Your Love (9PM)

ATB , Topic , A7S

A rush of nostalgic trance energy combined with a longing, modern vocal creates an anthem of euphoric yearning.

Song Information

Release Date January 15, 2021
Duration 02:30
Album Your Love (9PM)
Language EN
Popularity 77/100

Song Meaning

"Your Love (9PM)" is a story of intense, all-consuming passion and longing. The lyrics convey a feeling of being so deeply in love that it becomes a reckless, addictive pursuit. The narrator is willing to endure pain for the ecstatic feeling of their partner's affection, as expressed in lines like "Even if the love was hurtin', I'll be yours again." In an interview, Topic described the song's message as being about "longing to feel loved by someone, which gives you such a high that makes you want to keep feeling that way over and over again. Even if it hurts." It explores the theme of emotional dependency and the intoxicating high of a powerful romance, where the desire for the feeling of love outweighs the potential for pain. The song captures the rush of a love that makes one feel alive, a 'rebel' running through red lights, driven by an insatiable need for that emotional connection.

Lyrics Analysis

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone completely captivated by a lover, driving recklessly and ignoring warning signs like red lights, fully aware they are in too deep. This person is a self-proclaimed rebel, unashamedly recalling every word their lover has said. The relationship seems to have a painful side, but the narrator is unequivocal in their devotion, proclaiming they will belong to their lover again, even if the love brings hurt. There's a powerful, burning desire, a metaphorical fire, that they want more of, feeling an insatiable need for their partner's affection.

The central plea of the song is a desperate question: “So tell me, would you feel my love?” This refrain highlights a sense of insecurity and an intense need for validation. The narrator admits they can never get enough and are dependent on this feeling, unable to leave because the emotional high is a necessity. The repeated request, “Let me feel your love,” becomes a mantra, a singular focus that drowns out everything else. This isn't just a passive desire; it's an active, almost desperate craving to experience that connection.

The lover has a transformative effect on the narrator, making them let go of their worries and forget about the rest of the world, even if just for a short while. The connection was instant, a moment of being captivated at first sight, described as drowning in the deep blue of their lover's eyes. This imagery paints a picture of being completely submerged and overwhelmed by emotion. The cycle of pain and desire repeats with the acknowledgment that even if the love hurts, the commitment remains unshaken, and the burning passion is something to be fed rather than extinguished. The core of the song is this intoxicating loop of devotion, a powerful and addictive feeling that the narrator is chasing relentlessly.

History of Creation

"Your Love (9PM)" is the first-ever official remake of ATB's seminal 1998 trance anthem, "9 PM (Till I Come)". For over two decades, André Tanneberger (ATB) had rejected numerous requests to remake or cover his iconic track because he was never satisfied with the proposed approaches. The idea for this collaboration sparked when ATB heard Topic's 2020 hit "Breaking Me" and felt that their two distinct musical worlds—ATB's classic trance sound and Topic's self-described "melancholic dance music"—could merge perfectly.

ATB connected with Topic through a mutual acquaintance, and they met in a studio in Germany to begin their collaboration. They worked on blending the iconic guitar riff from the original with a new, modern production. The lyrics and vocals were finalized with Swedish singer A7S (Alexander Tidebrink) joining via a Zoom call. A7S reportedly wrote the lyrics in a single take. For the creation, ATB even used the original Kurzweil synthesizer that he used to create the famous guitar sound in the 90s. The song was released on January 15, 2021.

Symbolism and Metaphors

The song employs several vivid metaphors to convey its intense emotional landscape.

  • "Passin' every red light": This opening line serves as a powerful metaphor for reckless abandon in the pursuit of love. It symbolizes ignoring warnings and potential dangers, driven purely by emotion and desire.
  • "I can feel that fire's burnin'": Fire is a classic symbol of intense passion, desire, and sometimes, destruction. Here, it represents the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of the narrator's love, a feeling they want "more" of, highlighting its addictive quality.
  • "Drowning in the blue of your eyes": This metaphor illustrates the feeling of being completely submerged and captivated by the lover. It suggests a loss of control and a deep, overwhelming sense of being enveloped by their presence and affection.

