Rekindling lost connections with certain aspects of his life in a post-pandemic world, dance music legend Armin van Buuren has released his ninth studio album, Breathe In.
A follow-up to 2023’s Feel Again trilogy, the new album pivots to the long-lasting relationship he has established with his adoring fans over the course of his storied career. That sacred bond can be heard throughout the entirety of the 12-track LP, which touches on topics like positivity, open-mindedness and unity.
“In sound, soul and spirit, Breathe In reflects and underlines music’s ability to unite whilst urging listeners to celebrate life, see the light in others and (re)connect on dance floors,” the trance icon said in a press release. “I urge everyone to focus on the wonder around them, inhale and let it shape a deeper understanding for one another.”
Bart Heemskerk
A more cohesive production than his previous efforts, the heart-pounding Breathe In amps up the tempo, enabling van Buuren to retain his firm grasp of the progressive trance stronghold. This change of pace can be found in tracks like “Love Is A Drug,” “Lose This Feeling” and the 2024 A State of Trance Anthem “Destination,” which features trance heavyweights Rank 1, Ferry Corsten and Ruben de Ronde.
That massive trance collaboration wasn’t the only one found in Breathe In. The record takes full advantage of the close relationships with whom van Buuren has nurtured in the electronic music community. Psytrance superstars Vini Vici appear in “When We Come Alive” (with ALBA) and the Grammy-nominated Goodboys help open the album with the Guru-Josh-inspired “Forever (Stay Like This).”
Although brief, the album does allow for a bit of a respite, with cuts like “Motive,” “Bed of Rain” (with Mila Josef) and “Fire With Fire” (with HRRTZ and Julia Church). However, the overall pace of Breathe In is thrilling, with many of the tracks having already been played live by van Buuren, who is beloved for his high-energy performances.
Speaking of thrilling, acting as a final dose of adrenaline, van Buuren closes out Breathe In with a one-two punch of trance heaters. Both “Make It Count” (with Just_us) and “Space Case” herald back to the harder sounds of trance, with pulsating beats and a melodic tie-in acting as a symphonic ribbon of unity.
Breathe In is out now on van Buuren’s own Armada imprint. Take a listen below and stream the new album here.
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