Rating: ★★★★★ (4.5/5)
Reviewed by: Anissa Sutton
Release Date: Out Now
Download/Stream: Follow The Light
Okay, EDM fam, get ready because Armin van Buuren and Hardwell just dropped their first collab in nearly a decade, and it’s giving us life! The track is called ‘Follow The Light’, and it’s already causing a frenzy in the dance music world. If you loved their 2015 banger ‘Off the Hook’, you’re going to love this one too.
Let’s break it down!
The Ultimate EDM Duo is Back
Armin and Hardwell are literal legends, and if you’ve ever been to an EDM festival, you know they both know how to bring the heat. Their last collab was way back in 2015 with ‘Off the Hook’, which totally slayed the charts and racked up over 100 million streams. So when the rumors started flying earlier this year that they were working together again, fans went wild. And now it’s here, and it’s everything we dreamed of.
What Does It Sound Like?
So, what does ‘Follow The Light’ sound like? Imagine Armin’s epic, uplifting trance melodies smashed together with Hardwell’s intense big-room techno drops, and you’ve got a recipe for absolute fire. This track is a total festival anthem, designed to get your heart racing and your hands in the air. The energy is next level.
You know how Armin does that thing where the buildup gets so euphoric you feel like you’re floating, and then Hardwell comes in and slaps you with a bass drop that makes you feel like you just ran a marathon in 10 seconds? Yeah, that’s exactly what’s happening here. It’s the best of both worlds, and the crowd reaction says it all — everyone’s been losing their minds during their sets this year!
The Live Tease Had Fans Hyped
If you’ve been following either of these guys in 2024, you’ve probably already heard ‘Follow The Light’ pop up in their live sets. Armin and Hardwell first teased the track during their back-to-back set at A State of Trance Rotterdam, and the crowd (and internet) basically exploded. This collab has been a hot topic since then, and now that it’s officially out, the hype is only growing.
Armin’s Signature Trance Vibes
For all the Armin van Buuren stans out there, don’t worry — this track still has that signature Armin trance magic. The melody is soaring, emotional, and euphoric, just like we expect from him. If you’re into those goosebumps-inducing buildups, this track is going to hit just right.
Armin’s been in the game for over two decades, constantly reinventing himself while staying true to his trance roots. Whether it’s his massive radio show A State of Trance (which BTW has over 40 million listeners each week!) or his collabs with artists like David Guetta, Teddy Swims, or even this one with Hardwell, Armin never disappoints.
Hardwell Brings the Bass
Now let’s talk about Hardwell. If you’ve been following his career, you know he made a major shift in 2024 to Big Room Techno, and it’s been insane. His latest album REBELS NEVER DIE was a total game-changer, and tracks like ‘I’m The Devil’, ‘XTC’, and ‘The Abyss’ have been making waves at every festival.
So when Hardwell comes in with those bass-heavy, ground-shaking drops in ‘Follow The Light’, you feel it. It’s the perfect contrast to Armin’s dreamy melodies, and the two styles blend together so smoothly. It’s honestly the kind of track you can see closing out a massive festival set, with everyone jumping and losing their minds in sync.
It’s a Festival Staple Already
Even though the track is fresh out, it’s already become a must-play in both Armin and Hardwell’s sets. With festival season still going strong, you can expect to hear this banger everywhere from Tomorrowland to EDC. And trust me, it hits different when you’re surrounded by thousands of people vibing to the same beat.
The Legacy of Two Legends
Armin and Hardwell are legends for a reason. Armin, with his five Top 100 DJ titles, is one of the most influential figures in the electronic scene. Whether it’s through his music, his weekly A State of Trance show, or his massive headlining festival sets, Armin has shaped the trance scene as we know it.
Then there’s Hardwell, who held the No. 1 DJ spot twice and has been killing it with his big-room sound. His return to the scene after a short break was nothing short of epic, and with his shift to Big Room Techno, he’s showing that he’s not afraid to evolve and push boundaries. His radio show, Hardwell On Air, has also made a big comeback, and fans are loving every minute of it.
Final Thoughts
So, is ‘Follow The Light’ worth the wait? Absolutely! It’s got everything you want from an Armin van Buuren and Hardwell collab: high energy, massive drops, and that perfect festival vibe. While I would’ve loved to see them push the envelope a little more with something unexpected, this track still delivers in a huge way. It’s fun, it’s high-energy, and it’s the kind of track you’re going to have on repeat all summer.
If you’re a fan of either of these EDM legends, you need to give this a listen. And if you’re heading to any festivals this year, don’t be surprised if this is the track that blows the roof off the main stage.
Rating: 4.5/5
Stream ‘Follow The Light’ here: Spotify
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