something entirely new that honors both of their musical legacies.
Burned with Desire (feat. Justine Suissa)
This track stands among van Buuren’s most beloved works, having grown into a highly revered classic that has withstood the test of time. Justine Suissa’s ethereal vocals perfectly complement the track’s progressive structure and emotional intensity. The song’s exploration of desire and longing through both lyrical content and musical arrangement creates a deeply immersive experience that has made it a fan favorite for nearly two decades. Its enduring popularity demonstrates how authentic emotional expression can create lasting connections between artists and audiences that transcend changing musical trends and generational shifts.
Full Focus
This instrumental track from van Buuren’s fourth album “Mirage” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 60 on the Netherlands radio charts. The composition showcases van Buuren’s ability to create compelling instrumental narratives without relying on vocal elements. Its driving energy and intricate layering demonstrate advanced production techniques that have influenced numerous producers in the electronic music scene. The track’s commercial success proves that instrumental electronic music can achieve mainstream recognition when crafted with sufficient creativity and technical expertise, opening doors for other producers to explore similar artistic directions.
Alone Tonight (feat. Lauren Evans)
This collaboration features Lauren Evans’ powerful vocals over one of van Buuren’s most emotionally resonant productions, creating a perfect balance between vulnerability and strength. The track’s exploration of solitude and self-reflection resonates with listeners who have experienced similar emotional journeys. Its sophisticated production and arrangement demonstrate van Buuren’s maturity as both a technical producer and emotional storyteller. The song’s ability to maintain danceability while delivering profound emotional content shows how electronic music can serve multiple functions simultaneously, providing both escapism and cathartic release.
Need You Now (feat. Jake Reese)
Released in 2020 and featuring Dutch singer-songwriter Jake Reese, “Need You Now” was released on van Buuren’s own Armada Music label. This contemporary production showcases van Buuren’s evolution as an artist while maintaining the emotional core that has defined his best work throughout his career. Jake Reese’s dynamic vocals provide the perfect counterpoint to van Buuren’s refined production style, creating a modern classic that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences. The track’s success demonstrates how established artists can continue to innovate and remain relevant without abandoning their artistic identity or core fanbase.
Another You (feat. Mr. Probz)
This collaboration with Dutch singer Mr. Probz represents one of van Buuren’s most successful mainstream crossovers, combining pop sensibilities with trance production techniques. Mr. Probz’s soulful vocals provide emotional depth that elevates the track beyond typical dance music boundaries. The song’s exploration of loss and moving forward resonates with audiences who have experienced similar life transitions. Its commercial success demonstrated van Buuren’s ability to reach broader audiences while maintaining the emotional authenticity that has always characterized his best work, proving that accessibility and artistic integrity can coexist in electronic music.
Heading Up High (feat. Kensington)
This second collaboration with Kensington builds upon their previous success while exploring new creative territories that push both artists beyond their comfort zones. The track’s uplifting message and soaring melodies create an anthemic quality that has made it a festival favorite worldwide. Kensington’s rock energy combined with van Buuren’s production expertise results in a unique hybrid that demonstrates the potential for cross-genre collaboration. The song’s success reinforced the idea that electronic music can serve as a foundation for diverse artistic expressions while maintaining its essential character and appeal.
Freefall (feat. BullySongs)
This collaboration showcases van Buuren’s ability to work with emerging talent while creating music that maintains his high artistic standards. BullySongs’ distinctive vocal style provides a fresh perspective that complements van Buuren’s established production approach. The track’s exploration of risk-taking and emotional vulnerability resonates with audiences seeking authentic artistic expression in electronic music. Its success demonstrates how established artists can serve as mentors and collaborators for emerging talent while continuing to push their own creative boundaries and explore new artistic possibilities.
Magico (with Giuseppe Ottaviani)
This collaboration with powerhouse Italian DJ Giuseppe Ottaviani was highly anticipated and premiered on A State of Trance, showcasing the union of two trance masters. The track combines both artists’ distinctive styles while exploring new sonic territories that push trance music into contemporary directions. Giuseppe Ottaviani’s technical prowess combined with van Buuren’s melodic sensibilities creates a production that appeals to both underground trance purists and mainstream audiences. The collaboration’s success highlights the ongoing vitality of the trance scene and demonstrates how established artists can continue to challenge each other creatively while honoring the genre’s foundational principles.
In The Dark (with David Guetta feat. Aldae)
This groundbreaking 2024 collaboration marked the first-ever partnership between van Buuren and David Guetta, featuring two-time Grammy-winning songwriter Aldae. The track was premiered during their second back-to-back set at Ushuaïa Ibiza during Guetta’s “F*** ME I’M FAMOUS!” residency. Created during a session in Los Angeles, the track showcases the seamless fusion of their styles, combining van Buuren’s euphoric trance anthems with Guetta’s mainstream dance-pop mastery. The collaboration represents a historic moment in electronic music, bringing together two of the genre’s most influential figures to create an uplifting anthem about finding hope in dark times.
