Dancin’ In The Street by Derek & The Diamonds – A Retro Rock & Roll Joyride
Alright, let’s talk about Dancin’ In The Street by Derek & The Diamonds. Released in 1989 on the Telarc label, this album is a fun mix of rock and pop vibes with that classic Rock & Roll swagger. Producer Paul Freeman did a solid job keeping things tight and lively. It’s like he knew exactly how to make these timeless tunes feel fresh without losing their soul.
Now, I gotta say, this record isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s more like it polishes up some old favorites and gives ‘em a little extra shine. And honestly? That works just fine for me. With tracks like “Dancing In The Street” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” it’s hard not to get swept away by the energy.
Let’s zoom in on two songs that stuck with me. First off, there’s “Dancing In The Street.” Man, this one still gets people moving, even decades later. Derek & The Diamonds bring a punchy, upbeat vibe to it that feels like summer nights and carefree vibes. The guitar riffs are sharp but not overdone, and the vocals have this raw charm that makes you wanna grab someone and hit the dance floor. It’s kinda impossible to listen to this track without cracking a smile or tapping your foot. Like… c’mon, they really nailed it here.
Then there’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Oh man, this cover has heart. They didn’t try to outdo Marvin Gaye or Tammi Terrell (which would’ve been tough anyway), but instead gave it their own twist. There’s something about the way the band builds the song—starting simple and then layering in those big harmonies—that hits different. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re ready to climb any metaphorical mountain yourself. It’s uplifting in a way that doesn’t feel forced, y’know?
One thing I dig about this album is how unpretentious it feels. You can tell everyone involved just wanted to have fun while paying homage to some absolute bangers. Sure, it might not be groundbreaking stuff, but sometimes you don’t need groundbreaking—you just need good music that makes life a bit brighter.
And hey, here’s a random thought: if aliens ever landed on Earth and asked us to explain human emotions through music, handing them Dancin’ In The Street wouldn’t be a bad move. It’s got love, joy, longing, and resilience all wrapped up in one neat package.
So yeah, check this one out if you’re into covers done right or just wanna add some pep to your playlist. Cheers to Derek & The Diamonds for reminding us that great music never goes outta style—even when it’s from another era!
