Am I European? Check. Was I alive throughout the 90s? Well, when it started, I was 7 years old, and when it ended, I was 17, so yes. And did I love the 90s? Sure. It was an important decade for me. It was important, as it defined my youth a lot. And yes, if you look at the image above, those were the colours and fonts of the 90s. A very colourful and happy decade for most of us. This was before the internet exploded, so we were still happy, and lived our lives to the max. Yes, TV shows of the 90s, some haven't aged well, but when it came to music, it has aged well. Like a fine wine.
Every day I listen to this Dutch radio station, called Radio Decibel, and they play a lot of 90s music. And it makes me happy. Reminds me of the lost decade and the music it generated. Was it cheese? Yes, it was. But it was memorable music, and music that has stood the test of time. We are now listening to it, 20-30 years since the songs were released, and we are still excited to hear those classics. They put a smile on our faces, and make us remember a decade that has long gone.
DJ A.K. made this mix, and it's not in line with his other mixes. But he gave it a go, and it has gained traction. A lot of positive feedback, so hopefully he'll do them more often, as there's clearly a demand for Euro Dance/Italo House music.
I did buy everything in the 90s, but A.K. did find a few songs which versions I've not heard before. Which makes them more interesting. I'm not saying that they are better, but it makes the mix more interesting. Discover new music which isn't new.
Can we all agree that the 90s was a dope decade? Can we? Kids who didn't experience the 90s cannot talk. It's us oldies. Well... old is a term I wouldn't like to us, but compare to those young kids I do feel old.
Let's take a trip down memory lane with these records:
Q-Tex - Power Of Love (Jon Campbell Remix)
TTF - Dreamscape 94
Trotters Independent Traders - Love So Pure
Corona - Don't Go Breaking My Heart
Teez - Love Of My Life (Piano Club Mix)
Billy Ray Martin - Your Loving Arms
TTF - Real Love
Tatjana - Santa Maria (Steven Tucker Vocal Club Mix)
N-Trance - Set You Free (TTF Remix)
Mary Kiani - I Imagine (Motiv8 Club Mix)
Capella - Move On Baby
Haddaway - What Is Love (12'' Mix)
Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
JX - There's Nothing I Won't Do
Grace - Not Over Yet (Perfecto Mix)
Love 4 Sale - Do You Feel So Right (DJ Joe Remix)
Suburban Delay - Energy Rush 97
KOKO - Open Your Eyes
Gigi D'Agostino - L'Amour Toujours
Wow. You don't see and hear these anthems that often anymore. Well, there are a few you would hear on 90s radio stations, but for example the 'L'Amour Toujours' track. The version used by A.K. isn't the one you hear. Or what about the 'Set You Free' mix by TTF? Not the version I hear on the radio.
It's a very nice mix, and not filled with too much cheese. Proper dancefloor classics. And a few he found were complete unknowns to me.
The 90s were just so damn good. The present day dance music isn't my cup of tea, and won't be all time timeless classics like these tunes from the 90s. They just can't be. The 90s dominated everything, and to this day it dominates the music scene. Just play anything from the 90s, and people all sing along and wave their hands in the air.
I do like this mix a lot, and have saved it as one my favourites in a dedicated playlist. One my wife would also listen to. (she's not a fan of 90% of the music I listen to, so it's nice to see a mix out there she appreciates too!)
Only criticism I've got is the N-Trance song. The original has been played over and over. This song, as good as it might have been in the 90s, grinds my gears. On adverts, on the radio, in many, many mixes.. I've lost the love for it, and I had it once. It's just meh for me. Can't deny it's a classic, but I'd rather listen to the other 18 tracks in this mix. Radio overkill is to blame.
I still give this mix a 5 out of 5 stars. Why? Because of A.K. taking me back to my childhood. And whenever someone does that, they get extra credits for doing so. I feel young again! And it's also a genre of music rather underrated on Soundcloud etc.
Best record? 'Love Of My Life'. Can't deny the fact that this is an all time classic!
DJ: A.K.
Genre/Style: Euro Dance, Italo Dance, Italo House, Euro House, Euro Pop
Mix Info: DJ A.K. - 90's Euro Dance Rave Mix 08.07.23
Length Mix: 01:05:05
Tracks: 19 (nineteen)
Download/Listen (via Soundcloud): STREAM HERE
File Size: unknown
File Type: unknown
Audio: Stereo
Sample Rate: unknown
Release Year: 2023
More Information: DJ A.K. - Soundcloud Channel