Reactivate
Trance music compilation album series
The Reactivate series is a compilation album series known for pioneering electronic techno and trance music. With 18 releases, and a number of best-of compilations, the series has achieved both chart success and over a million record sales. The albums were published by UK-based React Music over a 24-year period starting from 1991. The Reactivate sound has been reported as significant in the international rave music scene.
01History
The first in the series, Reactivate Volume #1 - The Belgian Techno Anthems, was launched by James Horrocks in 1991. Horrocks and React published the series to capture the music typically heard on club nights, and distribute hard to get European rave and techno music. Artists that have been featured in the series include E-Trax, Armin Van Buuren, Mrs Wood, Push, Sven Vath, BBE, GTO, John '00' Fleming, Ferry Corsten, Tiesto, Jam & Spoon, and Tony De Vit.
Volumes 8, 9, 10, and 12 were compiled by DJ and producer Blu Peter, with volume 10 in particular achieving renown for creating the "Reactivate 10 Generation". Volume 18 of the series was mixed by Darren Pearce. In 2015 the best-of compilation, Reactivate 91-01 mixed by Rachel Auburn, was released to positive critical reception with one reviewer stating that, for React, it was "by far their best compilation". In 2023 Reactivate was reported as "back on the dancefloor" with the launch of a new clubwear fashion range that capitalised on the novel artwork used for the album covers.
02Series overview
| Title | Artist | Year | Peak UK Comp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactivate #1 - The Belgian Techno Anthems | Various | 1991 | |
| Reactivate #2 - Phasers On Full | Various | 1991 | |
| Reactivate #9 - Razorsharp beats+bytes | Various | 1994 | 23 |
| Reactivate #10 - Snappy Cracklepop Techno | Various | 1995 | 14 |
| Reactivate #11 - Stinger beats and Techno | Various | 1996 | 14 |
| Reactivate #12 - Pulsing Sub-Aqua Vibrations & Thumping Jello Beats | Various | 1997 | 17 |
| Reactivate #13 - Beats, Chance & Liquid Trance | Various | 1998 | 44 |
| Reactivate #14 - Larry The Lobster's Trancetastic Pot Boilers | Various | 1999 | 30 |
| Reactivate Classics | Various | 1998 | 26 |
| Reactivate #15 - Harry The Hammerhead's Pounding Trance Jawbreakers | Various | 1999 | 37 |
| Best of Reactivate | Various | 2000 | 24 |
| Reactivate #16 | Various | 2000 | 29 |
| Reactivate #17 | Various | 2000 | 32 |
| Reactivate #18 | Various | 2001 | 58 |
| Best of Reactivate 2 | Various | 2001 | 37 |
| Reactivate Energize | Various | 2002 | 84 |
| Reactivate ’91, ‘01 | Various | 2015 |
Sources and credits
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