It is undeniable that Dutch heavyweight Armin van Buuren has been a household name among the Dance music crowd. This year has seen no difference either, with varying exquisite creations like “La résistance de l’amour” to “Show Me Love”. Concluding the year, the dexterous mastermind has compiled his endeared singles and newer music into one, christened as “Balance”. The seventh studio album certainly justifies the epithet, displaying its proprietor’s affection towards venturing outside the comfort zone. That being said, the steady dynamics between the Trance and the more popular Dance-pop compositions strikeout aptly, sticking out from his other magnificent body of works.

As usual, readers might be aware of the extensive-ness of this imposing, if not humongous, album and hence we will be presenting our thoughts for the productions released along with the LP, excluding the ones we have already discussed. We do however suggest a brief skimming over those articles.

Armin Van Buuren feat. Matluck – Don’t Let Me Go
82/100

A joint effort between headliners like DJ Isaac, Diedrick of DBSTF & Jesse of SYZZ/Avian Grays/Main Circus, the vibrant sounds are appreciably discernible in the climax. Armin’s elegant touch remains unescaped during the breakdown with an elegant piano riff. “Don’t Let Me Go” offers a pursuit of unadulterated happiness among the board of CD1, with its Euphoric hardstyle shining brightly and vibrantly with Armin’s composition.

Armin Van Buuren feat. HALIENE – Song I Sing
85/100

Pre-dominating by being the longest track in the album, with the extended version crossing seven minutes hits with a swarm of emotions associated with a proper vocal Trancer. With traditional but certified arrangements resembling his 2010 celebrated album “Mirage”, the contemporary sounds blend in subtly. Production-wise, it borrows the pace of Uplifting Trance and a perfect BALANCE, no pun intended, of the new and the classic vibes. The album mix, however, withholds from going well enough with the flow and continuity.

Armin Van Buuren & BT feat. Nation Of One – Always
84/100

It’s been unmistakably a decade since Armin Van Buuren and BT agreed on a memorable synergy, included in the Dutch DJ/Producer’s album called “These Silent Hearts”, where the US-based electronic talent Brian Transeau (BT) took the vocalist duties. Fast forwarding, we come over to this particular one, which swells with imaginative sound design in the main hook. As for Armin, his contribution to the melodies give a recognisable Anthem-friendly tone to this track. As for Nation Of One’s involvement, the vocal radiate an ambient feel, to the otherwise empty but assistive instrumental. Overall a sublime and hypnotic Trancer which serves as a worthy addition.

Armin van Buuren – Sucker For Love
79/100

The concoction of alluring sounds and subtle piano chords, the breakdown presents the charming vocal delectably. The drop soon follows, bringing in typical Future Bass schematics, however catchy to a limited extent. Vocal melody assist as a huge snare crashes to the ongoing beat, amidst the bright saw synths. “Sucker For Love” may have a serene and enticing timbre, but it shies away from the experimental motif of this agglomeration.

Armin van Buuren & Avian Grays feat. Jordan Shaw -Something Real
85/100

The most appreciable thing is the equitable presence of Trance and other melodic genres in this as well. Progressive House also makes to this list, in the form of “Something Real”. Including the fruitful efforts of Avian Grays (one half of Syzz) and the reputed album-creator, the leading voice from Jordan Shaw takes
the cake. With the vocal taking a centre-stage, the breakdown gently uplifts towards the energetic segment. Not only that, the cantorous and lively schematics of the drop embeds even more sentiments, shying away from being generic and prosaic.

Armin van Buuren (ft. Candace Sosa) – Runaway
86/100

This song gives an instant nostalgic hit of the Vocal Trance style Armin has tested and developed over the years. Whether it be the timeless “Not Giving Up On Love” or “This Is What It Feels Like”, there have been countless gems. This time, this instrumental has been voiced by the talented and prodigious Candace Sosa. From the very first second, the vocal performance hooks attention effortlessly. Consorting to a slower pace, the song uses chiming plucky Trance synths, hitting the sweet-spot effortlessly. Modernistic ear-candies aid the ongoing beat, such as the vocal chop, which add more to the flavour offered by this brilliant composition.

Armin van Buuren & Inner City – It Could Be
81/100

Teaming up with the pioneer of the Detroit Techno sound Kevin Saunderson, the composers here experimented with the 90s House style, adding a refreshment to the embedded Pop-ish schematics. The production conforms to cheery vocal hooks, a clever play of repetitive phrases and upbeat melodic arrangements. Furthermore, a classic House riff plays over along the ongoing groove, while the laid-back progression of the song makes it somewhat catchier and unheralded.

Armin Van Buuren – Unlove You
77/100

A surprise team-up between the proficient with the well-known Singer/Songwriter Ne-Yo, the Dance-pop structure uses offbeat Deep House bassline and a commendable pianoforte presence. The esteemed American vocalist does a worth-mentioning job, while the song maintains a commercialised summer-vibe. “Unlove You” sticks to the radio-friendly polished and slick sound, while leaving noticeable margins for experimentation.

Armin Van Buuren – Waking Up With You
78/100

“Waking Up With You” doesn’t get ambitious with creative measures. With an off beat tropical pluck to begin, which has obviously become somewhat a standard lately. The amiable vocal works along with assortment of percussion and instruments. However, the main hook plays the right notes with a tempting warm piano, which plays an alluring role during this act. This one may not have hit the bullseye, but nonetheless is praiseworthy.

Armin Van Buuren – Million Voices
84/100

With a lovely companionship between a child vocal and inspiriting composition, this Progressive House work reminds us gently of the Dance music from the earlier part of this soon-to-be-over decade. Armin has been avidly including young voices in other works like “Blah Blah Blah” or “Turn It Up”. After an atmospheric breakdown which lingers on a guitar and a mellow piano, the drop takes over with a different punch, upholding the bright saw synths playing the harmony. We felt more of a Swedish Progressive (like Otto Knows) presence in the timbre, but sweet-sounding alright. “Milllion Voices” have definitely convinced us of its capability!

Armin Van Buuren – High On Your Love
77/100

The somewhat synthwave influence along with the Trance sounds creates appealing harmonies, but stripped down breakdown made us speculate of its existence. With the vocal and a fewer percussion, the song almost presents an acoustic performance until the hints for the incoming drop comes around.
The pop-ish arrangements doesn’t make a huge impression on the ears, however the climactic segment is what extends for betterment of the production.

Armin Van Buuren – All Comes Down
85/100

The unforgettable “Strong Ones” from the same pair of creators has got a sequel. “All Comes Down” resorts to the powerful and resonant peak time Trance architecture, refusing to resemble much with the 2015 hit. Once again, like a recurring theme, operates with a bare minimum to deliver an imposing vibe.
However it provides more with the captivating assonance, as the following part introduces a strong current of old-school bassline and robust Arp melody. That being said, this follow-up is canorous and buzzing with entrancing sounds.

Armin Van Buuren – Miles Away
84/100

Armin may have tested with the modernized version of Dance music in his musical laboratory, however “Miles Away” proves his passion for Uplifting Trance remains intact, and evolving even. This particular instrumental introduces a noughties inspired Arp synth hook, which gets the required synth support . Add to that, the arrangements so made reverberates with it, reminding us of the sounds from his début album “76”. Adopting the Euphoric Trance structure, this creation functions with the drive and dynamism inspired from the evergreens of the genre.

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