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.
History 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.
Series overview + Reactivate releases 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 199423 Reactivate #10 - Snappy Cracklepop Techno Various 199514 Reactivate #11 - Stinger beats and Techno Various 199614 Reactivate #12 - Pulsing Sub-Aqua Vibrations & Thumping Jello Beats Various 199717 Reactivate #13 - Beats, Chance & Liquid Trance Various 199844 Reactivate #14 - Larry The Lobster's Trancetastic Pot Boilers Various199930 Reactivate Classics Various 199826 Reactivate #15 - Harry The Hammerhead's Pounding Trance Jawbreakers Various 199937 Best of Reactivate Various 2000 24 Reactivate #16 Various 200029 Reactivate #17 Various 200032 Reactivate #18 Various 200158 Best of Reactivate 2 Various 200137 Reactivate Energize Various 200284 Reactivate ’91 – ‘01 Various 2015
See also Clubland X-Treme Hardcore (compilation series) Bonkers (compilation album series) Euphoria (compilations)
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