Explore the depths of Armin van Buuren’s new 3-part album, which part is your favorite?

When it comes to trance music, few names are as enduring and influential as Armin van Buuren. Over the past two decades, the Dutch DJ and producer has become a symbol of consistency and evolution in the world of electronic music. Known for his high-energy live performances, weekly “A State of Trance” radio show, and annual themed albums, Armin continues to shape how global audiences experience trance.

His latest release, the “A State of Trance Ibiza” album, is more than just a collection of tracks—it’s a meticulously curated three-part sonic narrative. Each segment reflects a different emotional and rhythmic phase of a night spent on the White Isle, the world’s most iconic party destination. From beachside serenity to clubland euphoria, and into the dark depths of underground trance, the album captures the full spectrum of Ibiza’s nightlife.

Divided into On The Beach, In The Club, and Who’s Afraid of 138?!, this compilation marks one of Armin’s most conceptually complete releases. And at the emotional heart of the journey lies “Everything I Wanted”, a collaboration with rising vocal star Malou—a track that perfectly bridges the melodic and emotional pulse of the album.

Let’s break down this journey.

Part I: On The Beach – Melodic Reflections at Sunset

The experience starts gently, with On The Beach, a segment designed for sunset listening, evoking the sound of waves, warm sand, and introspective moments under the golden Ibiza sky.

These tracks lean heavily on melodic trance, progressive textures, and ambient synth work—crafted to reflect the quieter, contemplative side of a trance-filled night. This is where Armin reminds us that trance is not only about big drops and high BPMs—it’s also about emotional storytelling and sonic atmosphere.

A standout in this section is the aforementioned “Everything I Wanted”. Featuring Malou’s emotive vocal delivery, the song explores themes of self-reflection, longing, and inner peace. Armin’s production supports rather than overwhelms, allowing Malou’s voice to carry the emotional weight of the track. It’s a bold artistic statement that shows Armin’s ability to balance mainstream appeal with depth.

Other highlights include tracks from Matt Fax, Eelke Kleijn, and Ben Böhmer, all known for their atmospheric, cinematic approach to dance music. This section sets the tone for the album, emphasizing trance’s capacity for melancholy, nostalgia, and connection.

On The Beach is for the dreamers—the ones watching the horizon with a drink in hand, waiting for the first beat of the night to hit.

Part II: In The Club – Peak-Hour Energy and Dancefloor Unity

As the sun sets and the island’s clubs awaken, the album shifts gears into In The Club—a representation of peak-time dancefloor dynamics. This section is the heartbeat of the night, where euphoric synths, pounding kick drums, and progressive trance anthems reign supreme.

Here, Armin curates a powerful mix that captures what it feels like to be under the lights at Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza, or Amnesia, surrounded by thousands of people in sync with the music. This is the part of the night where bodies move as one, and the DJ becomes both conductor and storyteller.

Artists featured include ilan Bluestone, MaRLo, Cosmic Gate, and ALPHA 9, each bringing their own brand of high-energy, emotionally driven trance. What makes this section especially effective is how it builds on the emotional foundation set in the previous chapter. Rather than abandoning melody for energy, Armin blends the two into a coherent flow.

“In The Club” is where trance transcends genre and becomes communal—a shared emotional release, experienced collectively under strobes and lasers.

It also reflects Armin’s long-standing mission: to unite trance lovers globally. This same mission powers his A State of Trance radio show, now in its 20+ year run, reaching millions of listeners in over 80 countries. The radio show and live events are more than a brand—they are the cornerstone of a global trance movement.

Part III: Who’s Afraid of 138?! – Into the Underground

The final phase of the journey, Who’s Afraid of 138?!, dives deep into the underground energy of hard trance. This is Armin van Buuren unfiltered—leaning into a faster, darker, and more intense BPM realm. With tempos reaching 138 BPM and beyond, this segment is not for the casual listener.

Here, trance is stripped of pop-friendly polish. It’s raw, driving, and hypnotic. Tracks in this section lean heavily on psytrance, tech-trance, and the underground side of progressive, often eschewing vocals for pure percussive force and swirling arpeggios.

Notable contributors include John Askew, Allen Watts, Simon Patterson, and Sneijder—artists known for their no-compromise approach to trance. Each track is a call to the purists, a reminder that trance is not just a genre but a spiritual experience.

It’s also a nod to Armin’s early days—when he first made his name in the late 90s with underground trance hits like “Blue Fear” and “Communication”. His passion for the harder edge of trance hasn’t faded; instead, he’s carved out a dedicated platform—Who’s Afraid of 138?!—to keep it alive and evolving.

In Ibiza, these sounds find a home in the after-hours parties, where only the most dedicated remain, dancing until sunrise in basements, boat decks, or deep within clubs like DC10.

Armin van Buuren – The Architect of Trance Culture

Beyond just curating an album, Armin continues to shape the very culture of trance. With over 20 years of experience, five-time #1 DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100, and a discography that spans classics and chart-toppers, he is both an ambassador and innovator.

His brand A State of Trance (ASOT) has evolved into an empire—encompassing not only the weekly radio show but also global festivals (ASOT Utrecht, ASOT Mexico, ASOT London), a record label, and now a yearly thematic Ibiza album that captures the spirit of summer.

With this release, Armin isn’t just offering tracks—he’s offering a curated emotional arc, a musical journey with intention and identity. It reflects his deep understanding of how trance can mirror life’s highs and lows, from serenity to euphoria to chaos and catharsis.

Conclusion: More Than Music – A Trance Memoir of Ibiza

The “A State of Trance Ibiza” album stands not only as a musical compilation but as a sonic memoir of a night in one of the world’s most iconic party destinations. Through its three chapters—On The Beach, In The Club, and Who’s Afraid of 138?!—Armin van Buuren offers a full emotional spectrum of the trance experience.

With the standout collab “Everything I Wanted” acting as the emotional keystone, the album weaves melody, energy, and intensity into one of the most cohesive and inspired ASOT Ibiza editions to date.

It’s a love letter to the island, to the genre, and to the fans who keep the spirit of trance alive.

For those who’ve never been to Ibiza, this album is the next best thing. And for those who have—it’s the perfect soundtrack to remember it by.