Mysterious Times by Robert O'Connor
“Mysterious Times” launched the 'Swimming Against The Tide' era — a bold, euphoric reimagining of the 1998 club classic by Sash! featuring Tina Cousins, and a song that had already shaped Robert O’Connor’s sound years earlier. During the creation of his 'Severance' EP (2022), its trance DNA quietly threaded itself through tracks like “One Way Ticket”. So when Robert unexpectedly heard “Mysterious Times” on the radio in 2023, it felt like a sign: this was the moment to finally pay tribute to the genre that had become one of his signatures.
The album version — produced by Gareth Shortland — channels the emotional weight and dance-floor melancholy of late-’90s trance while grounding it in Robert’s sleek, modern electronic palette. It became the perfect first glimpse into the world of 'Swimming Against The Tide'.
For 'Clubwav Continuum', Robert, Gareth and Jordan Arteaga expanded the track into an atmospheric, 7-minute extended mix with a hypnotic pulse and widescreen transitions that deepen the original’s sense of longing.
The 'Night Tides' Chillout Version transforms the track again — Jordan Arteaga reshapes it into a dreamlike, ambient-dance piece that drifts between nostalgia and serenity, uncovering new emotional colours in the melody.
The Acoustic Version — produced by Jordan Arteaga — strips the song back completely, replacing its electronic architecture with a warm, cinematic arrangement that places Robert’s vocal at the emotional centre.
This single gathers every version of “Mysterious Times” in one place — extended, acoustic, chillout, album, and all instrumentals — celebrating one of the most iconic inspirations behind Robert’s current sound, and the song that marked the beginning of the 'Swimming Against The Tide' era.
Tracklist
Credits
Written by:
Sascha Lappessen, Ralf Kappmeier & Thomas Alisson
Produced by:
Tracks 1, 5 & 8 — Gareth Shortland
Tracks 2 — Gareth Shortland, Robert O’Connor & Jordan Arteaga
Tracks 3, 4, 6 & 7 — Jordan Arteaga
Mastered by:
Sage Audio
License
All rights reserved.
Irish singer/songwriter Robert O’Connor blends ’80s synth-pop with modern electronic sounds. His 2024 album 'Swimming Against The Tide' earned praise for catchy melodies and sleek production. Known for introspective lyrics and lush arrangements, he also released 'Night Tides: The Chillout Collection', showcasing his passion for chillout music and creative versatility.