Various – Reactivate Five - Pure Trance And Techno

I can't believe this hasn't got more reviews. I was really into techno in the late 80's and early 90's and bought this probably by accident. I would often buy compilations just to discover new music - boy I wasn't disappointed! I am now 51 and have had this CD for about 30 years, I have played it to friends when getting back to their houses for "afters" and also tried listening to other Reactivate compilations, but none of them compare to this. "Five" was the turning point for me and was instrumental in introducing me to the wonderful world of trance. It really was a turning point and was/is probably the most influential album in my whole life.

Well, I can't believe I am the first to leave a review for this milestone in electronica musical history. Of all the dance collections ever created this doesn't get a mention? Not on my watch!

This must surely be the biggest turning point in dance music history. Dance had become an ongoing chart success, and hence came the next stage in the evolution of electronica which was an even more underground less commercial sound. REACT were the label that did exactly that and helped create early 90s Techno which from here on became pre commercial TRANCE. This album is the one that cemented their reputation. This is the favourite of a 48 year old dance vetran since '88, (getting in a state). This is my go to whenever I need a lift. This album is jammed with quality and high production value but is not even slightly commercial, so instead of becoming boring quickly it grows and the listener is therefore rewarded with each additional listen..

Simply Beautiful!

It kicks in with -The Age Of Love (Watch Out For Stella Club Mix) which anyone reading this should already know and love, then it never lets up. NRG - He Never Lost His Hardcore is one of my memories of clubbing at the FF in london in 91/92. Ramirez & Pizarro ¡Hablando! (Acordeon Mix) was big here but even bigger in Amsterdam sat in a "Cafe" eating space cake.

WestBam - Mr Peanut - is Joey Beltram's Energy Flash on stroids! No really!

The other tracks I have not mentioned are honestly equally as good - no filler on here. This is the album that defined early Trance and gave it shape, with a darkness, an edge, many different subtle styles with just enough of a pop to make it catchy, it just always gets under your skin when you play it.

I bought it in 92 when released, completely at random with no expectations. It turned out to be an album that I played a lot to friends and therefore became known for playing a type of music that you will not find anywhere else. The assembly of such a great compilation was never even again repeated by anyone including React themselves. This was the one that made them stand out from the rest.

5 Out of 5 Stars ✨✨✨✨✨