Amy Grant - In Motion (The Remixes)

The Christian/Pop artist's highly anticipated remix album was released today. It was announced late last year that this was in the works. A handful of some of her biggest hits were selected for this collection and they were remixed by an A-list team of remixers. Every remix is produced in an uplifting style that maintains the emotional and spiritual message of the original songs. Some of the songs will take some getting used to with the club-oriented productions. This is another rare case where every remix is well-produced and suits the songs. The remixes of "Say Once More", "You're Not Alone", "Better Than A Hallelujah", and "Stay For Awhile" (both of them) are outstanding, though every remix is excellent. The only downside of this collection is that 90% of the main tracks are radio edits and not full length or mixshow length.

Tracklisting:
01. That's What Love Is For (Chris Cox Radio Edit) (3:12)
02. Stay For Awhile (Tony Moran Radio Mix) (4:08)
03. You're Not Alone (Guy Scheiman Radio Edit) (3:46)
04. Every Heartbeat (Moto Blanco Radio Edit) (3:24)
05. Better Than A Hallelujah (Mark Picchiotti Gospel Radio Edit) (3:47)
06. Find A Way (Ralphi Rosario Big Room Radio Edit) (3:37)
07. Baby Baby (Dave Aude Radio Edit) (3:57)
08. Say Once More (Hex Hector Radio Edit) (3:32)
09. Out In The Open (7th Heaven Radio Edit) (4:04)
10. Stay For Awhile (Tony Moran Destination Mixshow Edit) (6:45)
11. Mega Mix (DJ Andy 7th Heaven Medley) (8:49)

-The album can be purchased in physical formats including CD and vinyl on Amazon
-The album can be purchased digitally on Amazon and iTunes

Grade: A+

LeAnn Rimes - Dance Like You Don't Give A...Greatest Hits Remixes

The Country star has had a string of chart hits throughout her nearly 2 decade career. A number of her singles were remixed for the clubs and she had success on the Club Play chart. An album consisting of both previously unreleased and released mixes was released last week. It is completely unmixed and features remixes of some of her biggest hits as well as a few other selected singles that didn't quite get the attention they deserved. Every single one of these remixes is melodic and is a good match for the original song. The highlights include the remixes of "Gasoline And Matches", "You've Ruined Me", "Can't Fight The Moonlight", "I Need You", "How Do I Live", "Strong", "Nothin' Better To Do", and "Headphones." This is an outstanding collection of remixes.

Tracklisting:
01. Gasoline And Matches (Dave Aude Remix)
02. What I Cannot Change (Kaskade Remix)
03. Crazy Women (7th Heaven Remix)
04. I Need You (Digital Dog Remix)
05. Help Me Make It Through The Night (Fear Of Tigers Remix)
06. Spitfire (Fagault and Marina Remix)
07. Can't Fight The Moonlight (Alias Remix)
08. You've Ruined Me (Dave Aude Remix)
09. How Do I Live (Cahill Remix)
10. Strong (Cicada Remix)
11. Nothin' Better To Do (Soul Seekerz Remix)
12. Headphones (Headspinners Remix)
13. Grace (LeAnn Rimes and The Crystal Method)

Purchase the remix album on iTunes here

Grade: A

Ariana Grande - Right There (feat Big Sean)

The big voiced Pop princess' latest single has her collaborating with rapper Big Sean. This is another R&B/Pop throwback to the 90s. While the song isn't terribly exciting in its original version, it translates really nicely when remixed for the dancefloor by Dave Matthias, Ralphi Rosario, and 7th Heaven. Dave Matthias provides two vocal dubs which keep the vocals to a minimum, opting for an instrumental driven mix. 7th Heaven's mixes are soft, pretty, and piano-driven, complementing the vocals nicely. Ralphi Rosario's peak hour treatments are the best of the bunch.

Grade: A

Cher - Take It Like A Man (Remixes)

This is one of two singles that were released as a followup to "Woman's World." The Jake Shears-penned song is dripping with the camp and fun that is his work with the Scissor Sisters. It's a perfect dancefloor anthem for the ageless diva. This is one of the many highlights from the album. The first remix package includes mixes by 7th Heaven and Over The Top. 7th Heaven's fabulous mainstream, big room mix is so well done. The Over The Top mixes are in a similar vein as the original, but they have a subtle 80s Hi Nrg flavor which is so appropriate for a song such as this. Both sets of mixes are great.

