Mirage

1. Overview
Mirage is Armin van Buuren’s fourth studio album, released September 10, 2010 on Armada Music (and Ultra in some territories). It showcased a broader, vocal‑driven approach for van Buuren, featuring collaborations with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Christian Burns, Nadia Ali, Adam Young, BT, Ferry Corsten, Susana, and more. The lead single, Full Focus, appeared on June 24, 2010. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))

2. Recording History
- Recording period and setting: Work on Mirage spanned roughly two years, and van Buuren notes he built a completely new studio for this project, marking a deliberate shift in his process. ([arminvanbuuren.com](https://www.arminvanbuuren.com/music/armin-van-buuren-mirage/))
- Studio and approach: The bulk of the album was crafted in his renovated studio, with an emphasis on blending trance with pop‑leaning vocal tracks. ([arminvanbuuren.com](https://www.arminvanbuuren.com/music/armin-van-buuren-mirage/))
- Producers involved: The album lists Armin van Buuren and Benno de Goeij as core producers, with additional contributions from Olivia/Nervo, Raz Nitzan, Adrian Broekhuyse, and Ferry Corsten. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))
- Notable collaborations: Featured artists include Susana (Desiderium 207), Christian Burns (This Light Between Us), Nadia Ali, Adam Young (Youtopia), Sophie Ellis‑Bextor (Not Giving Up on Love), Laura V (Drowning), Ana Criado (Down to Love), BT (These Silent Hearts), and Ferry Corsten (Minack). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))
- Mastering: Mirage was mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound (USA). ([sterling-sound.com](https://sterling-sound.com/discography/mirage/))

3. Chart Performance & Recognition
- Chart positions: Mirage peaked at No. 3 in the Netherlands, No. 113 in the UK, No. 148 on the US Billboard 200, and No. 5 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))
- Certifications: The Deluxe Edition notes that Mirage achieved Gold status in the Netherlands and Poland; general Dutch press confirmed the Dutch Gold disc around the Mirage era. ([astateoftrance.com](https://www.astateoftrance.com/armin-van-buuren-mirage-deluxe-edition/?utm_source=openai))
- Critical reception: Contemporary reviews noted Mirage as a bold, ambition‑driven crossover within trance, balancing accessibility with Armin’s signature production. ([nu.nl](https://www.nu.nl/cd-recensies/2332463/armin-van-buuren-mirage.html?utm_source=openai))
- Awards: There are no major awards publicly listed for Mirage itself; later Armin releases from the same period earned other nominations (e.g., This Is What It Feels Like from Intense won Grammy recognition). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))

4. Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence: Mirage bridged trance with vocal pop‑oriented material, shaping a path many late‑2010s trance productions followed. ([arminvanbuuren.com](https://www.arminvanbuuren.com/music/armin-van-buuren-mirage/))
- Remixes and editions: Mirage spawned remix packages and a Deluxe Edition, underscoring its club and radio viability; Mirage: The Remixes also circulated widely. ([arminvanbuuren.com](https://www.arminvanbuuren.com/music/armin-van-buuren-mirage-the-remixes-2/?utm_source=openai))
- Today: In Dutch and international press, Mirage is often cited as a watershed in Armin’s career for its collaborative scope and polished crossover sound. ([muziekweb.nl](https://www.muziekweb.nl/Link/JK163249/Mirage?utm_source=openai))
- Notable trivia: The title track “Mirage” and tracks like “Orbion” (2012 single) illustrate the album’s enduring presence in Armin’s catalog. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_%28Armin_van_Buuren_album%29))