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

Lisa McGlown - Rejoice! (Novogain Remix)

This is the proper clubland debut of the Gospel/Jazz singer-songwriter. She famously co-wrote the song "Reap (What You Sow)" recorded by Gospel artist Vernessa Mitchell. The song is notable because it was eventually remixed by Junior Vasquez and Joe Carrano and it led to Vernessa reaching a whole new audience with the remixed versions of her inspirational songs. The message of "Rejoice!" is powerful and beautiful. NovoGain has remixed this one into an anthem. It even incorporates some instrumental references to "Reap (What You Sow)". Lisa's vocals soar over the thundering production.

Listen to a preview of the NovoGain remix of "Rejoice!"

Xelle - Sweat (Remixes)

The dynamic duo's latest single is a playful, sensual song. Just as Olivia Newton-John did with "Physical", the music video flirts with the erotic overtures of the lyrics but uses lots of humor as a distraction when it is about to get naughty. The midtempo Dance/Pop song is super catchy. One will most definitely be singing the chorus after just a single listen! NovoGain has done some remixes. The song is now faster and more uplifting in its transformed state. NovoGain's Higher & Higher dub has a twisted, dark production with harder beats and just a few of the spoken word parts. This is excellent for teasing into the vocal mix though the full vocal mix does have a little bit of the harder intro and outro. The additional percapella and 'ambient mix' versions are basically DJ tools. The former loses all the main programming and keeps just the vocals and percussion while the latter has no percussion.

Listen to all of the remixes here:


-Purchase the original here and the remixes here (iTunes)
-Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Joi Cardwell - The Art Of Being

Joi's brand of Soulful House music with thoughtful, inspirational lyrics is always welcome. She has released a handful of singles here and there in between albums. The Art Of Being is the singer-songwriter's first album in nearly 3 years. It contains a few of the singles that were released separately. This is her strongest album to date. Every single one of the songs is beautifully produced by many of the heavy hitters of clubland. All of the songs have a melodic sound that is distinctly classic but also sounds current. Joi's vocals are amazing! There are a couple of revisits to her earlier singles "Jump For Joi" and "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else" as well. Every one of the songs is great so it is hard to choose the best ones, but "Confusion", "Return To Love", "Je T'Adore", "Shot Through The Heart", and "Lucky Charm" really stood out. All of the songs could work as singles. With the recent shift towards early 90s House sounds, this record arrives at just the right time.

 Tracklisting:
1. Lucky Charm (Quentin Harris Production)
2. Return to Love (Director's Cut Mix)
3. Confusion (NovoGain Production)
4. Love Somebody Else (Maceo Plex & John Dasilva Mix)
5. Shot Through the Heart
6. Indian Giver
7. I Just Wanna (Kraak & Smaak)
8. Sweet Sadness (Mlle Lucy Mix)
9. Je T'adore (Life+ Mix)
10. Feels Like Heaven
11. Music Saved My Life (Maurice Joshua Mix)
12. Jump 4 Joi (Mike Cruz Radio Mix)
13. Jump 4 Joi (J Zuart Remix)

Purchase the album here (iTunes) and here (Juno) [Juno has it in lossless DJ friendly/collector format]

Grade: A+

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+

Irina - Believe

This is the latest single from the Dance/Pop artist. It is as catchy as her previous releases. This one has a lovely summer feel. It recalls the Eurodance brilliance of the mid 90s that artists such as Alexia and Corona were known for with catchy, melodic earworms. The original could easily be played on Pop radio and the longer version would be perfect for the clubs and mixshows. There are nearly half a dozen remixes, but the best one of the bunch is the peakhour friendly NovoGain mix. The mix has some layered uplifting synths coupled with contemporary EDM influences. This is a great mix.

