Sinitta - Touch Me (All Night Long)

The 80s Pop princess has covered the song originally recorded by Fonda Rae and later made even more famous by Cathy Dennis. It has been remixed and remade countless times over the years. Despite having recorded a number of covers in the past, this one didn't turn out so good. The phrasing and vibe of the vocals feel uninspired. She's on key and whatnot, however, she just doesn't sound like she is feeling what she is singing. The Hi Nrg-influenced productions of all the remixes are on point though. The vocals work best on the SAW-inspired Matt Pop mixes.

-Purchase the digital EP here (Amazon)

Grade: C+

Almighty Presents NRG Anthems Vol 4

This is the 4th volume of the popular series. It features a number of covers and revisits of popular Disco and Hi-Nrg classics. Some of the highlights include the covers of the Saint club classics "Endless Road", "Love's Gone Mad", and "Male Stripper." The Matt Pop mixes of "Male Stripper" are very faithful to the original while modernizing the song ever so slightly. The cover of "Wind Beneath My Wings" is pleasant, however nothing compares to the legendary vocals of Bette Midler. The update of Pamala Stanley's "If Looks Could Kill" is cute too. The covers of "Time After Time" and "Born To Be Alive" unfortunately leave much to be desired. Overall, this is a pretty good collection for Almighty and Hi-Nrg enthusiasts.

Listen to clips and purchase the compilation here (Almighty)

Grade: B+

Nicki French - Total Eclipse Of The Heart 2011

The British singer covered the Bonnie Tyler power ballad in mid 90's and was really successful. This one is back again after another revisit in 2006. The vocals sound different from the 90's release. Most of the new mixes are Euro Hi Nrg-oriented. The Glamma Euro mixes resemble Almighty's usual mixes with a slightly greater Eurodance sound. The Total Bromance mixes are similar, however, they add a piano line nearly identical to the Mobius Loop mix from the 90's release. The Matt Pop mixes have a slightly cheesier feel, resembling the Definitive style mixes Almighty did in the early 2000's. The Twilight mix is downtempo, featuring just Nicki's vocals and a piano. Overall, this update wasn't really necessary, however, the mixes are quite good. The Matt Pop mixes are the best of the bunch.

Listen to clips of the mixes here (Amazon)

Grade: A-