Black Box's debut album Dreamland (1990) and its follow-up Mixed Up! (1991) are iconic gems of the Italo house and Eurodance genres. This came out when I was in high school and I happened upon it in a used CD store in Pensacola and the cover drew me in. Dreamland features the unforgettable hit "Ride on Time," which became a global dancefloor anthem. The album also includes the biggest tracks of Black Box's history "Everybody Everybody" and "Strike It Up," both featuring the powerful vocals of Martha Wash, who was initially uncredited. The album was produced by Groove Groove Melody and released under RCA Records.
Mixed Up! is a remix album that builds on the success of Dreamland. It includes remixes of popular tracks like "Ride on Time" and "Everybody Everybody," offering fresh takes on these dance anthems. The album showcases the production talents of Groove Groove Melody and features additional remixes by artists like Steve "Silk" Hurley. The vocal contributions of Martha Wash remain a highlight, adding depth and energy to the remixes. This one flew under my radar until I took a stroll through Camelot Music in Lenox Mall in 1992. Realizing it was an album of remixes, this was a no brainer for me to pick up.
Both albums are essential listens for fans of house music and Eurodance, capturing the vibrant club culture of the early '90s. The combination of infectious beats, memorable hooks, and powerful vocals makes these albums timeless classics that continue to resonate with listeners today.
It's confession time. Do you remember that night in Pace when you played this for Richie when you brought him over to gran's trailer park? We were listening to Strike It Up when you went to buy beer at the Tom Thumb and by the time it got to the chorus, I got a pearl necklace and he pushed me away hard enough to almost pull out my front teeth and then he said he was in love with you. Remember?
ReplyDeleteI knew it. You guys were acting weird when I came back. He wouldn't touch a beer. I think he was too afraid of his weird mom. Seems like you might have had the same experience as me, he had no stamina, probably because he was used to getting his business done as fast as he could.
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