Showing posts with label Eurodance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eurodance. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Rhythm of the Night: Reliving the Eurodance Magic with Corona

My first acquaintance with Eurodance music was when I was in New York City in the early 1990s. I instantly became a huge fan. I love disco and dance music, and to this day, despite the genre's decline at the end of the nineties, I remain a devoted fan of Eurodance as well as all dance music. One of the most memorable moments was hearing Corona's smash hit "The Rhythm of the Night" on the radio and in dance clubs. I was blown away! These tracks are some of the best dance anthems ever, alongside other Corona immortals like "Baby Baby" and "Try Me Out." The album also includes some fantastic tracks that were never released as singles. If you grew up in the nineties and remember the dance music of that era, this album is essential for your collection. It allows you to reminisce about those wonderful times and embrace the super positive energy that only Eurodance music can generate.

Corona's "The Rhythm of the Night" album, released in 1995, became an instant sensation. The album features what the producers wanted you to think were Olga De Souza's powerful vocals, bringing life to a collection of hedonistic dance tracks, more on that later.

Music Week gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, praising the title track and the follow-up single "Baby Baby," calling it a superior dance album. NME rated the album 8 out of 10, highlighting the Spagna Brothers and their collaborator F Bontempi's contribution to the collection of belting dance beats. The album is filled with energetic and danceable tunes, making it a must-have for Eurodance fans. Pop Rescue emphasized the infectious energy of the album, praising tracks like "Try Me Out" and "I Gotta Keep Dancin'." The review noted that the album is perfect for a dance party. Rate Your Music featured mixed reviews. While some users praised the 90s dance classics "Baby Baby" and "The Rhythm of the Night," others felt that the rest of the album didn't live up to the same standard. The repetitive bass beat pattern and cheesy lyrics were points of criticism. Album of The Year highlighted the nostalgic and uplifting nature of the album. Some users expressed a deep emotional connection to the title track, describing it as a song that brings joy and excitement.

Corona, led by the Brazilian model/singer Olga De Souza, became synonymous with Eurodance in the 90s. Interestingly, the actual vocals for "The Rhythm of the Night" were performed by Italian singer Giovanna Bersola (better known as Jenny B). The rest of the tracks were actually sung by Welsh Singer, Sandy Chambers. Olga De Souza served as the face of the group, appearing in music videos and performances, adding to the visual appeal of the act. The album was produced by Francesco Bontempi, also known as Lee Marrow, and the Spagna Brothers. Their collaboration resulted in a collection of tracks that are both energetic and infectious. The recording process of "The Rhythm of the Night" album involved top-notch producers and musicians. The album features a blend of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic beats, creating a sound that was contemporary and timeless. The use of distinctive instruments and production 

The standout tracks on the album include "The Rhythm of the Night," "Try Me Out," and "I Don't Wanna Be a Star." Each song showcases the infectious energy and catchy melodies that define Eurodance music. One notable cover version on the album is "Baby Baby," which to any fans of the song, THIS is the definitive version of the song, reimagined, adding a fresh twist.

Hearing "The Rhythm of the Night" and "Baby Baby" for the first time in New York City was a game-changer for me. These songs captured my heart and further fueled my love for Eurodance music. I still believe they are some of the best dance tracks ever created. The album's super positive energy and nostalgic vibe make it a timeless classic.

"The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona is an album that continues to bring joy and excitement to fans worldwide. I'd love to hear your thoughts and memories about this album in the comments below. And if you feel inspired, any contributions or gifts are always appreciated but never expected. Let's celebrate this timeless classic together.



Wednesday, February 5, 2025

My Musical Journey: A Tale of Collecting and Cherishing

My dream net radio set up

If you know anything about me, you know I'm way into collecting music. My journey began with 45s and tapes that filled bins in my room. The first CD I ever received was Michael Jackson's Dangerous back in 1991, which kicked off my CD collection. Today, I have thousands of CDs, along with a substantial collection of LPs.

People often ask if I've listened to all the CDs in my collection. Honestly, the answer is no. Some of them don't really interest me, and apparently, they don't interest others either, as I haven't been able to sell them on eBay or Discogs. Some of these CDs have been used for parties, cross-referencing various projects, or just collecting dust.

Some might call my collection an OCD disorder known as hoarding. However, I prefer to think of myself as a self-professed music historian. My collection isn't just a pile of items; it's a carefully curated archive of musical history—or so I once thought. While I'm known for my extensive collections of show tunes and dance music, I also have a deep knowledge of classic country, disco, pop, Eurodance (aka Gay Disco), and novelty tunes. I love introducing people to new music and watching their disinterest transform into appreciation for something they might never have discovered on their own.
Streaming has made a lot of physical media feel obsolete, but what happens if one can't connect to the internet? This is where my collection truly shines. There's something special about holding a physical album, reading the liner notes, and experiencing music as it was meant to be heard.

At one time, I worked with my best friend in high school on a pirate radio show and later ran my own net radio station. The station had a huge following, but unfortunately, the operating costs didn't align with the revenue, which was non-existent. In hindsight, I probably should have asked my listeners for donations to support the cause. Ultimately, I had to shut it down due to licensing costs, leaving me in the red. Despite this, I don't object to doing it again; I just won't do it the same way. I still have thoughts about one day reuniting with my friend from high school and legally rebooting our radio show. Streaming may be king now, but there's something irreplaceable about the charm of a live radio show.
And if you ever come across any rare CDs or unique music memorabilia, feel free to share them with me. Your recommendations—or even a little gift—would certainly make my day.

What about you? Do you have a music collection or a favorite album that holds a special place in your heart? Have you ever discovered a hidden gem that changed the way you think about music? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Music has the power to bring us together and create lasting memories. If this story resonated with you and you'd like to support my journey in sharing more personal musical memories, your contributions would be greatly appreciated. Let's continue celebrating the music that shapes our lives! ๐ŸŽถ✨

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Black Box Dreamland & Mixed Up


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.

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