Generation Swing by Two Of Us: A Retro Gem That Still Shines
Released in 1985, Generation Swing is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. With its mix of rock, pop, and electronic vibes, this record feels like a time capsule from an era when disco was fading but synth-pop was still flexing its muscles. The band, Two Of Us, might not be household names today, but their work here deserves a second look—or listen.
The album bounces between genres with ease, blending Europop hooks, disco grooves, and synth-heavy melodies. Tracks like “Million Dollar Girl” and the title track “Generation Swing” are standouts. Let’s break ‘em down.
“Million Dollar Girl” hits hard right outta the gate. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it’s catchy as hell, with shimmering synths and a bassline that refuses to quit. You can tell producer Hubert Kemmler had a hand in crafting something radio-friendly yet edgy enough for dance floors across Germany, Greece, Spain, and Italy (yeah, this thing got around). What sticks with me? The chorus—it’s simple, sure, but damn if it doesn’t lodge itself in your brain after one spin. Plus, Thomas Reutter’s photography for the cover art somehow matches the vibe perfectly; it’s all bright lights and big dreams.
Then there’s “Generation Swing (Extended Version),” which takes things up a notch. If you’re into extended remixes—those sprawling versions DJs loved back then—you’ll dig this. At nearly double the length of the original, it lets the groove breathe. HA’s mastering gives the track a crispness that holds up even by today’s standards. And let’s give props to Arne Carstens, who handled design and artwork; the whole aesthetic screams ‘80s cool without feeling dated. Listening to this version makes me wanna grab my neon leg warmers and hit the floor (even though I wasn’t alive in ’85).
What’s wild about Generation Swing is how many hands were involved. Labels like Blow Up, Sakkaris Records, Max Music, and Durium chipped in, proving this project had legs across Europe. Ulrich Herter and Hubert Kemmler’s production chops tie everything together, while little details—like Studio 23’s cover concept or HA’s lacquer cut—add polish. These folks weren’t messing around.
So why does this album stick with me? Maybe it’s because it reminds me of a simpler time when music felt more experimental. Or maybe it’s just the sheer fun of tracks like “Million Dollar Girl.” Either way, Generation Swing isn’t gonna change your life—but it might make your next retro playlist a lot more interesting.
Here’s the kicker: listening to this now feels kinda like finding an old mixtape in your attic. It’s nostalgic, sure, but also fresh enough to surprise you. Who knew Europop could feel so alive decades later?
