"I Want To Dance [80s version]" immediately establishes a strong, retro vibe. The opening synth arpeggios are classic 80s, and the drum machine beat that kicks in is undeniably catchy. The male vocals are well-suited to the genre, delivering a straightforward, memorable melody. It really captures that 80's sound, the kind of thing you imagine on an old workout tape or vintage advertising. What I like about it is the simplicity. It doesn't try to do too much. It captures a specific era, and the vocals are a good fit.
From a compositional standpoint, the song is well-structured, with clear verses and choruses. The harmonic progression is relatively simple, but effective in creating that nostalgic feel. The arrangement is effective, with layers of synths building a full sound. The use of arpeggios and pads is well-balanced, avoiding any muddiness.
Regarding production, it is consistent with its intended aesthetic. The mix is clean and balanced, for the most part. It's not perfect, however. I think it will work well for a specific set of projects. To elevate it further, a modern touch could be added. You can consider giving the drums a bit more punch, to get more presence without necessarily distorting the 80s sound. Perhaps using some subtle parallel compression could achieve this.
Emotionally, the song is uplifting and energetic, evoking a sense of fun and movement. It is a perfect fit for scenes requiring a retro feel, such as a montage sequence in a film set in the 80s, a stylish commercial, or even a retro-themed video game. The song delivers a good emotional impact, and with small adjustments, it will connect better with the audience.
Compared to other 80's inspired library music tracks, "I Want To Dance" definitely holds its own. It may not be doing anything revolutionary in the genre, but its sound will fit several scenarios.
In summary, this is a solid track that captures the essence of the 80s sound. With some improvements in the mix, and minor adjustments, it will have more presence and be more suitable for a wider range of production music applications.