Album Review: I Want Your Love by Leslie – A Eurobeat Time Capsule from 1990
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into the neon-soaked world of Leslie’s I Want Your Love, a slice of pure Eurobeat heaven that landed in Japan back in 1990. Released under Alphabet Record and produced by the enigmatic Madd-Starr-Ferrini (yes, that’s a name), this album is like a sugar rush at a Tokyo arcade—loud, flashy, and kinda unforgettable.
The album’s got three versions of the titular track, but let’s zoom in on two: the Short Version and the Extended Mix. Spoiler alert: they’re both bangers, but for very different reasons.
First up, the Short Version. Clocking in at just under four minutes, it’s basically the perfect introduction to Leslie’s vibe. The beat hits you right away—like someone smacked you with a glitter-covered drumstick—and doesn’t let go. The synth lines are sharp enough to cut glass, and Leslie’s vocals? Pure bubblegum bliss. You’ll find yourself humming “I want your love” while waiting for your ramen to cook or stuck in traffic. It’s catchy as heck, and honestly, I think it was designed to be played on repeat in some retro-futuristic nightclub where everyone wears neon leg warmers. This version sticks in your brain like gum on a shoe—it’s short, sweet, and impossible to ignore.
Now, onto the Extended Mix. If the Short Version is a quick espresso shot, this one’s a full-blown energy drink binge. Stretching out to over six minutes, it takes its time building layers of pulsating beats and euphoric synths. By the halfway mark, you’re not even sure if you’re still on Earth anymore—it’s like being teleported to a neon-lit dance floor on Mars. What makes this version memorable is how it lets the groove breathe. Around the four-minute mark, there’s this moment where the bass drops out, leaving just the shimmering synths and Leslie’s voice floating in space. It’s cinematic, dude. Like, you could totally picture this playing during the climactic scene of an ‘80s sci-fi movie where the hero saves the galaxy.
Oh, and props to D. Star and L. Koot for writing something so irresistibly hooky. Whoever they are, they deserve a medal—or at least a lifetime supply of pocky.
So yeah, I Want Your Love isn’t gonna win any awards for lyrical depth (spoiler: it’s mostly about wanting someone’s love), but who cares? This album wasn’t made for deep introspection; it was made for dancing until your feet hurt. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Final thought: Listening to this feels like stepping into a time machine set to “Maximum Fun.” But here’s the twist—it also makes me wonder… did Leslie ever get that love she wanted? Or did she just end up ruling the Japanese club scene forever? Either way, I’m rooting for her.
