The best 90s trance songs

Taking its name from a state of semi-consciousness akin to hypnosis, trance is one of the most treasured sub genres of dance music, and we at Skiddle are no strangers to its hypnotic, euphoric vibes. Picking and choosing the finest trance classics is a tall order for anyone, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to the decade that defined the genre- the 1990s. 

First defined in the late 80s in dancefloors across Europe, most notably in Germany, trance music truly blossomed in the 90s, as record shops and nightclubs became littered with otherworldly anthems and sounds. 

For An Angel- Paul van Dyk

Before his Grammy nomination and being crowned Mixmag’s number one DJ, Paul van Dyk’s debut track ‘For An Angel’ cemented the German trance master as one to watch, while still to this day remaining his most seminal and well-known work.

Better Off Alone - Alice Deejay

This one needs no introduction. Beginning life as a 1997 instrumental track by Dutch producer DJ Jurgen, ‘Better Off Alone’ quickly became iconic after a vocal re-release in 1998 by Eurodance group Alice Deejay. Everything about this timeless track is iconic, from its catchy hook (which you’re likely hearing in your head right now) to its Moroccan decor-draped music video. 

Insomnia - Faithless

This tune has been remixed more times than we can count. ‘Faithless’ was certified triple platinum in 2023 and it’s not hard to see why, as its infectious melody coupled Maxi Jazz’s iconic vocals helped the track leap beyond rave dancefloors and into the public’s view.

In My Eyes - Milk Inc. 

Belgium’s favourite Eurodance group Milk Inc. have plenty of great trance albums to their name scattered throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, but it’s ‘In My Eyes’ from their 1998 debut LP Apocalypse Cow that remains their defining hit. 

Blow Ya Mind (Club Caviar Remix) - Lock 'N Load 

Few acts can say they delivered with their debut then left but Dutch pair Lock ‘N Load sure can with their 1999 first single. Fellow Netherlands based group Club Caviar’s remix of the track still fills dancefloors to this day, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Luvstruck - Southside Spinners

Fans of Kevin and Perry Go Large won’t hesitate to hum this banger. The Dutch duo’s signature track remains a cult classic among ravers and trance lovers before its use in the turn of the millennium comedy flick solidified its place in dance music history. 

9PM (Till I Come) - ATB

Described by the NME upon its 1999 release as evoking “the woozy sounds of Ibiza when it’s just too hot”, ‘9PM (Till I Come)’ is a snapshot of a sun-soaked Balearic dancefloor. German DJ and producer ATB topped the UK singles chart with this banger, while its guitar crafted pipe organ hook has rattled around the heads of trance lovers all too often since its release 25 years ago. 

Cafe del Mar - Energy 52

Another classic that captures the Ibiza landscape. Named after one of the island’s most iconic venues, 1993’s ‘Cafe del Mar’ is a stone cold classic of the genre thanks to its distinct melody and cemented place within pop culture, not least thanks to its use in classic films like Human Traffic. 

Silence - Delirium feat. Sarah McLachlan 

Canadian electronic group Delirium’s magnum opus ‘Silence’ dropped along with the rest of the groups ninth album Karma in 1997, where it had more in common with pop and ambient music owing to its slower tempo. Subsequent remixes, however, have reworked the song into a masterwork of 90s trance. Whether it be from Airscape or Tiesto, the song is regularly hailed as a high benchmark for the genre. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image: Paul van Dyk / Facebook.com