Search - Paul Van Dyk :: Volume

Must have PVD Collection

Daniel Murphy | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | 10/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For the last 15 years, there has been one name that has left all the others behind when it comes to dance music and that name is Paul Van Dyk. In 1993, he released his first DJ-mix album X-Mix-1 The TFS Trip which featured a remixed version of Humante's trance hymn Love Stimulation. Then in 1994, he released his Green Valley EP featuring his first single Pumpin'. Now, in 2009, Van Dyk has released his greatest hits Volume.



The album doesn't hold back and launches into his catalogue of hits with the 2009 reworking of For An Angel. The track is as anthemic as the original and going to be just as huge now that it's been lifted as a single.



As the second track Home featuring Johnny McDaid (which is consequently his new single), it becomes apparent that the disc is mixed and, as always, Van Dyk has spun his magic with seemless mixing and perfect sounds that are reminisce of his Politics of Dancing compilations.



It's near impossible to find a favorite track on the first disc which is all of Van Dyk's own work. Pick your favorite single and chances are that it's one of the 16 tracks which have been tastefully selected and mixed together into one massive release. All the best tracks are included on the album including Another Way, Tell Me Why (The Riddle), and We Are Alive which features the stunning vocal talents of Jennifer Brown.



Where this release starts to leap beyond other best of releases by dance artists is the inclusion of a second disc which includes the highlights of his remixing careers. Van Dyk has remixed some of the biggest names of today and he's made sure that they are included in the 17 track compilation.



The first remix is that of What Goes Around... Comes Around by Justin Timberlake. It's not hard to hear the signature waves and rolls of Van Dyk's music across the track. The track is edgy and definitely worthy of the reputation of both artists.



Also included in the disc is Elevation by U2, Spooky by New Order and Say Hello by Deep Dish. These aren't necessarily the highlights because it's near impossible to pick any that stand out over the others. Each track includes a special uniquity that makes it's own special feel noticeable on the disc. Worthy of note though is Gimme More by Britney Spears where he has freely commented that the remix was one of his favorites to do stating that Britney is more than an artist, she's an ideal and he had immense fun with reworking her music.



This is an out and out winner hands down and a must have for any Paul Van Dyk fans. It's his greatest hits and his greatest remixes all rolled into one. It's impossible to look at the case and not see something that you have heard in the past and enjoyed. Grab it now and play it loud."