In 2008, Armin van Buuren, already a titan in the trance world, released a track that would transcend genre boundaries and capture the hearts of both clubbers and casual listeners alike. “In and Out of Love” featuring Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel was more than just a trance anthem—it was a defining moment in the emotional evolution of electronic music.
Known for his euphoric melodies and masterful live sets, Armin had already built a global reputation as one of the leading figures in trance. But with “In and Out of Love,” he elevated his sound into new territory, crafting a song that was just as suited for headphones on a rainy day as it was for a hands-in-the-air festival moment.
The key to the song’s magic lies in the haunting, ethereal vocals of Sharon den Adel, whose presence on the track brought a gothic beauty rarely seen in electronic music at the time. As the lead singer of symphonic metal band Within Temptation, den Adel’s voice brought a sense of depth and longing that made “In and Out of Love” feel intensely personal. Her delivery of lines like “See the mirror in your eyes / See the truth behind your lies” wrapped the listener in vulnerability, even as the driving trance beat pulsed underneath.
Musically, Armin’s production was pristine—pairing delicate piano melodies and atmospheric synths with a classic trance build that exploded into an emotionally charged drop. The structure was deceptively simple, but the emotional payoff was massive. It was that rare kind of track that could make you cry on the dancefloor while still keeping your feet moving.
The song was released as a single from Armin’s third studio album, Imagine, and it quickly became one of his most beloved tracks. The music video—featuring Sharon den Adel in an abandoned house, emotionally drifting through memories—became one of the most viewed trance videos on YouTube and still racks up millions of plays to this day.
“In and Out of Love” is a perfect example of vocal trance at its peak—a balance of emotional storytelling and electronic euphoria. It bridged the gap between pop sensibility and underground appeal, introducing new fans to trance while giving longtime listeners a deeper connection to the genre.
More than 15 years later, the song still resonates with fans around the world. It’s a staple in Armin’s live sets, often reserved for the most emotional peaks of his performances. Whether you’re reliving old memories or discovering the track for the first time, it’s impossible not to feel its impact.
So this Flashback Friday, revisit the track that made hearts race and eyes water, and let Armin and Sharon remind you just how powerful trance music can be—in and out of love.
