New releases last eight weeks: Pop Trance

Review: 'Departures' is one of the most renowned singles by the Japanese band Globe, originally released in 1996. The track achieved significant success and became the group's second number-one hit on Oricon's weekly chart and went on to sell a total of a rather astonishing, especially in comparison to these digital times, 2.2 million copies, making it one of Japan's best-selling singles. Now the tune gets reissued on 7" and is a raw, dense pop-rock tune that comes with a bonus cut on the flip.

Review: The Eurodance producer trio Sash! which was made up of Sascha Lappessen, Thomas 'Alisson' Ludke, and Ralf Kappmeier, was founded in 1995 and soon found chart success. This extensive vinyl collection, The Best Of... Sash!, includes their debut hit 'It's My Life,' which topped European charts in 1997, and 'Encore Une Fois' featuring Sabine Ohmes, which hit #2 in the UK. A string of hits followed: 'Ecuador' featuring Rodriguez, 'Stay' with La Trec, 'La Primavera,' 'Mysterious Times' featuring Tina Cousins, 'Colour The World' featuring Dr. Alban, and 'Adelante' featuring Paul Hammer & Rodriguez-all chart-toppers. Bonus tracks include 2023's 'Rock My Body' with R3Hab and Inna and 2024's 'The Ultimate Seduction' featuring Sir Danny Cool and C'hantal.

Review: Ministry of Sound's latest double CD delivers a vibrant collection of this year's biggest dance anthems alongside fresh tracks from emerging talent. Featuring chart-topping hits from Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Oliver Heldens, the compilation is packed with infectious melodies and powerhouse collaborations. With contributions from the likes of Swedish House Mafia, Clean Bandit, Becky Hill and Rudimental, it offers an exciting mix of vocal-driven hits and deep, danceable beats. On the second CD, you'll find bangers from Dom Dolla, Gorgon City, TSHA and Eats Everything, as well as remixes from Solomun and Pete Tong. The perfect soundtrack to dance through the year's most unforgettable moments.

Review: A carefully curated selection of tracks that span multiple eras and styles, blending rare, hard-to-find cuts with contemporary classics, with elements of house, techno, trance, and electro and an emphasis on smooth grooves, punchy basslines and infectious melodies. There's an undeniable energy across the sampler, whether it's the driving beats of the club bangers or the deeper, more atmospheric moments that provide the perfect contrast. The mix of old-school influences and modern production techniques ensures that the music holds up on both the dancefloor and in vinyl collections. With standout tracks that cater to fans of both nostalgic sounds and current dance trends, this release will appeal to collectors and DJs alike, offering timeless classics that continue to find a home in today's sets.