I made my first tentative steps into the world of trance/electronica about nine months ago. It has been quite a journey. I never was into music that much and didn't understand peoples' passion with music - until I discovered trance music.

When I used to read music reviews on certain albums, some reviewers would post that it was for mature electronica listeners and not for first timers. I never really understood that, but as time goes on it's becoming clearer to me.

I began with Ministry of Sound's fairly recent commercial works such as "The Annual" series. As I begin experimenting, I got my hands on stuff such as Nick Warren's "Amsterdam", Digweed's "GU: Sydney", Saeed & Palash, Underworld, etc. I was so disappointed with it and put it at the back of my CD collection where I assumed it would gather dust for all eternity. It didn't seem to have that instant feel good appeal and hook me like the works of the Dutch trance master Tiesto. All I could hear was a repeating thump thump thump that never seemed to vary through the whole set.

Now after spending nearly nine months of continuous listening to all things trance/electronica, in the past few months I have discovered something astonishing. When I pull out some of these more minimal and progressive works, they absolutely blow me away with their groove and their subtlety.

Although my tastes haven't changed, they have expanded so amazingly. My emotions still soar just as high with uplifting euphoric trance, but now I enjoy so much more than that.

How has it been for you guys? I'd love to hear how other people got into trance music and if their tastes have evolved or stayed the same as they explore the music. It's been really cool to finally 'get' music. Now when I go to a club, instead of just dancing to the beat I actually have an ear tuned to the music.

By the way, I just have to add that Nick Warren's "GU Budapest" has to be one of the best trance albums that I have ever heard. As soon as the first track, "One" by Mara spills out of the stereo speakers, I am hooked.

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My eyes were so dilated, the traffic seemed syncopated, and the car.....turned me on.

Morel - Escape (Driving To Heaven)