A lot of great dance music has been produced over the years. To ensure that these tracks will never be forgotten, we will post a once-thriving track every Thursday! We feel it’s a necessary refreshment of the past that will be sure to bring back memories. Hopefully it will give you the same awesome feelings that it had once given us. This week we have chosen: D.A.N.C.E. by Justice
Genre: Disco House - Label: Ed Banger Records - Release Date: April 23rd/November 5th, 2007
Justice, composed of two members: Gaspard Augé & Xavier de Rosnay, is best known for their innovative, French-disco sound and their diversity within the genre spectrum. At the release of their first album, “†” (alternatively known as “Cross”), it seemed as if they had become an overnight success; they topped the dance charts all across Europe, hitting #1 in the UK. D.A.N.C.E. is the 3rd track on “Cross,” and is renowned as the pinnacle of their success; earning almost hourly radio-play and attention across the US. Although nearly every song is a fan favorite, D.A.N.C.E. seems to spark the crowd up more than any other; I know this from experience.
This track is relatively simple, but a masterpiece none the less; it’s composed entirely of a simple drum set, a disco-funk bass line, an off-tune piano, and traditional “disco” styled strings. The party-friendly lyrics, sung by a children’s choir, give the track its “magic.” What many people don’t know, is this: Gaspard and Xavier have been huge fans of Michael Jackson. Their lyrics quote him several times throughout the song; “… you are such a PYT, catching all the lights…” “PYT (Pretty Young Thing)” was the 6th track on Michael’s 1st solo album Thriller. Another instance can be found in the following verse: “… under the spotlights, neither Black or White, it doesn’t matter…” “Black or White” is yet another single sung by Michael. Lastly, we hear 2 more Jackson references in the following verse: “… as strong as you might, Workin’ Day & Night, Whatever Happens, do the dance, do the dance…” I think that displaying their musical influences, through word-play in their own song lyrics, is pure genius.
Justice had composed a song in which so many others could only dream of creating. “D.A.N.C.E.” will forever hold the status of a classic, disco-house masterpiece. A song that, I believe, will withstand the test of time…
