TuneLab
Armin van Buuren
Tomorrowland 2022 - WE1
We are, forever and always, chasing the trance moment at Tomorrowland, and Armin van Buuren's 2022 WE1 set is a masterful sermon from the high priest himself. This is for the ASOT faithful, the ones who still believe in the power of a soaring lead and a 138 BPM uplift, gathered at the mainstage as the sun sets. The vibe is one of collective euphoria, a sea of flags and glowing bracelets moving in unison to the genre-defining pulse of trance and progressive house. Technically, this is a clinic in modern trance, averaging 134.7 BPM and heavily favoring the emotionally resonant, uplifting key of 4A.
The energy data—lows at 0.50, mids at 0.42, highs at 0.07—reveals the classic trance blueprint: a powerful, driving bassline supports lush, arpeggiated mid-range melodies, with crystalline highs reserved for the climactic supersaw explosions. Armin's mixing is precise and narrative-driven, using long, harmonic blends to create a seamless journey that builds and releases tension with expert timing. The harmonic progression is intentional, moving between compatible keys like 8A and 12A to guide the emotional arc from introspection to exhilaration. The tracklist is a treasure trove of Armin classics and new gems: the opening "Armin van Buuren & Cosmic Gate - Reflexion (ASOT 2023 Anthem)" immediately stakes its claim as a future classic.
"Armin van Buuren - Come Around Again" showcases his pop-inflected, vocal trance sensibilities perfectly. "Armin van Buuren/Blasterjaxx - Lifting You Higher (ASOT 900 Anthem) [Mixed]" is a peak-time monster designed for festival arms-wide moments. For a deeper cut, "Armin van Buuren - Shivers (Mixed)" offers a nostalgic throwback to the genre's golden era. The journey is quintessential Armin: it begins with the anticipatory build of "Reflexion," reaches its emotional zenith with the soaring climax of "One More Time," and concludes with the extended mix of "Reflexion," bringing the story full circle in a cascade of light and sound.