De Maxx 37 The Retro Edition: A Genre-Bending Time Capsule from Belgium
Released in 2016 by Universal Music Belgium, De Maxx 37 The Retro Edition is a sprawling celebration of electronic music that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With its eclectic mix of genres—ranging from hard trance to reggae, pop, deep house, drum 'n bass, and beyond—this compilation feels like a DJ’s fever dream brought to life. It's not just an album; it's a journey through decades of dancefloor culture.
What makes this record stand out isn't just its breadth but also how seamlessly it blends styles that might seem incompatible on paper. One minute you're vibing to synth-heavy bangers, the next you're swaying to dancehall grooves or getting lost in experimental breaks. And while there are too many tracks (seriously, there’s a lot) to cover comprehensively, two songs stuck with me for very different reasons.
First up: “For An Angel.” If you’ve ever been to a rave—or even seen one depicted in movies—you’ll recognize this track instantly. Its soaring melodies and euphoric build-ups hit like a warm hug from someone who knows exactly what you need. There’s something timeless about it, as if it exists outside of trends or eras. Listening to it now reminds me of sweaty clubs where time loses all meaning, and everyone becomes part of some unspoken collective energy. Few tracks can pull off that kind of magic without feeling dated, but “For An Angel” nails it every time.
Then there’s “Cold Water.” This one caught me off guard because it leans more into a chill, almost introspective vibe compared to the rest of the high-octane playlist. The beat is understated, letting the vocals take center stage, and the result is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, lingering long after the final note fades. Tracks like these remind you that not everything has to scream for attention to leave an impact.
Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning the sheer audacity of cramming so many styles into one project. You’ve got breakbeat bangers rubbing shoulders with electro-house anthems, techno workouts colliding with reggae-infused beats. It shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. Maybe it’s the Belgian touch? Or maybe it’s just proof that good music transcends boundaries.
If I had to nitpick, the sheer volume of tracks could overwhelm casual listeners. But hey, that’s what playlists are for, right? Pick your favorites and let the rest sit until you’re ready to dive deeper.
In the end, De Maxx 37 The Retro Edition feels less like a traditional album and more like a love letter to electronic music itself. Sure, it’s messy, chaotic, and occasionally over-the-top—but isn’t that what makes it fun? After all, life’s too short for boring music. So crank it up, lose yourself in the chaos, and don’t forget to hydrate. Your ears—and feet—will thank you later.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: Whoever decided to name a track "Sniff (Coke Man)" clearly wasn’t trying to fly under the radar. Bold move.
