As we wrap up another exciting year in Electronic Dance Music, we take a look back to reflect on all of the massive successes that we have seen throughout 2014. This year was an exhilarating era of Trance with many artists reconnecting with their original love of music while fresh new faces burst upon the scene with their explosive new sound and breathtaking, majestic melodies. Throughout this year, we have mainly seen a resurgence of true Trance emerge among a few, high profile labels that have either decided that the time was ripe for a switch back to their older sound or for a new label to cut away all of the fluff and deliver only the truest in Trance. While the ‘purists’ are mainly alongside the Uplifting community as of late, there have been several slower tempo tracks that have also made the cut among the best this year. In keeping up with our yearly tradition here at Your EDM, we have painstakingly combed through every noteworthy release within 2014 to find the best of the best to present to you, the readers. So without further a do, (and after many hours of research and decision making), we are proud to present our top 15 Trance tracks of 2014. Enjoy!
Editors Note: These picks are not in any particular order. Please note that these choices are subjective, and that it may or may not have your favorite track among here. 
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1. Above & Beyond- Anjunabeach (Genix vs. Las Salinas Remix) [Anjunabeats]
While this remix was already completed back in 2013 when Above & Beyond dropped this masterpiece in the ABGT 050 liveset celebration, its official release was slated for September 22nd of this year. Everything about this track is pure gold and this particular remix truly encapsulates the magic and beauty behind this iconic sound. While I lament that many of their current releases have lost that special touch, this track makes up for that loss in spades with breathtaking sound designs and wondrous melodic interludes.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/track/anjunabeach-genix-vs-las-salinas-remix/5727869
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2. The Thrillseekers- This Is All We Have (Andy Moor Remix) [Adjusted]
Oh man, where to begin with this track. While Andy Moor has strayed far from his original sound that was an iconic beacon for many long time Trance fans, this remix of his completely came out of left field from his usual normal sound. This is CLASSIC Andy Moor at his finest, as he does away with what is popular and instead focuses on his glorious technical sound with twinkling synths and precision based percussion stems. Beautiful would be an insult to this track, as the combined might of The Thrillseekers and Andy Moor produces golden magic in its purest form.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/this-is-all-we-have-remixed/1378503
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3. Celauro- Antidote (Original Mix) [Red Soho]
Definitely one of the highest breakout artists of 2014; Celauro completely blew me away when I heard this outstanding single. While he may not be known with any other productions, I instantly followed his Soundcloud account after hearing Antidote, because I knew that not only did this kid had serious potential. The sheer power and torque that Antidote exuberant is some of the finest I’ve ever heard and the tough as nails melody at the drop is massive to say the least. Keep a very, very close eye on this lad; I predict that he will go far in 2015.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/antidote/1260615
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4. Jason Ross- Elements (Sunny Lax Remix) [Anjunabeats]
I love it when an already established artist has suddenly found his second wind, and Sunny Lax has been having an OUTSTANDING year with releases such as Karma, Daenerys and Fiji. However, his remix of Jason Ross‘ Progressive House single of Elements quickly caught my eye with a complete overhaul of the Original whilst injecting it with that classic Anjuna sound that I have quickly come to both love and miss. This is a surreal journey into true Trance with cutting edge engineering and beautifully woven melodies all jam packed into a singular track. Magical.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/elements/1410716
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5. Alex M.O.R.P.H. & Woody van Eyden- A Night Outside (Aluminum Mix) [Vandit]
There is always something magical that occurs whenever the power packed Trance duo of Alex M.O.R.P.H. and Woody van Eyden decide to team up, and their single of A Night Outside was certainly a sleeper hit that should have been more popular than it was. However, it didn’t escape our radar and we knew that we struck into something huge when we first took a heard of this mix. This is what true Trance is all about, and rather than focus on gimmicks or branding, these two did what they do best: release quality Trance singles to keep the golden age of Trance alive. The melody too is killer in its own right.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/a-night-outside/1266027
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6. John O’Callaghan- One Special Particle (Original Mix) [Subculture]
It has become quite a rarity when a true master of Trance releases any type of material, but on top of a massively busy tour schedule, the mighty John O’Callaghan quickly reminded us why he is one of the best in the world. With a beautifully colossal melody that is instantly catchy without being too poppy/cliche and a gorgeously clean arrangement that is unmatched by most of the competition, his single of One Special Particle was consistantly hammered by all of the highest DJ’s in the world.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/one-special-particle/1309630
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7. Andre van Reese- Recovered (Original Mix) [Tytanium Recordings]
Ever since I heard this little number dropped during Sean Tyas‘ set at the ASOT 650 celebrations, I was instantly hooked into its charming melodies and incredulous attention to detail. His tracks were first imprinted on my mind when Simon Patterson dropped a few of his singles in a couple of his livesets and I instantly knew that this single had to have some amount of musical knowledge that far exceeded to normal Trance talent. With a sound that is highly reminiscent of Greg Downey, his fantastic finesse behind the producer’s table has earned him a spot as one of the most watched newcomers of 2015.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/recovered/1300313
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8. Mark Eteson- Aventus (Temple One Remix) [Afterglow]
This is yet another single that should have received more attention than it did, and the fact that it was released so early in the year only hurt its chances on being featured on any type of top 10 list. However, I have always been a huge fan of Temple One since years back, and this remix just clicks with me on a musical level and on a pseudo-spiritual level. The euphoric melodies and massive atmosphere add to its sheer connectiveness between each individual part and its majestic, yet elegant character only adds fuel to its righteous, burning desire for golden harmonies. A clear winner in our book.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/aventus/1244557
