Vernessa Mitchell - This Joy (2016 Remixes)

Originally released in 1998, this song went on to be a major club classic. The original version was produced by Junior Vasquez and Gomi and the main remix was by Razor N Guido. That remix went on to be the most well known version of the ferocious Gospel/House anthem. Rosabel revisited this track a short time back, however, the new mixes remained unreleased until now. Due to the sudden, unexpected passing of Guido from the duo of Razor N Guido, the new versions have been released as a tribute. Their main mix does contain some melodic elements from the Razor N Guido mix, particularly the signature riff. The mix is Rosabel's usual big room-oriented peak hour style which is effective here. Their dub centers around the riff and lots of well-timed buildups and breakdowns and just enough of the vocals. These new mixes are extremely well done.

Listen to the mixes here:


Purchase the single here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Vernessa Mitchell - Rise!

This was originally released 3 years ago with over 2 dozen remixes. The song has been remixed by Tony Moran and Vernessa's longtime collaborator Joe Carrano. The positive, uplifting lyrics written by Steven Feldman, Jerome Farley, and Vernessa herself are just as relevant today as they were back then. Vernessa really takes listeners to church with her vocals. The new production by Tony Moran and Joe Carrano is a great fusion of both of their signature styles. They deliver the definitive mix of the song. There are just 3 different versions including a radio edit, mixshow edit, and full club mix, all packing quite the punch.

Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Jamie J. Sanchez featuring Ria Spencer - Lift Me Up

2010 is still shaping up to be the year that the diva anthem returned! "Lift Me Up" is a positive song with a light spiritual aspect (it can be interpreted in a religious way as well much in the way of Vernessa Mitchell and Sabrina Johnston's work). Singer Ria Spencer's vocals are quite lovely. Jamie J. Sanchez's main version is circuit-oriented with a touch of electro. Ranny and Bryan Reyes's mix is a bit harder. Manny Lehman's is really hard and big room-oriented. Ria's vocals work a lot better on this particular version. All versions are good, but Manny's really shines.

Purchase the digital single here (Masterbeat)

Grade: A

Vernessa Mitchell - Reap (What You Sow) Remixed

"Reap (What You Sow)" was released nearly 15 years ago and formally introduced Vernessa Mitchell to clubland. Written by Joe Carrano, Junior Vasquez, and Vernessa herself, the original and it's accompanying remixes were soulful while remaining hard-hitting. A revisit in 2001 by Junior and Joe transformed the song into an epic tribal anthem. There are some brand new mixes by Jerome Farley & Floor One. The main remix nicely captures the essence of the original. That familiar riff from the original is present as are those beats from the opening of the Sound Factory mix. Vernessa's vocals still sound just as fierce as they did back in the day. The instrumental version is great too. Overall, this is an excellent update to the classic. This will be released on May 25.

Grade: A

Vernessa Mitchell - Love Is The Message

Nearly several years in the making, Love Is The Message, a collection of singer Vernessa Mitchell's club-released singles from 1995 through 2010 is finally available. All singles released during that time are represented with one version per song. In most cases, the main version or the popular remix, when appropriate was chosen. Assembling a tracklisting that would satisfy each and every fan was going to be a nearly impossible task, but this is pretty close. All versions are full length. Several have never been released digitally. In addition to the older singles, the new song "Rise!" is included (see separate review here).

Tracklisting:
01. Reap (What You Sow) (Junior's Sound Factory Mix) 12:29
02. This Joy (Razor & Guido Remix) 10:45
03. Issues (Junior's Earth Anthem) 13:05
04. Higher (Junior Vasquez Marathon Remix) 10:26
05. Trouble Don't Last Always (feat Barbara Mitchell - Twilo Mix) 7:47
06. Serious (Junior's Earth Anthem) 12:50
07. Took My Life (Chad Jack's Club Remix) 11:34
08. Accept Me (Junior's Massive Club Mix) 8:53
09. Love Will Find A Way (Junior Vasquez Club Mix) 8:43
10. Rise! (feat Barbara Mitchell - Jerome Farley Floor One club Mix) 9:20

Overall, this is a great collection. Cheers to everyone who helped to make this collection a reality!

Purchase here (Juno)

Grade: A+

Vernessa Mitchell - Rise!

Nearly 5 years have passed since her last single "Love Will Find A Way" was released. Written by Steven Feldman, Jerome Farley, and Vernessa herself, "Rise!" is her brand-new single from an upcoming album which may serve as a greatest hits collection as there has been no proper album containing Vernessa's club-oriented material from the last 15 years. She is best known for her gospel/house singles including "Reap (What You Sow)", "This Joy", and "Higher" among others. "Rise!" is a rousing, hands-in-the-air anthem that doesn't stray too far from Vernessa's usual. Her vocal performace is passionate and powerful. The remixes are by Jerome Farley with Floor One, Del Pino Brothers, and Midnight Express. The main anthem and DJF1 mixes are circuit/tribal-oriented. The synths in both sets are really hard and rich. The Midnight Express mixes are a touch lighter, but still deliver the goods. This is a great song with excellent mixes.

The single will be released on February 9 on Continuous Cool digitally. Also, Vernessa will be making club appearances with Jerome Farley on his upcoming tour (in the U.S. in April) and then in Europe after that.

Grade: A

(post updated on January 9, 2010 with additional information)