Top Selection 19: A Sonic Rollercoaster That Still Hits Hard
If you're into the kind of music that makes your body move without asking permission, Top Selection 19 by Various is one of those albums that sneaks up on you and refuses to leave. Released back in 2013 under Belgium's 541 label, this gem blends pop, electronic, funk, and soul with a heavy dose of drum 'n bass, house, and everything in between. The DJ mix here is credited to an "Unknown Artist," but whoever they are, they deserve a medal—or at least a really big hug.
What makes this album unforgettable isn’t just its genre-hopping chaos; it's how each track feels like it has its own personality. Take "My Head Is A Jungle" for example. It starts off all moody and mysterious, like walking through fog at dawn, then BAM—it slaps you awake with beats so crisp you'll swear someone turned the volume up on life itself. You can’t help but feel invincible when this song kicks in. I mean, who hasn’t had days where their head feels like a jungle? This track gets it. It’s messy, raw, and kinda beautiful.
Then there’s "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (And If It Wasn’t For The Music Mix)." C'mon, the title alone hits different. There’s something about this remix that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. Maybe it’s the way the beat builds, layer by layer, until you’re fully submerged in sound. Or maybe it’s because deep down, we’ve all been saved by a good tune at some point—whether it was during a breakup, a bad day, or just trying to survive another Monday morning commute. This version gives me chills every time, like hearing an old friend whisper, “You got this.”
Now, don’t get me wrong—not every track lands perfectly. Some songs blend together after a while, and others feel like filler compared to standouts like “My Head Is A Jungle” or “Last Night…”. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. This album isn’t trying too hard to be perfect. It’s more like a wild night out—you know not every moment will be golden, but the highs make it worth it.
Looking back, what strikes me most about Top Selection 19 is how human it feels despite being packed with machine-made beats. Sure, it came out ten years ago, but damn if it doesn’t still sound fresh today. And isn’t that weird? How something made entirely of loops and synths can feel alive?
Anyway, if you ever see this album sitting around somewhere—streaming service, dusty record store, whatever—give it a shot. Just don’t blame me if you end up dancing alone in your kitchen at 2 AM. Oh, and if anyone finds out who the "Unknown Artist" is behind the mix…tell them thanks from me.
