Paul van Dyk

Few songs in the history of dance music possibly exude raw emotion and touch the soul quite like Paul van Dyk’s ‘For An Angel’ does. The song embodies instrumental dance music and the cross-generational track is probably revered with the same spirit today as when it was first released. Paul celebrates the 30th anniversary of the track with a double-vinyl release featuring his own ‘E-Werk Club Mix,’ new remixes from Öwnboss, Julian Jeweil, LOUT, and KOLONIE as well as classics from Filo And Peri, Activa and Miika Kuisma.

Selected by Mixmag as number eight in its “50 Greatest Dance Tracks Of All Time” feature and the subject of a new mini-documentary from DJ Mag, the track was first released in 1994 on his first studio album, ‘45 RPM’. Its status rose in 1998 when it was re-released as "E-Werk Remix," a nod to the E-Werk nightclub where van Dyk used to be the resident DJ. A melody contrasting with a tough driving beat propelled the track to international success, including a spot atop the UK Dance Chart, where it also achieved Gold status.

These brand-new remixes come from multiple dance music genres. Öwnboss is a platinum-selling Brazilian house artist who collaborated with Tiësto and releases on Tomorrowland music; Julian Jeweil is a French techno artist who releases music on Drumcode and Factory 93; LOUT is the German production team of Oliver Lipp and Tatjana Ufhei. London-based artists Kolonie and Activa and US-based Filo And Peri each deliver their take on the trance genre, while Finnish producer Miika Kuisma wraps up the remix package with a progressive bow.

Paul van Dyk: “‘For An Angel’ is so special to me because it represents an incredible time for dance music and wonderful personal memories. There was this fresh enthusiasm for dance music as it spread worldwide and paved the way for where it is today. The song is as important to me now as it was when I first made it, and it’s a staple in all my sets. The reaction from the fans when the song starts playing brings me so much joy. It’s fun to listen to these excellent remixes and realise how much the song influenced today’s talents.

“It is fascinating how 'For An Angel' still touches so many hearts after all these years. Across generations, young and old, all around the world. Whether it was in 1999 in front of 1.5 million dancing people at the Love Parade or last week in the Berlin Cathedral as an ambient arrangement, the magic of the track seems to grow even more intense over time. People tell me about memories they associate with 'For An Angel'. Different stories and emotions—ranging from wild, unforgettable nights in Ibiza that people fondly remember to wedding dance songs, and even as a tribute to the beloved. It’s one track with a million stories."

Paul van Dyk ‘For An Angel’ 30th Anniversary Remixes Double Vinyl release is available now from VANDIT.