Emotional Background

The emotional atmosphere of "Your Love (9PM)" is a dynamic blend of nostalgia, euphoria, and poignant longing. The iconic guitar riff from the original 1998 track immediately evokes a sense of nostalgia and club-centric euphoria for listeners familiar with the classic. This is layered with a modern emotional depth brought by A7S's vocals and Topic's "melancholic dance music" production style. The lyrics express a deep, almost painful yearning for love and connection, creating a bittersweet feeling. The driving beat and uplifting melody create a sense of hopeful excitement, while the lyrics reveal a vulnerability and desperation, resulting in a complex emotional landscape that is both danceable and deeply emotive.

Cultural Influence

"Your Love (9PM)" successfully revived a 90s dance classic for a new generation. It was the first official remake of ATB's "9pm (Till I Come)," a track that made history in 1999 as the first trance song to reach #1 on the UK Singles Chart. The 2021 version achieved significant chart success globally, peaking at number 8 in the UK, number 6 in Germany, and entering the top 10 in numerous other countries. It became ATB's first UK top 10 hit since 2000. The collaboration introduced the classic ATB sound to a younger audience familiar with Topic and A7S from their massive 2020 hit "Breaking Me." The song's popularity was also boosted by its appeal on platforms like TikTok and a remix by superstar DJ Tiësto. The success of "Your Love (9PM)" highlighted a trend of reimagining 90s and 2000s dance anthems, proving the timelessness of the original melody.

Rhyme and Rhythm

The song's lyrical structure follows a relatively straightforward rhyme scheme, often using couplets (AABB) within its verses, such as "head" and "said." The pre-chorus and chorus maintain this accessible rhyming pattern to enhance memorability. The rhythm is built upon a steady four-on-the-floor beat, characteristic of house and dance music, with a tempo of 126 BPM. This driving rhythm creates a sense of propulsion, mirroring the lyrical theme of recklessly moving forward. The vocal melody's rhythm is syncopated against the instrumental track, creating a dynamic interplay that gives the song its danceable groove. The recurring guitar riff has its own distinct rhythmic and melodic contour, which acts as a powerful, non-lyrical hook that defines the song's identity.

Stylistic Techniques

"Your Love (9PM)" masterfully blends two distinct musical eras. The primary musical technique is the integration of the iconic, pitch-bent guitar riff from ATB's original 1998 trance hit "9 PM (Till I Come)". This instantly recognizable motif, created on a synthesizer, is the song's central hook. The 2021 version combines this classic trance element with modern production techniques characteristic of the slap house genre, including a powerful, deep bassline and contemporary drum patterns. Topic refers to his style as "melancholic dance music," which is reflected in the song's emotional yet danceable feel. The vocal performance by A7S is emotive and soaring, providing a strong narrative and emotional core that was absent in the largely instrumental original. The track is composed in the key of A minor with a tempo of approximately 126 beats per minute, creating a driving yet poignant atmosphere.

Emotions

longing nostalgia excitement love hope sensual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story behind ATB's "Your Love (9PM)"?

The song is the first official remake of ATB's 1998 trance classic "9 PM (Till I Come)." ATB collaborated with producers Topic and A7S after being impressed by their track "Breaking Me," feeling their styles would merge well. They combined the original's iconic guitar riff with new vocals and modern production.

Who sings the vocals on "Your Love (9PM)"?

The vocals on "Your Love (9PM)" are performed by Swedish singer and songwriter Alexander Tidebrink, who is professionally known as A7S. He also co-wrote the lyrics for the track.

What is the meaning of the lyrics in "Your Love (9PM)"?

The lyrics describe an intense and all-consuming love. They tell a story of longing for someone's affection so deeply that it becomes an addictive feeling you'd chase even if it caused pain. It's about reckless devotion and an insatiable desire for that emotional high.

When was "Your Love (9PM)" released?

"Your Love (9PM)" was released on January 15, 2021. The original song it is based on, "9 PM (Till I Come)," was released by ATB in 1998.

What genre is "ATB - Your Love (9PM)"?

The song is primarily a blend of Dance-pop and House music, with strong Trance influences due to the inclusion of the main riff from the 1998 original. It's often categorized under the broader umbrella of EDM and has been described as 'melancholic dance music' by Topic.

Is "Your Love (9PM)" a sample?

It's not a sample in the traditional sense, but a remake. The song is built around the iconic guitar melody from ATB's own 1998 hit "9 PM (Till I Come)." ATB himself was a lead artist on this new version, officially collaborating to reimagine his classic track.