WatchMojo

Login Now!

OR   Sign in with Google   Sign in with Facebook
advertisememt

Top 10 Paul van Dyk Songs

Top 10 Paul van Dyk Songs
VOICE OVER: Matt Campbell
Script written by Q.V. Hough

The grandmaster of Trance. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Paul van Dyk Songs. For this list, we're focusing only on official Paul van Dyk studio releases – and will not be considering remixes by other DJs or your friend's bitchin' iPad remix – only official studio releases.

Special thanks to our user Godslayer79 for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Script written by Q.V. Hough

#10: “My World”
The Green Valley E.P. (1994)


Kicking off the PVD experience, this song was first released as part of the German’s DJ’s extended play The Green Valley, which dropped in the same year as his studio debut album 45 RPM. And though “My World” doesn’t necessarily have that unique type of RAGE! quality that makes people lose their damn minds, it definitely fits the criteria for an ideal rave hit. It’s all about the atmosphere and van Dyk invites listeners to join in the moment and experience his musical vision.

#9: “White Lies” feat. Jessica Stutta
In Between (2007)


Here’s one of van Dyk’s more typical club bangers and a track that features one of the Pussycat Dolls- Jessica Stutta- up on the mic. Based on a familiar theme that often separates couples, Dyk somehow manages to flip the idea and somehow make it sexy, thus bringing us all together in a celebration of “White Lies.” Perhaps you’re confused, and you should be, but just dance out that confusion and take comfort in the magic of a classic PVD trance anthem.

#8: “Crush” feat. Second Sun
Reflections (2003)


Most women like a man who knows what he wants; a man that makes his intentions clear. In this aggressive Dyk track, the pounding mix lends weight to the somewhat psychotic and stalker-like vocals. One has to appreciate the commitment that someone will verbally express a willingness to be another’s “junkies dope,” but theoretically speaking, “Crush” boasts the perfect amount of intensity for some late night grindin’ as two individuals look into each other eyes and think “I'll be the soles on your feet/your sticky sheet.”

#7: “Tell Me Why (The Riddle)” featuring Saint Etienne
Out There and Back (2000)


Perhaps this song won’t remind the average person of Mother Nature and falling snow, unless – that is – you’re coming from a Paul van Dyk state of mind. Teaming up with English singer Sarah Cracknell and her group Saint Etienne, the German DJ wreaked havoc on the UK charts with “Tell Me Why” thanks to a killer pace and the overall mind-shakery of it all. With the vocals drifting in and out and the beat slowly intensifying, this song helped welcome in a new millennium.

#6: “Forbidden Fruit”
Seven Ways (1996)


Now check out this early van Dyk jam from the middle of a classic 90s trance album, Seven Ways. Although one could say it seems to borrow from “Halcyon + On + On” by Orbital, “Forbidden Fruit” does display a little more creativity than some of PvD's earlier works. While it’s clear that the DJ definitely had more roads to travel, the track beautifully represents the landscape of trance music at the time and remains a beloved anthem from early van Dyk’s chill discography.

#5: “Words”
Seven Ways (1996)


If our #6 entry, “Forbidden Fruit” boasts a relaxing vibe, but this track will pull you right off the couch and get you ready for the gym. Closing out Paul van Dyk’s second studio album, “Words” initially reminded that PVD wasn’t messing around, and the gonzo nature of the track showcased the trance bravado of the DJ, just as the musical backdrop of the world beat evolved with each passing year. In essence, “Words” paved the way for the new sound that would emerge with 2000’s Out There and Back.

#4: “We Are Alive” feat. Jennifer Brown
Out There and Back (2000)


The title alone emits a feeling of international unity, and when you put some Paul van Dyk stank on the words, then you know it’s going to be a hit. Centered on the idea of living in the moment and not taking yourself too seriously, “We Are Alive” reaches new heights, large in part to the vocals of Jennifer Brown, who brings urgency to the words yet in a most comforting way. Yeah, we’re all alive, but sometimes we need to step back and realize that we ARE alive. Deep, man.

#3: “Nothing But You” feat. Hemstock and Jennings
Reflections (2003)


Ethereal and magical, this Paul van Dyk joint will make anybody a fan. Featuring the former “Popstars” winner Kym Marsh, as well as famed trance singer Jan Johnston on vocals, “Nothing But You” conveys the feeling of riding a musical wave - an ebb and flow of trance hypnotics. The song's Norwegian lyrics translate to “I have nothing, but I have everything when I have you” which is pleasant and beautiful, even more so if you're Norwegian. A UK top 20 UK and a US dance chart top 10, this PVD hit truly connected with the masses, finding its way to the gaming world via “Need for Speed Underground 2” and “FIFA Football 2004”.

#2: “Another Way”
Out There and Back (2000)


From Paul van Dyk’s third studio album, this track is all up in your business from the jump. And you love it too, don’t ya? On its own, “Another Way” demonstrates the proficient DJ acumen of Mr. van Dyk, and in the context of the album itself, the song sets the table for the work as a whole. It’s got the intensity that would become more prevalent in later years, and considering that PVD hadn’t released an album since 1996, “Another Way” epitomized the new direction of trance music and the visionary techniques of the spinster.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Verano” feat. Austin Leeds
Evolution (2012)

“Complicated” feat. Ashley Tomberlin
In Between (2007)

“Eternity” feat. Adam Young
Evolution (2012)

“Let Go” feat. Rea Garvey
In Between (2007)

“I Don’t Deserve You” feat. Plumb
Evolution (2012)

“Beautiful Place” feat. Natasha van Dyk-Seidel
Seven Ways (1996)


#1: “For An Angel”
45 RPM (1995)


Released in late 1994 as the first official single from Paul van Dyk, this trance anthem became an instant classic and remains one of the most iconic recordings of the genre. The opening of “For An Angel” contains just a downright filthy aesthetic, as PVD slowly takes on a spiritual journey of everlasting love. On a fundamental level, though, just the musical flavor alone speaks volumes, especially considering the time of release, but on a conceptual level, “For An Angel” communicates a message for all, making the German DJ a timeless innovator of the trance genre.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Paul van Dyk song? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

Comments
User
Send
You should've included Avenue because it's my favourite PVD song. I'm really disappointed at the exclusion.
advertisememt