WKND

Released in early 2012, WKND marks a significant stylistic evolution for Ferry Corsten, moving away from the purist 'uplifting' trance of his earlier career toward a hybrid sound often termed 'Trance 2.0.' This era saw Corsten embracing the harder, more rhythmic elements of electro-house and progressive house, a shift most evident in the collaboration with Armin van Buuren, 'Brute.' The album features a heavy emphasis on vocal collaborations, including tracks with Betsie Larkin, Ben Hague, and Aruna, signaling a push toward a more accessible, song-oriented format. Despite this pop sensibility, the production remains technically complex, utilizing dense layering and sophisticated side-chaining techniques. WKND was a commercial success within the dance community, solidifying Corsten's ability to adapt to the changing landscape of electronic music while maintaining his status as a premier Dutch producer. It stands as one of the definitive 'big room' documents of its time.