This CD was given to me by a friend; he swore I would love it. I decided to review this CD without doing any research on the artist. I had never heard of this group, so my review would be strictly based on the music. I figured that doing it that way I would give Way Out West a true assessment of their artistry without the influence of the hype, the media, and me paying $14.99 for it. I put the CD in and, based on the cover, I turned the volume up.

As the first synth pad was played I was enthralled. I watched as my speakers started to smoke and then I turned it up another notch. I then put my pen down, took my shirt off, threw my hands in the air and waved them I just didn’t care.

The first song, "The Fall", is mesmerizing. I must have heard this song before because by the time the beat kicked in, I instinctively started singing the hook, "I miss you most of all my darlin’". Talking about hooks, I was hooked on Way Out West and I’d only heard one song…always a good sign of great album.

The second song on the disc is just as cool. "Activity" is an electro-techno groove complete with Ecstacy, chords and a melodic synth breakdown. In my mind it takes three great songs to make a CD worth paying for – I couldn’t believe it; I was two-for-two with 12 more to go.

After turning my living room into Circuit and dancing myself into a frenzy I just knew Way Out West would slow it down – then they drop the fourth track, "Hypnotize", which is by far the hottest track on the CD. At that moment I was sold. The filtered vocal weaved in with a trance rhythm. It’s hot, hot and hotter.

I know absolutely nothing about Way Out West and they probably won’t ever get the respect they deserve, but they sure know how to make an awesome trance CD. They impressed me so much that they took the spot from Dirty Vegas for the title of being one of the six best dance CDs of Summer 2002.

If you are a dance music fan, you will love Way Out West’s Intensify. Hearing is believing, so if you get a chance, check it out. They are inventive and original, dropping a CD that is emotional, rich and technically brilliant.

Remember, if it gets too hot on the dance floor, TURN IT UP!