Trance first rose to popularity in 1990s Germany. As technology advanced and the proliferation of electronic music became more widespread, trance became a regular feature at dance parties around the world. With similar tempos to common rhythmic motifs, DJs could easily transition from one song to another, creating a seemingly endless stream of music.

Generally, trance songs are constructed more similarly to classical music than pop songs, which results in their extended duration and complex rhythmic and harmonic schemes. Trance songs are usually composed of an intro, development, breakdown, recapitulation and finally, an outro.

Temple One—“World Beyond”

“World Beyond” by Temple One is a perfect example of the musical recipe described for traditional trance songs. From its atmospheric harmonies in the breakdown to its uplifting rhythmic projections throughout, “World Beyond” is a great introduction to basic trance.

Omnia—“Immersion” 

Frequently, trance songs provide a perfect opportunity to settle into the rhythm of a new song before introducing its main melodic motifs, usually eliminating the need for a breakdown later on in the song. Omnia’s “Immersion” does this to great effect.

Light & Wave—“Feeling The City (Sunset Remix)” 

Remixes have a strange place in trance music that differs from the traditional world of music. Because so many basic elements of trance music are shared between artists, it’s actually harder to find an original mix of a particular song than its remix. Sunset’s  remix of Light & Wave’s  inspirational hit “Feeling the City” is a prime example of this practice.

Dennis De Laat—“Sound of Violence” 

This song combines trance subgenres; in this case, tech trance and vocal trance. “Sound of Violence” was also featured in the club scene from “The Social Network”—an instance of trance music in popular culture.

Tiësto—“Adagio for Strings” 

This song should not work as well as it does, and it is hilarious for doing so. After listening to Samuel Barber’s  legendary “Adagio for Strings,” which every single classical musician knows for its raw harmonic and emotional power, this interpretation is exceptionally weird.

Photographer—“Airport (Original Mix)” 

If you like Linkin Park  at all—even if it’s a guilty pleasure—you will recognize the chords beneath Photographer’s “Airport (Original Mix).” With its progressive bass and wicked beats, this is truly a traditional trance song.

Amir Hussain & Robert Nickson—“Nevada (Original Mix)” 

Look no further than this song to witness how trance has transcended—pun intended—national boundaries. Hailing from Bahrain, a small island country in the Middle East, Amir Hussain collaborated with Dutch composer Robert Nickson to bring “Nevada (Original Mix)” and all of its sweeping synths and stuttering beats to life.

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