Andain - Beautiful Things [2003]

[dmgtz96]

Massive trance hit from back in the day.

The best-known version (the one that was played in Tiesto in Concert*) is the Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged mix**:
It leans more toward vocal/progressive trance

Another great version is the Photon Project remix, which is a serious uplifter:

*Oof, the singer is lip-syncing
**Some people claim the Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged mix can't possibly be trance because it's unplugged. That's a lie, and it is unquestionably a trance classic. End of the story.

 

[Progrez]

Massive trance hit from back in the day.

The best-known version (the one that was played in Tiesto in Concert*) is the Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged mix**:
It leans more toward vocal/progressive trance

Another great version is the Photon Project remix, which is a serious uplifter:

*Oof, the singer is lip-syncing
**Some people claim the Gabriel & Dresden Unplugged mix can't possibly be trance because it's unplugged. That's a lie, and it is unquestionably a trance classic. End of the story.

Well, there is nothing really trancy about it. The vocals are great, there is no doubt that it's a great track. However, the question unplugged means that it has acoustic sounds and no electronic amplification.

 

[dmgtz96]

My point still stands. It's widely considered one of the best vocal trance tracks ever. Even though it does have acoustic sounds, it still uses synthesizers and electronic drums. It also has a trance-like arrangement and a trancy feel to it. In fact, even Resident Advisor has it listed as trance.
Presumably, the Gabriel & Dresden version was nominated for "Best Progressive / Trance" at the International Dance Music Awards, but I couldn't find a reliable source for it (the wiki link leads nowhere).
If the Gabriel & Dresden version isn't "trancy" or is non-trance, then what do you think it is?

 

[Uplifted]

Love both versions, G&D remix is actually my ringtone now

Also the unreleased Billy Gillies rework is such a masterpiece - just listen to that build-up starting at 1:22!!

 

[Archon]

So far I've only ever listened to G&D Unplugged Remix, and I don't think anything would beat it. I don't care about the genre, but for me it's an ultimate vocal progressive/trance classic, end of story. Such a relaxed, easy-going track with sweet vocals. Probably works the best as an "introduction to trance" track for people who don't like or haven't listened to trance.

 

[chreddy]

I always loved this one. Ultimately it's all about the G&D mix for me, however the Photon Project remix is also pretty amazing!

Btw. there's also a remix by Elevation, which I like a lot as well. Sadly this was never released though.

 

[Bluemoon]

This version is also kinda nice, but nothing will ever beat G&D version for me ^^

 

[dmgtz96]

I always loved this one. Ultimately it's all about the G&D mix for me, however the Photon Project remix is also pretty amazing!

Btw. there's also a remix by Elevation, which I like a lot as well. Sadly this was never released though.

Yeah, G&D is *the* classic. I am slightly biased toward the Photon Project remix, though. It was the first version I heard, and its sound design is amazing. Never heard anything like it in uplifting trance.
Elevation would have been a rookie producer when he made his Beautiful Things bootleg. His break didn't really happen until Clear blue.