I forgot to mention it in the first post, but I'll also be ranking the top 5 electronic LPs (artist albums and mix compilations) I listened to this year. I figure that since dance music isn't really meant to be listened to one track at a time, it would make sense to shed some light on the best collections of music released during the year as well. While the songs aren't really a ranking (just a collection) the LPs will be ranked and reviewed.
2. Arty – Zara
Label: Anjunabeats
Genre: Trance
If I remember correctly I used at least three spots on last year's list to preach about how Arty would be “the next big thing” in Trance music and how at just 20 years old, he was already one of the top producing talents in the world.... well, it's still true today. 2011 was a massive success for him, and it all began with this track that was released in only the second week of the year. While his earlier productions and remixes hinted that he was something special, I believe this is the track that cemented him as one of the true elite in the genre.
Crunchy basslines, simple piano melodies and a one word vocal sample go a long way in this track. Arty seems to shy away from vocal heavy tracks for the most part, which is definitely a plus when his productions sound this... complete. Zara is really a true “song” rather than a track that can just be thrown in the middle of a mix or set to bridge between other tunes, it really demands your attention. Arty seems to prove time and time again that you don't need to use a SuperSaw to make great uplifting trance, and I have to admit that I'm quite thankful for that. It's one of the few truly uplifting tunes that I wouldn't be scared to drop in one of my sets.
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http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/lunatic-asylum
http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/summer-rain