One year. Ten tracks. No excuses and (naturally!) zero compromises - at 2025’s outset, that’s the challenge John O’Callaghan laid down for himself. With his eighth, the towering ‘Music Takes Me Higher’, safe to say he’s smashing his way towards that in style.
His studio journey kicked off in ‘Memphis’, progressing to explore some ‘Crystal Caverns’ in April, before getting itself ‘Lost In Sound’ in the early summer. Since, be it through the meditative glow of ‘Reflections’ or the gravitational pull of ‘Lunar Divide’, O’Callaghan’s kept that 365 singles story unfolding.
Now JOC turns the magic back on again, and only someone of his studio powers can take a straight-shooting, message-in-the-music title like ‘Music Takes Me Higher’ and turn it into both an emotional sucker punch and an EOTN anthem. That, in no small part is down to the angelically sung, straight-from-the-heart vocal that he hooks up to the celestial string plucks and force-mass-motion of his production.
Like it or not, this one’s coming to get you! And when it takes hold, you can wave your heartstrings a farewell, and kiss that shoe rubber arrivederci at the same time! ‘Music Takes Me Higher’ is available now wherever the best electronic music is streamed or sold. Like here!
Tracklist:
01: John O'Callaghan – Music Takes Me Higher (Original Mix)
02: John O'Callaghan - Music Takes Me Higher (Extended mix)
Discover HERE https://subculture.lnk.to/MusicTakesMeHigher
After months of whispers and IDs, the mystery track with the Music Takes Me Higher vocal is finally revealed, John O’Callaghan steps forward with his latest single, featuring the vocals of Hailey J.
First played in Bangkok and again during Luminosity 2025, the track quickly became an earworm. Now, it arrives officially: a high-energy, vocal-driven trancer crafted with precision and heart—in true O’Callaghan fashion. This marks another chapter in John's remarkable 2025 run - his 8th single of the year, in a campaign fully dedicated to trance.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]John O'Callaghan - Music Takes Me Higher [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Music Takes Me Higher by John O’Callaghan featuring Hailey J is an exquisite 140 BPM uplifting vocal trance masterpiece that encapsulates the very essence of modern trance production. From the first kick, the track exudes O’Callaghan’s signature craftsmanship: tight, clean low-end, flawlessly layered percussion, and a driving, elastic kick that locks perfectly with the pulsating sub-bass. The rolling bassline is built from multiple layers—one warm and rounded to fill the spectrum, another sharper to give the track its forward momentum. The production showcases meticulous attention to detail. Subtle sidechain compression ensures that the kick and bass breathe together, giving the track dynamic movement without ever muddying the mix. The breakdown arrives like a sunburst, with airy pads and lush, reverb-drenched plucks creating a wide, cinematic atmosphere. Hailey J’s vocals are treated with delicate EQ and delay tails, allowing her emotive delivery to hover in the stereo field, supported by smooth harmonies and subtle vocal chops. O’Callaghan’s use of automation is particularly brilliant—filter sweeps and reverb swells build into a breathtaking euphoric climax. The lead synths are bright yet silky, with a touch of detune to provide that classic trance shimmer without harshness. The final drop is a masterclass in energy management, with every element working in synergy to lift the listener into pure emotional release. Uplifting trance DJs will adore this track because it slots seamlessly into peak-hour sets, radiates dancefloor positivity, and carries that timeless emotional arc that keeps crowds connected. Its precise structure, lush breakdown, and euphoric payoff make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for sunrise festivals, club nights, and radio shows alike. This is a perfect example of why John O’Callaghan remains a cornerstone of the uplifting trance genre—technically refined, emotionally resonant, and undeniably powerful. #PureGold #LoveIt[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
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