Purchase the original here (Beatport)

Grade: A

John LePage feat. Niki Haris - Not Enough

This is indeed a remake of the Melanie Williams song of the same name from the mid 90s which was remixed by Junior Vasquez and Love To Infinity. Niki Haris delivers a fantastic vocal performance. She remains true to the original, though she did put her own spin on some of the notes. The main version produced by John LePage and Brian Cua is in a similar vein as the classic Love To Infinity mix of the Melanie version. It's a modern take on handbag House. There are additional remixes by Julian Marsh, NovoGain, Peter Brown, and Tony Moran with Warren Rigg. Julian Marsh's happy Hi Nrg inflected House mix is uplifting and pretty. NovoGain's big room, peak hour mix is anthemic. The soft yet moderately anthemic Peter Brown mix has an Ibiza House feel. Tony Moran and Warren Rigg's mix is also for the big room and circuit floors. Theirs is uplifting as well. Overall, every remix is wonderful, however, the NovoGain and Moran & Rigg ones are the standouts.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Aiden Jude - Tonight (NovoGain and 6KU Remixes)

This Electro/Trap vocal track has taken clubland by storm during these last few months. The main vocal sections of the song sung by Nafsica are the most identifiable parts and they lend themselves well to being adapted and remixed in other production styles. The definitive remixes for this song have been done by NovoGain & 6KU. The the hooky vocal takes center stage and is supported by a throbbing peak hour production. A DJ friendly radio edit and instrumentals are included as part of this package.

The original can be streamed and purchased here (Beatport)

Listen to the club mix here:


Grade: A

Thaea - Vox

This is the debut artist album from the modern Opera singer. This album provides a golden opportunity for the public to discover the versatility and power of Thaea's voice. She shines on every single song, delivering soaring operatic vocals on some songs and then singing traditionally on others. Produced by NovoGain, the productions have a modern yet timeless feel. The lyrics are thoughtful and relatable.

"Vox Occulta" serves as both an intro and the first song. The dramatic symphonic opening while Thaea vocalizes is stunning. Soon the uplifting big room Trance production comes in. "Dancefloor (Surrender To The Sound)" and "Dance Until I'm Free" are contemporary Dance/Pop confections. The former has operatic vocals. "Here As One" is another dark operatic cut. "On My Own" has a slight Rock feel. It could easily be an acoustic ballad. "This Is Your Chance" is a powerful uptempo. "Will Be True" is a gorgeous midtempo Pop track with a slight Dance element. "I Feel It All Over" and "Good Enough" are the only true non-Dance songs on the album. The latter is structured like a dramatic power ballad with lots of strings. The album closes with two remixes by NovoGain. The remix of "Dancefloor" is a longer take on the album version. It feels a bit harder. The "Dance Until I'm Free" remix is also in a similar vein. Overall, this is an incredible album with every track being single-worthy.

Listen to the album here:



Grade: A

Cher - I Walk Alone (NovoGain Remixes)

The latest remix package for Cher's empowerment anthem has been serviced. This set of big room mixes by NovoGain are the hardest ones released so far. NovoGain delivers a set of mixes that are dark, tribal, and techy. All of them are loaded with hard, massive beats, deep, twisting synths, and gorgeous dramatic buildups and breakdowns. The main vocal mix is a tad more mainstream as it has all the vocals while the dub keeps just a handful of them and is perfect for peak hour and afterhours.

Listen to the main mix here:

The main NovoGain mix will be available for purchase on April 29 on Amazon.

Grade: A

Mel B - For Once In My Life (Remixes)

Formerly known as Scary Spice of the mega successful UK girl group Spice Girls, this single was released a couple of months ago. The catchy Dance/Pop track has already been huge all over. It has been slowly creeping up the Billboard Dance chart in the last few weeks with nearly 4 dozen remixes. Most of the remixes are anywhere from good to great, however, the best of the bunch are by NovoGain. The hard, tribal mixes make this song into the anthem it was meant to be. There is a nearly 10 minute version and a shorter 7 minute one. Both are incredible

-Watch the music video for the original here (YouTube)
-Watch the music video for the NovoGain remix edit (YouTube)

Grade: A

Cher - Take It Like A Man (Remixes)

After part 1 came out earlier this month, the second set of remixes by DJ Paulo with Alain Jackinsky, JRMX, and Tony Moran with Joe Carrano were recently serviced to DJs.

