Lifetime performer and artist Irene Michaels maintains a strong grip on the US dance pop scenes, making waves for decades now across Chicago and New York, and continuing to bring the energy and passion well into her seventies. From pure pop and funk to House music and EDM, Irene’s style knows no limits, and as such, her creative career has seen her reach millions of listeners.
To introduce a colourful repertoire, the infectious and timeless pop anthem Party On Lake Shore Drive offers a disco-esque groove with an undeniably catchy hook. Irene’s voice instantly presents as bold and distinct in its fluidity and depth. The music captures the essence of party-pop celebration from throughout the ages, and in the process underlines the seamless connection between Irene Michaels and entertainment.
In stark contrast, 2023’s single I Like Rain emerged with a number of different versions, not least of all the dreamy and intimate Michael A. Levine mix.
Here we’re guided by mellow vocals and a humble production, light keys and rising synths as the melody and poetic references slowly gather momentum. It’s a blissful and inspiring listen, an entirely different style but no less recognisable thanks to Irene’s voice, an as a testament to its prowess, the single was named “Pop Song of the Year” by the Nashville-based Josie Music Awards.
More recently, I Am Golden hit the scene with a certain infectious bounce and empowering personal story designed to embrace and uplift listeners seeking some kind of motivational boost or self-belief. “Young girls got nothing on me” resounds for a memorable peak. It’s a quirky track with a twist of Shania to the verse lyrics, but a big-band resolve that effectively redirects things once again. Versatility is forever a strength, and Irene Michaels has it mastered.
From the same project, I Got My I On U features a simple four-chord pattern and funky guitar. Once more these rhythmic, almost rapped verses bring back the familiar style, but musically we’re in a fresh territory, and as ever Irene promises and delivers a bright and explosive hook.
Wrapping up an impressive collection of highlights from an illustrious career, My Last Love is an absolute anthem – catchy and purposeful, lyrically honest and compelling, with a call-and-response edge to further elevate the production of the chorus. The track effortlessly suits the boisterous style of Irene Michaels both vocally and in topic, and makes for a likable groove that naturally gets the body moving.
That’s the intention of much of Irene’s music and performances, to engage and entertain – to get people dancing, to bring them together. It’s a skill that stands tall throughout her career and recording repertoire, and it continues to inspire and uplift with each new chapter and style.
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