Take Me Higher by Dania: A Raw, Pounding Ride Through 90s House Vibes
Alright, let’s cut the crap and dive straight into Take Me Higher, Dania’s explosive 1997 release on Renegade Records. This ain’t your grandma’s chill playlist—it's a full-on assault of House and Hard House beats that’ll jack up your heart rate faster than a double espresso shot. Produced by DJ Insane and To Kool Chris, with writing creds going to Dania and Julio Rodriguez, this album is pure fire for anyone who lives for thumping basslines and relentless energy.
Let’s talk tracks because that’s where the magic happens. First up, “Take Me Higher (House Mix)”—man, this one slaps hard. The groove grabs you by the throat from the get-go, throwing down a beat so infectious it feels like it’s burrowing into your brain. It’s got that classic 90s vibe but with an edge sharp enough to slice through any lazy afternoon. What sticks? The build-ups are insane—pun intended—and when the drop hits, you better believe it takes you higher. No wonder they named the damn thing after the track; it’s the heartbeat of the whole project.
Then there’s “Take Me Higher (Insane Dub)”, which is basically just a no-holds-barred banger designed to wreck sound systems. If you're looking for lyrics or some deep emotional connection here, nah, bro, this isn’t it. This version strips everything back to raw rhythm and pulsating synths, leaving zero room for excuses. You either move or you don’t. Period. I remember this one specifically ‘cause it’s like being chased by a freight train made entirely outta bass. Brutal in all the best ways.
The rest of the mixes—the Underground and Euro versions—are solid too, giving listeners options depending on their mood. Wanna vibe low-key? Go Underground. Need something more polished? Hit the Euro Mix. But honestly, those first two tracks steal the show without even trying.
Now, here’s the kicker: listening to Take Me Higher today feels kinda surreal. Like, how did we not lose our minds back then? This album wasn’t just music—it was a weapon aimed directly at dance floors across the US and beyond. And while Dania might not be a household name now, her work alongside these producers deserves mad respect. They weren’t following trends—they were setting them.
So yeah, if you’re into electronic music—or even if you’re not—you owe it to yourself to crank this bad boy up at least once. Just make sure your neighbors are cool with noise complaints, ‘cause trust me, this album doesn’t do "quiet."
Funny thing though—listening to it now makes me wonder how many ravers back in ‘97 realized they were hearing history in the making. Or maybe they were too busy losing their minds on the floor to care. Either way, props to Dania and crew for delivering a record that still punches as hard today as it did back then.