What Took You So Long (with Gryffin)
This collaboration with Gryffin was premiered live at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, demonstrating the track’s festival-ready energy and cross-genre appeal. The partnership combines Gryffin’s future bass sensibilities with van Buuren’s trance foundations, creating a contemporary sound that appeals to diverse electronic music audiences. The track’s exploration of timing and missed opportunities resonates with listeners while maintaining the uplifting energy that characterizes both artists’ best work. This collaboration showcases how established artists can continue to evolve while maintaining their core artistic identity and fanbase loyalty.
Follow The Light (with Hardwell)
This powerful collaboration with Hardwell appeared in van Buuren’s 2024 releases, demonstrating his continued relevance in contemporary electronic music. The track combines Hardwell’s big room house energy with van Buuren’s trance sensibilities, creating a festival anthem that bridges different electronic music communities. Its uplifting message and driving energy make it a perfect example of how collaboration can elevate individual artistic visions. The partnership between these two Dutch electronic music icons represents the strength of the Netherlands’ electronic music scene and its continued global influence.
Bed Of Rain (feat. Mila Josef)
Featured in van Buuren’s 2024 releases, this collaboration with Mila Josef showcases his ability to work with contemporary vocal talent while maintaining his signature sound. The track’s atmospheric production and emotional depth demonstrate van Buuren’s continued evolution as an artist and producer. Mila Josef’s distinctive vocals provide the perfect counterpoint to van Buuren’s refined production style, creating a modern classic that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences. The song’s success proves that van Buuren continues to innovate and remain relevant in the ever-evolving electronic music landscape.
Euphoria (with Alok feat. Norma Jean Martine & LAWRENT)
Premiered at Ushuaïa and Tomorrowland Brazil 2024, this collaboration with Brazilian superstar Alok demonstrates van Buuren’s global reach and cross-cultural appeal. The track features Norma Jean Martine and LAWRENT, creating a multicultural collaboration that reflects electronic music’s international character. Its euphoric energy and uplifting message make it a perfect representation of electronic music’s ability to unite people across cultural boundaries. The collaboration’s success at major festivals worldwide demonstrates van Buuren’s continued relevance in contemporary electronic music and his ability to create meaningful partnerships with artists from different musical backgrounds.
Is It Beautiful (with Ben Hemsley feat. Lucy Pullin) – A State of Trance 2025 Anthem
Serving as the official A State of Trance 2025 Anthem, this collaboration with Ben Hemsley and Lucy Pullin represents van Buuren’s ongoing commitment to the trance community. The track’s anthemic qualities and emotional depth make it a perfect representation of what A State of Trance represents to the global trance community. Lucy Pullin’s powerful vocals combined with Ben Hemsley and van Buuren’s production expertise create a modern trance classic that honors the genre’s traditions while pointing toward its future. As an official anthem, the track serves both ceremonial and artistic purposes, celebrating the trance community while showcasing contemporary production techniques.
Now Love Will Begin (with HI-LO)
This collaboration with HI-LO appeared in van Buuren’s recent releases, demonstrating his willingness to explore different electronic music styles while maintaining his core identity. The track combines HI-LO’s techno sensibilities with van Buuren’s trance foundations, creating a unique hybrid that appeals to diverse electronic music audiences. Its exploration of new beginnings and emotional transformation resonates with listeners while maintaining the energy that characterizes both artists’ best work. The collaboration showcases how established artists can continue to push boundaries while respecting each other’s artistic vision and musical heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Armin van Buuren’s most popular song?
“Shivers” stands as one of van Buuren’s most popular tracks, having been voted by fans as the number-one song in the 20-year history of A State of Trance during episode 1000. However, tracks like “This Is What It Feels Like” and “Communication” also rank among his most commercially successful and critically acclaimed releases.
How many albums has Armin van Buuren released?
Van Buuren released his ninth studio album, “Breathe In,” in January 2024, which followed his 2023 album “Feel Again.” His discography includes iconic albums like “76” (2003), “Shivers” (2005), “Imagine” (2008), “Mirage” (2010), “Intense” (2013), “Embrace” (2015), and “Balance” (2019).
What makes Armin van Buuren’s music unique?
Van Buuren’s music is characterized by emotional depth, sophisticated production techniques, and his ability to blend trance fundamentals with contemporary influences. His tracks often feature meaningful collaborations with diverse artists and explore themes of connection, transformation, and hope. For those interested in experiencing his music with optimal sound quality, check out our comparison of premium headphones to fully appreciate the intricate production details.
Has Armin van Buuren won any major awards?
Van Buuren has achieved remarkable recognition, including being ranked number one in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll five times and receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for “This Is What It Feels Like.” He has also won multiple DJ Awards and International Dance Music Awards throughout his career.
What is A State of Trance?
A State of Trance is van Buuren’s weekly radio show that has been broadcast since 2001, reaching nearly 40 million listeners in 84 countries on over 100 FM radio stations. The show serves as a platform for showcasing new trance music and connecting with the global trance community. For mobile listening experiences, explore our earbuds comparison to find the perfect audio gear for enjoying ASOT episodes.
What are some of Armin van Buuren’s recent collaborations?
Recent notable collaborations include “In The Dark” with David Guetta, “Euphoria” with Alok, and “What Took You So Long” with Gryffin. These partnerships demonstrate his continued relevance in contemporary electronic music while maintaining his distinctive trance identity. Stay updated with the latest electronic music releases by exploring our comprehensive songs category for more artist spotlights and track reviews.