-Listen to clips and purchase the remixes here (Amazon Germany)
(the U.S. store will have this next week)

Grade: A

Matt Consola feat Brenda Reed & LFB - Dream Of Me

This is the latest release from the Swishcraft record label. The sensual song features the soaring vocals of Brenda Reed. Matt Consola & LFB's main mixes are circuit-oriented. They incorporate some Indian instruments, adding an exciting texture to the song. There are additional remixes by 7th Heaven, Chris Stutz, Cristian Poow, Eran Tubul & Aviv Shitrit, and Peter Barona & Bill Bouvier.

7th Heaven's mix is a nice mainstream one. Chris Stutz's is a nice techy tribal one with the Indian elements from the original. Cristian Poow's is a trance/tribal hybrid. Eran Tubul & Aviv Shitrit bring that element in too, but it's much darker. Peter Barona & Bill Bouvier's is much more anthemic.

Listen to the edits of the mixes here:


-Purchase on Beatport here and here (they sell DJ friendly WAVs)
-Purchase on iTunes here, here, and here

Grade: A

Agnetha Faltskog - Dance Your Pain Away (Remixes)

The remixes for the former ABBA member's new dancefloor anthem have been released. Cahill, Patrolla, 7th Heaven, and Smash Mode. Cahill's mix is their usual, but they kept it a little softer, delivering a mix that maintains the Disco vibe of the original but makes it contemporary. It has a slight 80s Hi Nrg feel too. Patrolla's mix is uplifting with strings and piano elements. 7th Heaven's mix beautifully recalls the halcyon days of the Disco era. Smash Mode's is basically a slightly harder take on the original. Every mix is well done, but 7th Heaven's is easily the best of the bunch, along with the original of course.

Streams of the mixes on YouTube:
-Original
-Cahill Mix
-7th Heaven Mix
-Smash Mode Mix

Preview on Amazon UK
-Patrolla Mix Edit

Grade: A

Agnetha Faltskog - Dance Your Pain Away

The former member of the legendary Swedish group ABBA released her latest solo album a couple of months back. The second single is a feelgood, throwback that evokes memories of her work with her former group. It's a lovely song. Agnetha still sounds great. There are remixes by Cahill, Smash Mode, and 7th Heaven (the Cahill and 7th Heaven ones are not yet released). Smash Mode toughens up the song's bassline, but retains the lush Disco vibe of the original. It's very good.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Smash Mode remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Roald - Moment Of Glory

This is a new release from the Swishcraft record label. They have been on a roll with their recent releases. This uplifting hi nrg/dance/pop track has a strong 80s flavor from the production to the vocals. 7th Heaven, Bright1, Cristian Poow, and Matt Consola & LFB provide the remixes. 7th Heaven's mix is very synthy and pretty. Bright1's mixes don't stray much from the original. Cristian Poow's mix is a tad darker. Matt Consola & LFB's mix is harder too but maintains the original's integrity. Overally, Matt Consola & LFB's mix is the best of the bunch but all of them are good.

-Listen to clips of all the mixes and buy the single here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

Loreen - Euphoria

She first won the Melodifestivalen in Sweden earlier this year with this song and went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest. The uplifting Dance/Pop track begins slow and dark, building towards a big chorus just as the beats come in. Loreen's powerful vocals are brilliant. In addition to the exquisite original are mixes by Alex Moreno, 7th Heaven, and Wawa. Alex Moreno's mix is beautiful with the piano instrumental breaks. 7th Heaven's is a bit darker until it gets to the chorus. Wawa's mix is somewhere in between in terms of the sound. It manages to be pretty and dark at the same time. Overall, the original single version is the best one, but all the remixes are good.