Paulo and Jackinsky deliver some really dark and synthy mixes that recall Peter Rauhofer's work. JRMX's mainstream Dance/Pop mix is in a similar style as the 7th Heaven mix. Tony Moran and Joe Carrano deliver with some hard anthemic mixes. They arranged their mix in a way that has lots of peaks and valleys in the energy level to play up the drama at just the right times. Every mix on this second set is great.

Grade: A

Farley feat Debby Holiday - Fantasy (Remixes)

The remix package for the Eurohouse throwback club track has arrived! Joe Carrano provides several addition versions which have a different production from the previous club mix he did. His Peak Hour Dub is much harder and darker, and it makes use of less vocals but they are used strategically. The Instradub omits the vocals and serves as a great tease to the main club mix. The Percapella gives this song a different feel, letting Debby's glorious vocals be the focus. The Synthapella is really pretty. It actually could work well at the beginning or end of a set. The previously released club mix and edit plus the original versions have been included as well.

Listen to clips of all the version here:


Purchase the single here

Grade: A

Neal Conway feat Taihisha - Don't Want To Lose (Remixes)

This is the second collaboration of the producer and singer. The soulful House track recalls the early 90s Def Mix era style of production which many long for these days. Taihisha's vocals are absolutely gorgeous. Nearly all of the remixes are in the same vein as the original with the exception of the Pure Elevation Crazy If You Left Dub, Pure Elevation Mix, and the DJ J'Shon Warped Mix. Some of them are a little harder, some have deeper bass, and some have some tribal elements. Although all 10 remixes are great, it's Joe Carrano's mix that is the best. This is a rare instance where all 10 remixes are enjoyable and well-produced.

Listen to clips and purchase here:


This release will be available at other digital retailers in 2 weeks.

Grade: A+

Thaea - Dance Until I'm Free

Thaea is all set to make her proper debut on the music scene with this catchy club track. Though she can in an operatic style as she did on "Genesis", she can also sing in a traditional style, and she sounds amazing. Produced by Joe Carrano, the song is perfect for both the clubs and radio. The EDM mixes are more big room oriented while the USA mix has a Rock edge to it. Both are extremely well done.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (iTunes) or here for DJ friendly lossless files (Beatport)

Grade: A

Kristine W - So Close To Me (Part 1)

The first package of remixes of her new single were released yesterday. Oscar G, Subgroover, Todd Terry, and Tony Moran with Joe Carrano provide the remixes. Oscar G's mixes have a funky old school flavor to them. The analog loop running throughout it that is also heard in the Subgroover and Todd Terry mixes, and the Latin percussion elements are a nice touch. Subgroover's mix is a bit more mainstream, but it has that late 90s filter disco sound that was really popular for a time. Todd Terry's smoother, chilled mix is delightful. Tony Moran with Joe Carrano, on their first remix together deliver a big room, Eurohouse mix with a big trancey synth riff. A percapella and synthapella of their mixes are included as well which showcase additional dimensions of their main mix. Overall, every mix is really well done, though the Todd Terry and Tony Moran with Joe Carrano ones end up being the best of the bunch.

Listen to all of the remixes here:


Purchase the digital single here (iTunes), here (Amazon), here (Juno), or here (Beatport) [DJ friendly lossless files available at Juno and Beatport]

Grade: A

Kristine W. - New and Number Ones Club Mixes Part 2

This is the second volume of the New and Number Ones album featuring some brand new remixes as well as some previously unreleased rare ones.

Here is a track by track overview of the digital edition (the CD edition does not include track 11, however "So Close To Me" is supposed to be released as single very soon):

1. Lovin' You (Soul Seekers Club Mix)
This brand new funky electro-disco rework of the hit maintains much of the melody that is characteristic of the original. It's really well-done.