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9. ReOrder & Ian Standerwick pres. Skypatrol- Sailing Airwaves (In Memory Of Matt Trigle) (Original Mix) [FSOE]
There’s always something to be said about tracks that are dedicated to lost loved ones, and I am a full proponent of discovering the pinnacle of human creativity whenever grief or sadness is involved. It simply unlocks the key to limitless potential. RAM had this last year with his single of RAMelia when he lost his wife and this year, both ReOrder and Ian Standerwick have devoted their single of Sailing Airwaves to their lost friend, Matt Trigle. On top of their already established Skypatrol sound, you can FEEL their burning passion and full flood of emotions of losing someone dear to them, and their delicate, yet brave melodies are simply some of the best of 2014. One of my absolute favorites for sure.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/track/sailing-airwaves-in-memory-of-matt-trigle-original-mix/5283672
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10. Luke Bond ft. Roxanne Emery- On Fire (Aly & Fila Remix) [Garuda]
Easily one of the most hammered tracks of 2014, you can’t get any more iconic than Aly & Fila‘s remix of Luke Bond‘s On Fire, and the luminous vocals of Roxanne Emery has helped solidified this track’s stellar ranking among the year’s best. This is Aly & Fila at their best and while it may not hit as hard as other remixes, there is no denying its catchy melodies and classic, euphoric A&F sound. And the best part is that this track never got old either; it still sounds as fresh now as it did when it was released back on April 4th of this year. Stellar work by the Egyptian power duo.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/on-fire-aly-and-fila-remix/1269205
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11. Moonsouls- If I Still Believe (Ultimate Remix) [Infrasonic Pure]
While we aren’t officially ranking these releases in any real order, this particular piece is certainly one of my all time favorites of 2014 by a long shot. The reason for this is that If I Still Believe is the closest to representing Trance in its purest form and while I myself am not a purist, this track does everything right from its melodies to its stellar orchestration. It’s decadent melodies and spellbinding sound design does its best to sweep you into a magical world of bliss and solitude as only you and the music exist in its rawest form. Moonsouls, Ultimate and the rest of the folks over at Infrasonic Pure are doing everything right and currently, they are my all time favorite label in the world. This track is truly a masterpiece.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/if-i-still-believe-ultimate-remix/1358725
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12. Dash Berlin ft. Roxanne Emery- Shelter (Photographer Remix) [Armind]
While definitely a latecomer onto this list, the mighty forces of Photographer has shown us once again why he is widely considered to be one of the greatest Trance producers of the modern era. As a contender for the greatest Vocal Trance single of 2014, he has completely rehauled the original and has produced a goliath of a remix that shows the true colors of Trance with a decidedly harder edge in terms of power and depth. This track was instantly one of Armin van Buuren‘s favorite tracks and ours too; we just can’t get enough of it!
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/shelter-remixes/1423551
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13. Mark Sherry & Dr. Willis- Here Comes The Drums (Sean Tyas Remix) [Outburst Records]
After the colossal success of his single of Unleash, born again Trance legend Sean Tyas has unleashed his hardest remix to date with his reinterpretation of the Mark Sherry classic, Here Comes The Drums. In this mix, you’ll find tough basslines, slamming basskicks and a slew of raw, futuristic sounds that cold cocks you in the face with remorseless intent as the unusual stylings of Mr. Tyas elevates this track past a simple refreshening up. With a fine attention to detail and ample amounts of insane timbres to fill your hat with, this is definitely one of, (if not the), hardest tracks of 2014.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/here-come-the-drums/1397593
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14. Best Trance Track Of 2014: Airbase- Panache (Original Mix) [Flashover Recordings]
Simply put, this track is a true masterpiece of Cinematic music with heavy elements of Trance added in to barely qualify it as a Trance track. Airbase has been synonymous with some of the greatest pieces in the history of Trance and while he has been away from producing for over a year, his breakthrough single of Panache goes above and beyond any and all expectations for any Trance artist, much less his masterful abilities. Many many things can be said about this wonderful journey through music, but it can only be best described by listening and soaking in the beauty that is Airbase. We welcome his return with raucous jubilation and wide, open arms.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/release/panache/1424251
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15. Best Uplifting Track Of 2014: Will Atkinson- Victims (Original Mix) [Subculture]
With a blistering combination between old world Trance sounds and forward thinking melodies, there are few tracks that can compare to the tune of the year: Victims. This is definitely a ‘once in a year’ type of track that not only exceeds expectations, but effectively shatters it with every single nook and cranny of its very being. With a dazzling display of highly euphoric melodies and dark, mean and nasty countermelodies, the legendary Will Aktinson has truly outdone himself both as a producer and as a musician with this stunning display of aesthetic prowess. With an undeniably brutal orchestration and a fiery edge that extends to both its euphoric melodic section as well as its chaotically fierce Tech section, Victims has rightfully earned our spot as the number one Trance track of 2014.
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/track/victims-original-mix/5642087
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Thank you for checking out our Top 15 Trance tunes of 2014! This year was an incredible year for Trance and for the way that things are going, it looks like 2015 is going to be even hotter than before. Before we head out into the new year, I want to share a personal mix that I created just for this article that features some of the best in my personal collection for you to enjoy. This mix represents Trance in its purest form and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it. Until next year!
Keep the music alive. -Q
Picture Credit: http://newipadwalls.com/sunset-ipad-wallpaper-hd.php