Listen to the various versions: (YouTube)

• Original Version
• Alex Moreno
• 7th Heaven
• Wawa

Grade: A

Darren Hayes - Talk Talk Talk (Remixes)

There are plenty of remixes, as can be expected for the lead single off of Darren's new album. 7th Heaven, Club Junkies, Fred Falke, and Penguin Prison provide remixes. 7th Heaven pumps up the energy and tempo, staying true to the original. The Club Junkies mix is similar, but a little harder. Fred Falke's is a lush, euphoric electro mix. The Penguin Prison mix is funky, bassline driven 80's sounding mix. Also included is an extended version of the original. Overall, every mix is well done.

Also, look for the Hall & Oates version (aka "Out Of Talk") which is a mashup using the song "Out Of Touch."

The remixes are expected to be released on July 31.

Grade: A

Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way

This is the second single off of Aphrodite. Already a favorite by fans, this one is a cute modern disco/house song co-produced by Stuart Price. The original is simply perfect. There are remixes of this by Stuart Price, 7th Heaven, Bimbo Jones, Paul Harris, Sidney Sampson, Daddy's Groove, Mat Zo and Kris Menace. Stuart's mix is basically an extended version of the original. The 7th Heaven mix is in a similar direction as the original and plays up the disco elements. The Bimbo Jones mix is a tad darker. Paul Harris' mix is sort of the 'in-between' of the original and Bimbo mixes. Sidney Samson's mix is a bit more big room-ish. The Daddy's Groove mix has less vocals, however the instrumental production is really nice. It's hard but keeps the disco vibe of the original. Mat Zo's mix is a bit of everything but also keeps the uplifting vibe intact. Kris Menace's mix feels like a watered down, mild version of the original. Overall, the 7th Heaven and Daddy's Groove mixes are the best of the bunch.

Grade: A

Scissor Sisters - Any Which Way

This is the second single off of Night Work. This funky, sexy disco throwback is much more catchy than the previous single "Fire With Fire." Featuring Jake's falsetto, this one is lots of fun. The lyrics have the right amount of sass and attitude. There are remixes for this by 7th Heaven and Keljet (so far). 7th Heaven's mix has a slight 80's new wave sound which fits so well. Keljet also takes a retro approach, giving the song a funkier feel. Both are quite good.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)
Listen to the 7th Heaven mix here (YouTube)
Listen to the Keljet mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Boyzone - Love Is A Hurricane

This is the second single off of their album Brother. This is the first single to not feature the vocals of member Stephen Gately. It is an uptempo pop/rock song, written by Gregg Alexander. Lyrically and vocally this is pretty good. There are remixes for this by 7th Heaven. The song translates really well into a remix. The uplifting production coupled with the great vocals yields an excellent result.

Watch the original music video here (YouTube)
Watch the 7th Heaven remix video here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Kristine W. - Never

Hot on the heels of her cover of the Diana Ross Disco classic "The Boss", she is back with a new song. This is not a cover. Announced a few weeks back, this one calls to mind some of the work she did during the 90's. It does not sound dated though. It just feels like a 'classic' already. Kristine's vocals are stunning as usual. Remixes by 7th Heaven, Love To Infinity, Ruff & Torte, DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious, Peter Canellis/Kamil, Nick Harvey, Brothers Behind The Light/M2 and The Perry Twins will be on the CD maxi single, which is to be released on November 24. The single can be ordered from her website. A digital release will happen in the next few weeks.

Grade: A

Darren Hayes - Me, Myself And (I)

This is 3rd single off of his latest double album This Delicate Thing We've Made. This is one of several songs on the album with a recurring theme about time and time machines, however, the theme is utilized very well. It's a bit unusual, but it works. Darren's falsetto-tinged vocals on this one are perfect. And his little rap in the middle actually doesn't sound out of place. The video for this one is quite appropriate and straightforward. Very colorful.

There are plenty of remixes for this one. The Wayne G. & Andy Allder 80's Mix is very retro-electro and immediately calls to mind Madonna's "Lucky Star." It's a very appropriate use of those styled elements. The 7th Heaven Mix has elements that call to mind "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" by Dead Or Alive. It's also a lot of fun.

Album version
Grade: A

80's Mix
Grade: A+

7th Heaven Mix
Grade: A+