2. Happiness (Twilight Club Mix)
This darker take on the song from The Power Of Music is delightful.

3. Love Come Home (Kristine W. & Frankie Pharoah vs. Bitrocka Epic Duet Mix)
The edit of this appeared on the first volume of this album. This is so uplifting and pretty.

4. Everything That I Got (Offer Nissim's Tel Aviv Mix)
This mix was released a short time after the initial remix packages had been made available. This one could be thought of as an entirely new track as it centered around some spoken parts and ad libs instead of the verses and chorus.

5. Clubland (Junior Vasquez Big Horns Club Mix)
This was done around the time of the Thunderpuss mixes and the original however this was not released properly. It has circulated on the internet, but now it's finally here in great quality. This is a festive horn-laden mix with select elements of Royal Party's "Can You Party" and Lil Louis' "The Conversation" in it.

6. Sometimes Like Butterflies (Simon Langford and Soul Seekers Summer Club Mix)
This gorgeous cover of the Donna Summer b-side appeared on the first volume of this album, however, it gets extended and a little harder here.

7. Stand in Love (Stonebridge Alternate Radio Mix)
A slightly different version of this was released a few years ago for sale through the now closed Perfect Beat digital store when they had a large number of rare and unreleased Kristine material. Stonebridge's treatment makes it more uptempo.

8. Shower the People (Welcome & Joe Carrano Vegas Nightclub Mix)
The full version of this remix was made available as a bonus download with the purchase of the "Everything That I Got" CD maxi from Kristine's website last year. The midtempo was made over into a lush disco/house floorfiller.

9. Sweet Mercy Me (Junior Vasquez Icon Club Mix)
This was also made available as part of the Perfect Beat digital release of the unreleased material, however, this is a much clearer, restored version than the one released before. This had been at the top of many collectors' wishlists for almost 15 years and it was worth the wait. This mix is quite the club anthem.

10. Wonder of It All (Joe Carrano Progressive Club Mix)
The previously unreleased mix is far more anthemic than any of the previously released mixes. This is easily one of the many highlights of this album

11. So Close to Me (Tony Moran Destination Mixshow Mix)
This brand new mix by Tony Moran and Joe Carrano is in a trancey, big room style. It ends up being more chill than anthemic as the beats could have been a little harder.

Overall, this is a solid collection of tracks as it includes some of the rarest mixes and they have been beautifully remastered.

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

Farley feat Debby Holiday - Fantasy

This is the much-awaited collaboration of up and coming producer/remixer/DJ Jerome Farley and club diva Debby Holiday (of "Dive" and "Surrender Me" fame). The lyrics are delightful and Debby's delivery of them is great. The "la da dee da da" hook reminiscent of Crystal Waters' House classic "Gypsy Woman" is so addictive. The main edit's electro/euro-house production has a mid 90s yet contemporary feel. There is an alternate mix by Joe Carrano who gives the song a big room reworking. It's really pretty. Additional remixes are expected in the coming weeks.

Listen to all the versions on Spotify:


Purchase the digital single here (iTunes) and here (JunoDownload--for lossless)

Grade: A

Nicole Graham - Make Me Jump (Badonkadonk)

This is the singer-songwriter's latest release. This is a playful, club-oriented song. Nicole sings this song in a style which calls to mind other legendary Dance divas including Ultra Naté and Crystal Waters. The song is a joy to listen to from start to finish. The main version is perfect for the clubs and radio. There are additional remixes for the clubs by Klubjumpers, Vincent De Azevedo, DJ Aylen, DJ Bashar, and Junior Vasquez. The Klubjumpers mix fuses current electro and 80's synthpop. Vincent De Azevedo's mix has a similar feel, but is much mroe laidback. DJ Aylen's is much more electro-ish. Taking things in a deeper direction, DJ Bashar's mix has some really rich bass. Last but not least, Junior Vasquez delivers a set of tribal, big room mixes. The dub is lots of fun too. Overall, every mix is really good, including the original. The Junior Vasquez and Klubjumpers mixes are the standouts.

Listen to clips and purchase the remixes here (iTunes)

Grade: A-